APRIL 2009
Please turn on sound to hear state song
APRIL 2009
A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, AMISH, & ARCHEOLOGY
The
Department of AGRICULTURE is a source of information about agriculture in the state. Products include poultry, milk, corn, nuts, soybeans, watermelons, and cotton. The state is a leader in wheat and cattle and milk is the State Beverage.
Watermelon is the State Vegetable and the
strawberry is the State Fruit. Oklahoma is the only state that has a
State Meal.
AG in the Classroom has interesting information about agriculture in the state. The
State Soil is Oklahoma-Port. Oklahoma has
4-H Clubs and
Future Farmers of America organizations. The
National Agriculture Statistic Serivce has information about agriculture in the state.
The
Amish way of life largely revolves around working and socializing together as a family and community. Oklahoma has several
Amish communities. The
Custer County Amish settlement began in western Oklahoma in 1892.
ARCHEOLOGY is an important part of Oklahoma's history and there are several
Archaeological Sites, and
Archaeology and Palelontology Events. The
Oklahoma Archaeological Survey gives a glimpse into the past. Several different hunter-agricultural civilizations have been found. Bones of a mammoth and several points have been found at a site near
Anadarko.
Spiro Mounds is considered 1 of the 4 most important prehistoric Indian sites east of the Rocky Mountains and is an Archaeological Park.
Despite being landlocked, Oklahoma has
BEACHES on lakes and in State Parks. Fort Cobb Lake has many amenities including a swimming beach.
Oklahoma has both native and migratory
BIRDS. Birdwatching is popular and there are several
Bird Watching Clubs and many
Birding Hotspots. The State Bird is the
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. The
Humming Bird is the smallest bird in the state. Endangered birds include Whopping crane, Eskimo curlew, American peregrine falcon, Least tern, Black-capped vireo, and the Red-cockaded woodpecker.
Road-runners are seen along the roadsides.
Oklahoma has had several types of
BRIDGES including
Suspension Bridges and
Covered Bridges. Salt Creek Bridge is the oldest bridge in the state. The longest bridge is
Roosevelt Bridge and the second longest is
Sailboat Bridge.
Oklahoma also has several
BYWAYS and Scenic Drives and
Roadside Attractions
The state also has a variety of
Trails including
Horse and Mule Trails. The
Great Plains Trail is being developed to showcase wildlife and the diverse cultural and historical heritage of the state.
The first CAPITAL of Oklahoma was in Guthrie but was moved to
Oklahoma City.
Tulsa is called the Oil Capital of the World.
Beaver claims to be the Cow Chip Throwing Capital of the World.
Anadarko is called the Indian Capital of the Nation.
Antlers calls itself the Deer Capital of the World and Gateway to Southeast Oklahoma. The Tribal Capital of the Cherokee Nation is near
Tahlequah.
Oklahoma has all forms of
COMMUNICATIONS including radio, television, newspapers, telephone, and computer. WKY Radio was the 1st radio station transmitting from west of the Mississippi River. Telephone
area codes are 405, 580, and 918.
Webcams are located throughout the state. There are also a number of
Internet Service Providers.
Oklahoma has 77
COUNTIES. The term county is used for the level of local government below the
state government. The largest county is
Osage and the smallest is
Marshall. Oklahoma City is the largest city in the state.
Choctaw is the oldest chartered town in the state.
Okmulgee holds the world record for largest pecan pie, pecan cookie, pecan brownie, and biggest ice cream and cookie party.
Oklahoma has several
DAMS including
Hydropower Dams. The
Pensacola Dam was the first hydroelectric facility in the state and is the longest multiple arch dam in the world. Dams and locks on the
McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River allow travel from the Gulf of Mexico to Oklahoma. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains 5 locks on the river that are in Oklahoma.
The Cauteau Lock & Dam 17 has a recreation area. The
United States Society on Dams is involved in the maintenance, construction, operation, and safety of dams. The state has a
Dam Safety Program. Alternative
Energey Resources are being investigate.
Evidence of
DINOSAUR has been found in Oklahoma. One of the largest remains of a
dinosaur may have been found in Oklahoma. Many
fossils have been found in the state and the
State Fossil is the Saurophaganax. The
Sam Nobel Museum of Natural History has exhibits & educational programs and a
Paleontology Society
Oklahoma experiences
EARTHQUAKES and has 50-100 recordable
earthquakes every year. The largest earthquake occurred in 1952.
