Oklahoma

History: Evidence suggests indigenous peoples traveled through Oklahoma as early as 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. They were ancestors of the Wichita, Teyas, Kichai, and Caddo tribes. Spanish explorer Francisco de Coronado led an expedition through the state in 1542. In the 1700’s, the French claimed the area and had control until 1803. Then all French territory was purchased by the U.S in the Louisiana Purchase. In the later 1800s, the territory was supposed to be reserved for Indians relocated from other parts of the U.S. However, many treaties were broken and American settlers were allowed in to the area, especially during the Land Run of 1889. On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma was established as the 46^th state.

Economy: Oklahoma is quite diversified with industry that includes aviation, energy, transportation equipment, food processing, electronics, bio-technology, and telecommunications. They are a top manufacturer of tires in the nation. It is a very important producer of natural gas, ranking third in the nation. It is also significant in terms of agriculture, for wheat, cattle, pigs, and dairy products.

Geography: Almost the entire state of Oklahoma lies in an area known as Tornado Alley. It is one of the most geographically diverse states, in that it has more than 10 distinct ecological regions. It has four main mountain ranges. There are semi-arid and high plains in its northwestern corner, with a few natural forests, rolling to flat landscape, with some canyons, and mesa ranges. The central portion of Oklahoma is covered with prairie and oak savannas. There are more than 500 creeks and rivers, with 200 lakes created by dams.

Climate: Due to Oklahoma’s position between zones with very different temperatures and winds, the interactions between contrasting conditions can change everything drastically in a short time. It averages 62 tornadoes per year, one of the highest rates in the world. Central, southern and eastern Oklahoma is influenced heavily by southerly winds bringing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, giving it its humid subtropical climate.

Fun Facts:

Oklahoma has 200 lakes created by dams, with the nation’s highest number of artificial reservoirs.
Oklahoma has the world’s largest concrete totem pole. It is 60 feet tall and 30 feet around.
The shopping cart was invented for the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain in 1937.
Four cultural regions meet in Oklahoma; the West, Midwest, South, and Southwest.
The world’s first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in July 1935.
Oklahoma is the headquarters for 39 Indian tribes.

Points of Interest: