Oklahoma

Basic Information

Oklahoma, located in the South Central United States, is known for its diverse landscape including prairies, mesas, and forests, as well as its rich Native American heritage and pioneer history.

Capital

• Oklahoma City

Largest City

• Oklahoma City

Area

• 69,899 sq mi

Population

• 4 million (2020)

Demographics

Oklahoma has a diverse population with significant Native American, European, and growing Hispanic communities.

Ethnic Composition

• White:65.3%
• Native American:9.2%
• African American:7.8%
• Hispanic:11.1%
• Asian:2.4%
• Two or more races:6.6%

Languages

• English:87.9%
• Spanish:7.5%
• Native American Languages:0.6%
• Vietnamese:0.4%
• Other Languages:3.6%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:24.1%
• 18-64:59.2%
• 65+:16.7%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.4%
• Natural Increase:Positive
• Migration:Mixed (internal growth, some immigration)

Economy

Oklahoma's economy is built on diverse sectors including energy, agriculture, aviation, and increasingly, technology and healthcare.

GDP

• $200 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Oil and Natural Gas
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Aviation and Aerospace
• Healthcare
• Telecommunications
• Manufacturing

Employment Rate

• Employed:96.5%
• Unemployment:3.5%

Major Companies

• Devon Energy
• Chesapeake Energy
• Love's Travel Stops
• American Airlines (Tulsa Maintenance Base)
• Hobby Lobby
• Sonic Drive-In

Climate

Oklahoma has a continental climate with regional variations, characterized by hot summers and variable winters with frequent temperature fluctuations.

Eastern Region

• Avg. Summer:90°F
• Avg. Winter:40°F
• Rainfall:40-50 inches/year
• Humid subtropical climate

Western Region

• Avg. Summer:95°F
• Avg. Winter:35°F
• Rainfall:15-30 inches/year
• Semi-arid climate

Panhandle

• Avg. Summer:92°F
• Avg. Winter:32°F
• Rainfall:15-20 inches/year
• High plains climate

Weather Patterns

• Tornado Season:April-June
• Severe Thunderstorms
• Occasional Winter Ice Storms
• Drought Cycles
• Extreme Temperature Swings

Visiting Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers visitors diverse experiences from natural wonders to cultural attractions and historic sites.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:April-May (pleasant temperatures, wildflowers)
• Fall:September-October (mild weather, foliage)
• Summer:June-August (peak season, outdoor activities)
• Winter:December-February (fewer crowds, occasional snow)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), Tulsa International Airport
• Interstate Highways:I-35, I-40, I-44, I-235, I-244
• Amtrak Service:Heartland Flyer (OKC to Fort Worth)
• Regional Transportation:Limited public transit in metro areas

Accommodation

• Hotels:Major chains in urban areas
• Bed & Breakfasts:Available in historic districts
• Cabins:State parks and recreational areas
• Camping:Throughout state parks
• Casino Resorts:Operated by tribal nations

Tourist Information

• Welcome Centers:Located along interstate highways
• Tourism Website:Travel Oklahoma
• State Tourism Department
• Tribal Tourism Offices

Popular Attractions

Oklahoma features diverse attractions from natural areas to museums, cultural sites, and entertainment venues.

Natural Attractions

• Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
• Chickasaw National Recreation Area
• Great Salt Plains State Park
• Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
• Gloss Mountains State Park
• Alabaster Caverns

Cultural & Historical Sites

• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
• Gilcrease Museum
• Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
• Philbrook Museum of Art
• Cherokee Heritage Center
• Route 66 Landmarks

Urban Destinations

• Bricktown Entertainment District (OKC)
• Oklahoma City Riverfront
• Tulsa Arts District
• Myriad Botanical Gardens
• Gathering Place (Tulsa)
• Wheeler Ferris Wheel

Family Attractions

• Oklahoma City Zoo
• Science Museum Oklahoma
• Frontier City Theme Park
• Oklahoma Aquarium
• Tulsa Zoo
• WaTiki Indoor Water Park

History

Oklahoma's complex history spans from ancient indigenous settlements through territorial days, land runs, and development as a center of Native American culture.

