Between 1865 and 1880, Kansas attracted immigrants at a faster pace than anywhere else in the United States.

The state’s population grew from 107,205 in 1860 to 1,428,108 in 1890 thanks to the irresistible promise of a better life through land and jobs.

In 1870, 13 percent of Kansas’ total population was foreign-born.

Today, 6 percent of all Kansans are foreign-born. And, each year, the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, conducts more than 20 naturalization ceremonies where individuals who have completed the requirements for citizenship take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens.

This is the unique story told in Americans by Choice: The Story of Immigration & Citizenship in Kansas, a new exhibit now touring the state. It will open to the public Jan. 3 at Forsyth Library on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Admission is free. The exhibit closes Feb. 20.

The exhibit was commissioned by the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, to highlight the court’s role in the naturalization process. A permanent exhibit of the same title is installed at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Kansas City, Kan.