History

Did you know Oklahoma is where African American men and women came together to create over 50 identifiable towns and settlements from 1865 to 1920?

When you think of Oklahoma, do you think of its history in the movie industry? Probably not, but maybe you should.

Great herds of bison once roamed North America between the Appalachian Mountains on the east and the Rockies on the west, making Oklahoma a prime location to find these massive creatures grazing on open plains.

Memorial Day is May 25, 2020, a day that is dedicated to honoring our United States military service members who passed away fighting for our country.

Located near the heart of the state for which it is named, Oklahoma City was settled on April 22, 1889.

If you saw Olay’s Super Bowl ad, “Make Space for Women,” you should know that fellow Oklahoman and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is leading the way for the first woman to land on the moon by 2024.

A U.S. Navy submarine, missing for 75 years, has been found off Okinawa, Japan. The USS Grayback was among the most successful submarines in the U.S. Navy in World War II, sinking 14 ships.

With the new movie “1917” being released tomorrow, we recognize that year as a rebellious time in Oklahoma history, especially in an area known as a refuge for outlaws.

Located in Oklahoma City, Will Rogers World Airport is Oklahoma’s busiest commercial airport. Opened in 1911, the airport is named after legendary cowboy, actor and humorist Will Rogers.

The answer to the headline is because it’s delicious with gravy, but the full truth is more complicated than you might think.

The word “Tulsa” comes from the Creek word “tallasi,” meaning “old town,” which is fitting since the area now known as Tulsa, Oklahoma, was first settled by the Loachapoka Band of the Creek Native American tribe between 1828 and 1836.

You may be familiar with Castle Falls, but do you know the history of the land it sits on? It’s located within Council Grove, a historic piece of land known as the neutral meeting grounds for Native Americans prior to and after the Land Run.

Halloween, the holiday celebrated annually on Oct.

While American football can trace its roots back to the mid-1800s, the tradition of the tight, circular huddle began in 1892 to serve a niche purpose.

Winston Churchill once said, “If it weren’t for painting, I wouldn’t live. I couldn’t bear the extra strain of things.”

When Wiley Post became the first to explore high-altitude, long-distance flight and Will Rogers became known as the “patron saint of aviation,” little did we know that Oklahoma would become known as the “Aerospace State.” Yes, energy is number one, but aerospace is the state’s second-largest industry, generating $44 billion in economic activity and 120,000 jobs.

Bricktown began as a warehouse district that sprang up near the junction of the Oklahoma railroad station and the Oklahoma River after the 1889 Land Run.

We are just 16 months out from the 2020 presidential general election and campaigns on both sides of the aisle are starting to take shape. The biggest questions remaining: Out of the 24 Democratic primary candidates, who will stand out? Moreover, can that person beat President Trump?

Oklahoma City’s First Christian Church is an architecturally significant building known for its organic form, sculpted shape and extensive use of concrete and masonry.

Preservation Oklahoma Inc. (POK) has announced Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places for 2019. The list was created to promote the places where Oklahoma history lives by bringing awareness to historic landmarks across the state.

This Giving Tuesday, give back to Oklahoma history by helping Preservation Oklahoma identify our state’s threatened historic resources.

On Nov. 16, 1907, President Roosevelt signed legislation that granted statehood to Oklahoma, making it the 46th state to join the union.

The U.S. Postal Service recently issued WW1 Forever stamps commemorating the 100^th anniversary of four million American families sending sons and daughters to serve in the Great War. Yes, women; WW1 was the first time women joined the U.S. armed forces.

Are you curious to know how accurate the “Jurassic Park” series is? Paleontologist Kyle Davies from the Sam Noble Museum debunks the “Jurassic Park” series just in time for the premiere of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”

Oklahomans have a long history of service to our nation. In every part of the globe, during times of peace and war, they have proudly defended our freedom and the freedom of those who cannot defend themselves. One Oklahoma City native, Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Third Class Brandon Wells, is currently aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold.

The United States is often referred to as a melting pot. Our nation was built by immigrants who came to this land for opportunity and a better life. Today, this still holds true as immigrants continue to impact our country politically, economically and socially.

The Sam Noble Museum tells a remarkable story in its exciting new national traveling exhibit, “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived,” which is on display from May 26 through Jan. 6.

The “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” exhibition will be on display from June 10 – August 19 at the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. Visitors will discover nearly three dozen artifacts from the time of King Hezekiah and unveil key Assyrian history.

With well over 100 feature films and television shows from all corners of the state, Oklahoma is no stranger to the silver screen. We all know about the smash hit “I Can Only Imagine,” which earned nearly $100 million at the box office, but did you know that other movies like 1988 Oscar winner “Rain Man” were filmed in the state?

American flags will fly and patriotism will shine Memorial Day weekend. Celebrate the heroes who have died fighting for American freedom by visiting these events.

Memorial Day is the time our country recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Originally, following the Civil War, families of fallen soldiers would commemorate the day by decorating graves and having picnic-style gatherings afterward.

The National Archives has launched a Citizen Archivist program, enlisting virtual volunteers to improve the accessibility of its records.