Early History

• Indigenous Peoples:Wichita, Caddo, Osage, and others
• Early Exploration:Spanish and French expeditions
• Louisiana Purchase:1803
• Indian Territory:Established 1834

Trail of Tears Era

• Forced Relocation of Five Civilized Tribes:1830s
• Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations
• Tribal Governments Established
• Civil War Impacts in Indian Territory

Territorial Period

• Land Runs:1889-1895
• Oklahoma Territory:Established 1890
• Dawes Act:Allotment of Tribal Lands
• Twin Territories Period:1890-1907

Statehood to Present

• Statehood:November 16, 1907 (46th state)
• Oil Boom:Early 1900s
• Dust Bowl:1930s
• Development of Water Resources
• Economic Diversification
• Tribal Sovereignty Renaissance

State Symbols

Oklahoma has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  American Buffalo
• State Bird:

  Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
• State Fish:

  White (Sand) Bass
• State Reptile:

  Collared Lizard
• State Insect:

  Honeybee
• State Butterfly:

  Black Swallowtail

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Oklahoma Rose
• State Tree:

  Redbud
• State Grass:

  Indian Grass
• State Wildflower:

  Indian Blanket
• State Vegetable:

  Watermelon
• State Fruit:

  Strawberry

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  Blue field with Osage shield
• State Song:

  "Oklahoma" (from the musical)
• State Folk Dance:

  Square Dance
• State Country & Western Song:

  "Faded Love"
• State Rock Song:

  "Do You Realize??" by The Flaming Lips
• State Motto:

  "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Labor Conquers All Things)

Other Symbols

• State Soil:

  Port Silt Loam
• State Rock:

  Rose Rock (Barite Rose)
• State Crystal:

  Hourglass Selenite
• State Fossil:

  Saurophaganax
• State Flying Mammal:

  Mexican Free-tailed Bat
• State Beverage:

  Milk

State Facts

Oklahoma holds numerous distinct records and facts that highlight its unique character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Black Mesa (4,975 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Little River (289 ft)
• Geographic Center:

  Near Edmond
• Number of Counties:

  77
• River Mileage:

  167,600 miles
• Man-made Lakes:

  More than 200

Records & Rankings

• 28th Most Populous State
• 20th Largest State by Area
• More man-made lakes than any other state
• More shoreline than Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined
• Leading producer of gypsum and iodine
• Among top energy-producing states

Notable Firsts

• First Parking Meter (Oklahoma City, 1935)
• First Shopping Cart (Oklahoma City, 1937)
• First Yield Sign (Tulsa, 1950)
• First State to adopt official state rock song
• First Tornado Forecast (Tinker AFB, 1948)
• Only state with an active oil well on capitol grounds

Unique Features

• Most diverse terrain per square mile in nation
• Home to 39 federally recognized tribal nations
• More than 50 distinct ecological regions
• Center of the American Heartland
• Birthplace of "Red Dirt" music
• World's tallest hill (Cavanal Hill)

Government & Politics

Oklahoma operates under a state constitution with three branches of government, and features a unique political landscape influenced by both conservative values and tribal governance.

Governor

• Kevin Stitt (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate (48 members) and House of Representatives (101 members)

Political Trends

• Conservative-leaning with all 77 counties voting Republican in 2020 presidential election

Tribal Relations

• Tribal Sovereignty Issues
• Compact Agreements
• McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court Decision (2020)
• Tribal Jurisdiction
• Government-to-Government Relations

Time Zones

Oklahoma primarily operates within the Central Time Zone, with the panhandle region in the Mountain Time Zone.

Central Time

• Most of Oklahoma (Central Time, UTC -6)

Mountain Time

• Portion of the Panhandle (Kenton in Cimarron County only)

Daylight Saving

• Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
• Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC -6)

Notable Facts

• One of 13 states that span multiple time zones
• Most of the panhandle unofficially operates on Central Time despite geographic location in Mountain Time Zone

Education

Oklahoma's education system includes public and private institutions with special emphasis on career technology education and tribal educational institutions.

Higher Education

• Public Universities:25 institutions
• Two Flagship Universities:University of Oklahoma (Norman), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)
• Regional Universities:University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, others
• Community Colleges:14 institutions
• Tribal Colleges:College of the Muscogee Nation, Comanche Nation College

K-12 Education

• Public School Districts:500+
• Charter Schools:Growing presence
• Private Schools:200+
• Homeschooling:Active community
• Specialized Tribal Schools

Career & Technical Education

• CareerTech System:29 technology center districts
• Technology Center Campuses:59 statewide
• Career Majors:400+ programs
• Industry Partnerships
• Adult Career Development Programs

Educational Initiatives

• Oklahoma Promise Scholarship
• Reading Sufficiency Act
• A-F School Grading System
• Oklahoma Academic Standards
• Indian Education Programs

Culture & Festivals

Oklahoma's cultural identity is a blend of Native American, Western, and Southern traditions, with vibrant arts scenes, music heritage, and numerous festivals.