Free Public
EDUCATION is provided for children in elementary and secondary schools and attendance is required from age 5 to age 18. Information about shools in Oklahoma is available at
Great Schools and
School Bug.
Oklahoma has many
EVENTS during the year including 2
State Fairs and a variety of
Festivals. The
World Championship Quarter Horse Show is held in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma observes
Fixed Public Holidays and other holidays. Oklahoma is the winter home for more circuses than any other state.
Oklahoma has 176 species of
FISH and
Fishing is a popular sport. The
Fourteen
FLAGS have flown over what is now the state of Oklahoma. The State
FLAG honors Native Americans. Some
counties and
Indian Tribes (scroll down to Oklahoma) have their own flag. The state colors are green and white.
Oklahoma has had several
Forts. Some are historic sites. There is a visitor center at
Fort Towson.
Fort Washita has many buildings are open to the public.
Fort Sill remains the only active Army installation of all the forts on the South Plains built during the Indian Wars.
Fort Gibson is also a military park.
The
GEOLOGY of Oklahoma was formed thru millions of years. The
Oklahoma Geological Survey investigates land, water, mineral, and energy resources in the state. Oklahoma is the third-largest gas-producing state in the country. The State Stone is the
Rose Rock (Barite Rose)and is only found in Oklahoma.
Noble is the Rock Rose Capital of the World.
Selenite crystal has been suggested as the state gemstone. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes Oklahoma as having the most diverse terrain of any state, which includes 11 distinct ecoregions.
There are many
GHOST TOWNS in Oklahoma.
Academy has some foundations of old school house and cemetery.
Fallis has remains of an old hotel, school house, and houses.
Lacey has remains of a gas station, school, and old gymnasium.
Zena has remains of 2 grocery stores and a church.
The
GLOBAL POSITION OF Oklahoma is approximately 44 degrees latitude north to 99 degrees longitude west. The geographic center of Oklahoma is 8 miles north of Oklahoma City. The Highest point in the state is
Black Mesa and the lowest point is
Little River. Oklahoma is bordered by 6 states Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Geocaching is popular and there are many
Geocaching Sites. NOAA provides information about the
typography of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has many national
HISTORIC SITES including
museums, houses, and military sites.
The
HISTORY of Oklahoma dates back 12,000 years ago when Native Americans lived on the plains.
Recorded history began in 1541 when Spanish explorer Coronado visited the area. The land was part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The state has many traditions of the west including horse and cattle ranches, rodeos, and working cowboys. Oklahoma celebrates
National History Day.The
National Trust helps protect historic places in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has
ISLANDS on rivers and in lakes. Canal Island was formed when a canal was built to connect 2 lake arms. Monkey Island is is primarily a resort area and does not have any wild monkeys. Most of the homes on
Ski Island are directly on the waterfront.
INDUSTRIES in Oklahoma include transportation equipment, machinery, electric products, rubber & plastic products, and food processing. Oklahoma is a leader in the production of oil, natural gas, petroleum, and helium. The state had the first flowing commercial oil well in the world, and there is an operating oilwell on the State Capitol grounds called Capitol Site No. 1. The grocery store
shopping cart was invented and first used in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has a variety of
INSECTS including many
butterflies and moths. The State Insect is the
Honeybee. There are several dangerous insects in the state.
JAZZ is popular in Oklahoma. It has a
Jazz Hall of Fame and a Jazz Festival is held in Tulsa. Bob Dunn, a musician from Beggs, invented the first electric guitar. The
Tulsa Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the country. Oklahoma has many
bands and orchestras. State Orchestras include the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, Enid Symphony Orchestra, Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Oklahoma City University Orchestra, Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, Oklahoma Youth Symphonies, University of Oklahoma Symph. Orch., and the University of Tulsa Orchestra.
The State Song is
Oklahoma from the musical of the same name. The
Fiddle is the State Musical Instrument.
Oklahoma lies in the
Great Plains which means very few caves and
KARST. A small area in the northwest form gypsum karst, and it is the only gypsum cave in the United States open to the public. Also, a small piece of the Ozark Mountains in the northeast consists of limestone layers.
Robbers Cave and Alabaster Caverns are State Parks.
The Department of Wildlife offers tours of
Selman Bat Cave. The
National Speological Society has chapters in Oklahoma. The
National Park System provides information on caves & karst in National Parks.
Many aspects of life focus on KIDS. The Chickasaw Nation has a special
Kids Corner. The
Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has a Kids Page.
