I saw the same, drew the same “land here’s right nice...” and that’s where folk settled. There is also the increase in elevation and the fact you start to see the Rockies somewheres in Kansas and Nebraska.
Ma done told Pa to stop right here, we ain’t a climbin’ any mountains. Build my house now.
G
Must be my poor eyesight...I’ve never seen the rockies from anywhere in Topeka or Lincoln:)