Major Festivals

• Red Earth Festival (Native American arts)
• Tulsa State Fair
• Oklahoma State Fair
• Festival of the Arts (Oklahoma City)
• Azalea Festival (Muskogee)
• Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (Okemah)

Cultural Events

• Powwows throughout the state
• Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival
• Cherokee National Holiday
• Paseo Arts Festival (Oklahoma City)
• OKC Memorial Marathon
• Mayfest (Tulsa)

Regional Traditions

• Rodeos and Western Events
• Pioneer Days Celebrations
• Native American Ceremonies
• Old Settler's Days
• Chuck Wagon Gatherings
• Red Dirt Music Scene

Cultural Districts

• Paseo Arts District (OKC)
• Plaza District (OKC)
• Tulsa Arts District
• Film Row (OKC)
• Blue Dome District (Tulsa)
• Medicine Park Cobblestone Community

Sports & Teams

Oklahoma has a passionate sports culture centered around professional basketball, collegiate athletics, and traditional sports like rodeo.

Professional Teams

• Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
• Tulsa Oilers (ECHL Hockey)
• OKC Dodgers (Triple-A Baseball)
• FC Tulsa (USL Championship Soccer)
• Oklahoma City Energy FC (Soccer)

College Athletics

• University of Oklahoma Sooners
• Oklahoma State University Cowboys/Cowgirls
• Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles
• Tulsa Golden Hurricane
• Central Oklahoma Bronchos
• OU-OSU Bedlam Series Rivalry

Sporting Events

• Professional Rodeos
• International Finals Rodeo
• National Circuit Finals Rodeo
• Oklahoma & Texas Red River Rivalry Game
• Bassmaster Fishing Tournaments
• PGA Golf Tournaments

Sports Venues

• Paycom Center (OKC)
• Boone Pickens Stadium (Stillwater)
• Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman)
• ONEOK Field (Tulsa)
• USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium (OKC)
• Southern Hills Country Club (Tulsa)

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Oklahoma cuisine is a blend of Southern comfort food, Western ranch fare, Native American traditions, and immigrant influences, with several distinctive state specialties.

Signature Dishes

• Chicken Fried Steak
• Onion Burgers (El Reno style)
• Indian Tacos
• Barbecue (especially smoked brisket)
• Fried Okra
• Pecan Pie

Native Influences

• Corn Dishes (Sofke, Pashofa)
• Wild Onions and Eggs
• Grape Dumplings
• Blue Bread
• Fry Bread
• Bison-based Dishes

Regional Specialties

• Fried Pies
• Grill Cheese Sandwich with Okra (Eischen's Specialty)
• Calf Fries/Rocky Mountain Oysters
• Bologna Burgers
• Sonoran-style Hot Dogs
• Catfish

Notable Food Establishments

• Cattlemen's Steakhouse (Oklahoma City)
• Eischen's Bar (Okarche)
• Clanton's Cafe (Vinita)
• POPS (Arcadia)
• Sid's Diner (El Reno)
• Burn Co. BBQ (Tulsa)

Infrastructure

Oklahoma's central location has made it an important transportation hub, with extensive infrastructure supporting its economy.

Transportation

• Interstate Highways:I-35, I-40, I-44 (major corridors)
• State Highways:Extensive network
• Railways:Major freight lines
• Ports:Tulsa Port of Catoosa (furthest inland port)
• Airports:Two major international airports
• McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System

Energy Infrastructure

• Oil & Gas Wells:Thousands statewide
• Pipeline Network:Extensive
• Cushing Oil Storage Terminal (Pipeline Crossroads of the World)
• Power Plants:Natural gas, coal, wind, hydroelectric
• Wind Farms:Concentrated in western Oklahoma
• Electric Vehicle Charging Network:Developing

Water Systems

• Reservoirs:Over 200 man-made lakes
• Dams:4,700+ across the state
• Water Treatment Facilities
• Irrigation Systems
• Flood Control Infrastructure
• Regional Water Management

Communications

• Broadband Initiatives for Rural Areas
• Cellular Coverage:Nearly complete
• Tribal Communication Networks
• Public Broadcasting Services
• Data Centers:Growing presence

Notable Historical Figures

Oklahoma has been home to influential individuals who shaped state, national, and global history across many fields.