NOAA has a special Kids webpage.
Oklahoma has many
LAKES and reservoirs including natural lakes and more man-made lakes than any other state. Some of the lakes have
unusual characteristics.The largest lakes are Eufaula, Texoma, Grand, Kerr, Oolagah, Keystone and Ft. Gibson.
Port Catoosa is a major waterway leading to the gulf of Mexico. Oklahoma has several beaches including
Cedar Lake and
The Artesian Beach. The
Army Corps of Engineers has projects on lakes in the state.
East Wharf Lighthouse is on Lake Hefner
Oklahoma has academic, government, public, and special
LIBRARIES. The
State Poem is "Howdy Folks".
Oklahoma has several
military establishments including 3 Air Force bases. The
Army Corps of Engineers has several projects in Oklahoma. The
National Guard has 91 armories and is present in 79 communities in the state. Oklahoma has more astronats than any other state. During
World War II, the Indian Signal Corps sent radio messages in the Comanche language because it was unwritten and the code could not be broken.
Oklahoma has several
mountain ranges including Ouachitas, Arbuckles, Wichitas, and Kiamichis.
Black Mesa is the tallest mountain in the state.
Oklahoma has a variety of
MUSEUMS. The National Lighter Museum in Gurhrie is the only museum in the country devoted to the collection of lighters and fire starters. The
Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus features pioneer life. Villages of 7 different tribes of Plains Indians are at Anadarko including the only authentic
Indian City in the country. Cherokee Village near Tahlequah has crafts, games, and dances. The
Gene Autry Museum is dedicated to singing cowboys. The
Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa and the
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City have both Western and Indian Art.
The NAME Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words "okla" meaning people and "humma" meaning red. In 1889 the
Indian Territory was opened to settlers and thousands of people lined up on the border. When the signal was given, they raced into the territory to claim their land. Some people went in early to claim their land and became known as Sooners. Hence, Oklahoma is nicknamed �The Sooner State�.
Kingfisher is designated Buckle of the Wheat Belt.
Bixby is named the Garden Spot of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has the largest NATIVE AMERICAN population of any state and many of them are descendants of the original 67 tribes that inhabited the
Indian Territory. There are many
Federally Recognized tribes and
Indian Reservations. Some tribes continue their customs and ceremonials are held throughout the year. Famous Indians include
Geronimo, Cheyenne
Chief Black Kettle, Great American athlete
Jim Thorpe, and
Maria Tallchief a wellknow ballerina.
Will Rogers was first an Indian, then a cowboy, and then a national figure. The state has many
Indian Casinos.
Oklahoma has 2 observatories. The
RMCC Observatory in Tulsa has a clear sky clock. The
Ten Acre Observatory in Wanette is open for use by local publick schools and the general public. There are 2 planetariums - the WB Wood and the
Kirkpatrick which is located in the Omniplex Science Museum. The state has several
Astronomy Clubs and several members have been recognized for their observing work by the
Astronomical League. Many organizations observe
Astronomy Day
Law enforcement had not been established in the territories and OUTLAWS and their gang would hide in what is now
Robbers Cave State Park. Some of the outlaws were infamous and dangerous and lawmen who brought them to justice were made heroes. The
Bill Doolin Gang included the most famous bad woman -
Bell Starr. Three of the most popular wild west shows originated in Oklahoma, and Hollywood and rodeo cowboys got their start in the shows. The
Cowboy Hall of Fame is in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma has over 100
PARKS
including a National Recreation Area, National Memorial, and National Historic Site.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area was the first National Park in the state. The state has
theme parks & water parks.
Frontier City has rides and attractions for all ages.
Nearly 4 million PEOPLE live in Oklahoma. In the mid 1800s cattle had to be moved from
Texas to
Kansas, and
cowboys drove their cattle across the state. Cowbows still use horses, but advanced technolgy in working cattle includes trucks, helicopters, and airplanes.
Will Rogers was a famous cowboy. Many famous
Sports Figures came from Oklahoma.
Sylvan Goldman invented the first shopping cart.
The
United States Mint issued a
QUARTER for each state in the order that it became part of the Union. Oklahoma became a State in 1907 and an
Oklahoma Quarter was issued in 2008. The U.S. Mint has a special
Kids Page.
QUILTING has an interesting history and is popular in Oklahoma. There are
Quilting Guilds throughout the state.
Take a
QUIZ about Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is divided into 5 geographic REGIONS -
Ozark Plateau, Arkansas Valley,
Ouachita Mountains, the
Red River, and Western Plains.
Oklahoma has a variety of
REPTILES and amphibians including snakes, frogs, lizard, salamanders, toads, and turtles. The State Reptile is the
Collared Lizard.
Oklahoma has many
RIVERS.
The largest rivers are the
Arkansas and the
Red which forms the southern border with Texas. Oklahoma has 3
beaches. The
American Rivers was founded to protect and restore river systems.
Oklahoma has all forms of
SPORTS including high school, college, league, and professional teams. Rodeos are the only national spectator sport that originated in the United States. Oklahoma has more than 100 rodeos during the year, and
Lenapah has the only Drive-In Rodeo in the world. The
Amateur Softball Association of America was founded in Oklahoma. Horses race at
Remington Park in Oklahoma City and parade at the World Championship Quarter Horse Show. The state has both
public and private
golf courses. Many
Famous Sports Figures called Oklahoma their home.
Oklahoma has a
State Tartan. There are
Scottish Games and Festivals.
Oklahoma has all forms of TRANSPORTATION, and the
Department of Transportation provides information about transportation in the state. The first
parking meter was invented by Carl C. Mageein Oklahoma City in 1935.
Clinton Riggs designed the first YIELD sign. The first
Oklahoma license plates were issued to horseless carriages in 1913.
Many Native American Tribes have a special
License Plate. To celebrates its 50th birthday in 2002, Matchbox issued a vehicle for each state in the order in which it was admitted to the the union. The vehicle for Oklahoma was the Cattle Truck. The Federal Highway Administration provides information about
Traffic and Road Closures.
Oklahoma has a variety of TREES including ash, elm, hickory, oak, pecan, pine, redbud, sweet gum, and walnut. The State Tree is the
Redbud. Oklahoma has a
National Forest and
forests cover nearly 24% of the state. Some of the trees in the
Keystone Ancient Forest are 500 years old. The
Bald Cypress is one of the states largest trees.
Oklahoma has
UNIVERSITIES colleges, and other schools of higher education. The
University of Central Oklahoma was the first public school of higher education in the state.
The
USS Oklahoma was a battleship and won a battle star for service in World War II. The mothballed light cruiser
USS Oklahoma City (CL-91) was converted into a guided-missile light cruiser. The
USS Oklahoma City (SS N723) is a submarine.
A variety of VEGETATION is found in Oklahoma. Short prairie grasses grow in the western part of the state, and a variety of trees grow in the eastern hills. The
State Flower is the Hybrid Tea Rose "Oklahoma", and the
MistletoeState Floral Emblem is the Mistletoe. Wild plants include anemone, black-eyed Susan, dogwood, goldenrod, mesquite, petunia, phox, prairie grasses, primrose, sagebrush, spiderwort, sunflower, vergena, and violet. The state wildflower is the
Indian Blanket. Oklahoma is part of the
Nature Conservancy Program which protects lands and water that plants and animals need to survive.
Evidence of
VOLCANOES is found in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has several
WATERFALLS.
Turner Falls is the largest waterfall in Oklahoma.
WEATHER in Oklahoma is quick to change because of cold air from the north meeting warm air from the south. This results in
tornadoes and Oklahoma has more F4 and F5 tornadoes than any other state. hThe first tornado forecast was from Tinker Air Force Base in 1948. The
National Region Climate Center provided information for local needs. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about
Global Warming in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has a variety of WILDLIFE including antelope, armadillo, coyote, deer, fox, mink, opossum, prairie dog, rabbit, raccoon, and squrrels, and
22 species of
bats. There are 9
Wildlife Refuges. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has longhorn cattle and buffalo herds. The State Animal is the
Buffalo, and the state furbearer is the
raccoon. The state has 16
Endangered animals. Oklahoma is part of the
Wildlife Protection Program.
XMAS is the abbreviation for Christmas which is celebrated in
Oklahoma much as it is in the rest of the
country and around the
world.
Oklahoma has several
YMCA locations. The state also has
Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations. Oklahoma had the first Boy Scout troop in the Country - 1909.
Oklahoma has
Youth Hostels and
Elderhostels. There are also
Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns
The use of postal
ZIPCODES began in 1963.
Zip Codes in Oklahoma all start with the number 7.
Oklahoma is in the central time ZONE. The state has several Plant Hardiness
Zones
Oklahoma has
Zoos. The
Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has over 200 exhibits.
©2006
