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Who Is Wichita Named After?

The city of Wichita, Kansas is named after the Wichita people, who historically inhabited the area. The name “Wichita” comes from the Wichita word “Kitikiti’sh,” which means “raccoon eyes” or “cat-eyed people.”

The name was given to the Wichita by neighboring tribes because of their unique tattooing practices around their eyes that resembled the markings of a raccoon or a cat. The Wichita people were known for their trading and hunting skills, and their influence was felt throughout the region. Today, the city of Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and serves as a center for trade, transportation, and culture in the Great Plains region of the United States.