Topeka is the capital of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County, which is named after the Shawnee Indians. The name "Topeka" comes from a Kansas tribal name meaning "a good place to grow potatoes". The name "potato" in this case refers to the prairie potato, a perennial herb which was an important food for many Native Americans.

Links:

• The Official Web Site of the City of Topeka

• Topeka's Roots: the Prairie Potato

http://www.barbburgess.com/research-topics/prairie-potato-topeka/topeka-s-roots-the-prairie-potato

• Photos of the Prairy Potato

http://www.barbburgess.com/research-topics/prairie-potato-topeka/prairie-potato-photos