Sunflower, Kansas Sunflower, Kansas Sunflower was a rural community in Center Township in Mitchell County, Kansas, United States, established in 1890. Walter and Honora (Tilton) Cooke came to Mitchell County, Kansas in 1884. They leased with an intent to buy the NE 1/4 of Section 36 in Center Township from the State of Kansas. By 1890, a small community had formed. A blacksmith, creamery, school and small store had been established by 1895. The Cooke's purchased the property on February 23, 1897 for $1,154.00. On April 27, 1898, the Sunflower community was recognized by the U.S. Government by installing a post office.
Mississippi State Penitentiary the Sunflower district, and the high school division of Drew Hunter closed as of that date, with high school students rezoned to Ruleville Central. In 1969 the State of Mississippi passed a law written by Ruleville-based state senator Robert L. Crook that allowed Parchman employees to use up to $60 ($ when adjusted for inflation) every month to pay for educational costs for their children. As a result some Parchman employees sent their children to North Sunflower Academy, and the State of Mississippi used general support funds to pay for some of North Sunflower Academy's transportation costs, including school buses,