Political Leaders

• Will Rogers (humorist, writer, political commentator)
• Carl Albert (Speaker of the House)
• Robert S. Kerr (Senator, Governor)
• Alice Mary Robertson (second woman elected to Congress)
• Charles Curtis (Native American Vice President, born in pre-statehood Oklahoma)
• Kate Barnard (first woman elected state official)

Native American Leaders

• Sequoyah (Cherokee syllabary creator)
• Chief Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee Principal Chief)
• Quanah Parker (Comanche leader)
• Bill Anoatubby (Chickasaw Governor)
• Pleasant Porter (Creek Principal Chief)
• Jim Thorpe (Sac and Fox, Olympian)

Arts & Entertainment

• Woody Guthrie (folk musician)
• Garth Brooks (country music artist)
• Reba McEntire (singer, actress)
• Ron Howard (director, actor)
• Chuck Norris (actor, martial artist)
• Alfre Woodard (actress)

Sports & Adventure

• Jim Thorpe (Olympic gold medalist)
• Mickey Mantle (baseball player)
• Shannon Miller (Olympic gymnast)
• John Smith (Olympic wrestler)
• Johnny Bench (baseball Hall of Famer)
• Wiley Post (aviation pioneer)

State Government Services

Oklahoma's state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Human Services

• Department of Human Services
• Oklahoma Health Care Authority
• Department of Health
• Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• Office of Juvenile Affairs
• Department of Rehabilitation Services

Business & Development

• Oklahoma Department of Commerce
• Oklahoma Tax Commission
• Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
• Oklahoma Water Resources Board
• Corporation Commission
• Tourism and Recreation Department

Public Safety

• Department of Public Safety
• Oklahoma Highway Patrol
• Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics
• Department of Corrections
• ABLE Commission
• Emergency Management Department

Education & Culture

• State Department of Education
• Oklahoma Arts Council
• Historical Society
• Department of Libraries
• Oklahoma Educational Television Authority
• Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Oklahoma's complex history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

State Constitution

• Oklahoma Constitution (1907)
• Enabling Act (1906)
• Treaties between United States and Native Nations
• Curtis Act (1898)
• Dawes Act (1887)

Historical Landmarks

• Oklahoma State Capitol
• Skirvin Hotel (Oklahoma City)
• Fort Sill
• Overholser Mansion
• Philbrook Museum (former Phillips mansion)
• Historic Route 66 Landmarks

Archival Collections

• Oklahoma Historical Society Archives
• University of Oklahoma Western History Collections
• Oklahoma State Archives
• Tribal Archives (various nations)
• National Archives at Fort Worth (Oklahoma records)
• Five Civilized Tribes Museum Archives

Historic Sites

• Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
• Honey Springs Battlefield
• Oklahoma City National Memorial
• Chickasaw Cultural Center
• Cherokee Heritage Center
• Pawnee Bill Ranch

Environmental Initiatives

Oklahoma balances resource development with conservation efforts through various environmental programs.

Conservation Programs

• Oklahoma Conservation Commission Programs
• Conservation Cost-Share Program
• Wetlands Program
• Healthy Soils Program
• Wildlife Conservation Programs
• Blue Thumb Water Quality Program

Renewable Energy

• Wind Energy Development (3rd in nation for wind power)
• Solar Energy Initiatives
• Biofuels Development
• Energy Efficiency Programs
• Green Energy Incentives
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Water Protection

• Water Quality Programs
• Nonpoint Source Management
• Water for 2060 Act Initiatives
• Restore Streambank Restoration
• Lake Rehabilitation Program
• Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan

Natural Areas Management

• Tallgrass Prairie Preservation
• Forest Management
• Black Mesa Ecosystem Protection
• Cave and Karst Protection
• Invasive Species Management
• Wildlife Habitat Improvement

Major Events & Conferences

Oklahoma hosts numerous conferences, trade shows, and events centered around its key industries, cultural heritage, and academic institutions.

Business & Industry

• Tulsa Farm Show
• Oklahoma Oil & Gas Expo
• Oklahoma Manufacturing Summit
• Gathering Place Business Conference
• Small Business Summit
• Oklahoma Aerospace Forum

Cultural & Heritage

• Sovereign Nation Policy Summit
• Native American Language Summit
• Oklahoma History Conference
• Woody Guthrie Conference
• Western Heritage Awards
• Red Earth Symposium

Education & Research

• Oklahoma Research Day
• Oklahoma Education Technology Conference
• Oklahoma Academic Advising Association Conference
• Tribal Education Summit
• STEM Conference
• Research at the Capitol

Tourism & Entertainment

• Oklahoma Travel Industry Conference
• Creativity World Forum
• DeadCenter Film Festival
• Norman Music Festival
• Oklahoma Restaurant Convention
• Oklahoma City Auto Show