Oklahoma History

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.

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 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.

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame is moving from its historic location on Lincoln Boulevard to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Celebrated on March 17 in observance of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is full of shamrocks, leprechauns and green galore.

“December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy …”

Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition, and traditions always have a story behind them.

In 1910, the state capitol moved to Oklahoma City after the state seal was supposedly stolen from the original state capital in Guthrie.

The Cherokee Nation elected its first female chief, Wilma Mankiller, 30 years ago.

In the late 1800s, an unsung hero of life on the farm was the rough and tough cowgirl. No woman in America straddled the worlds of both Wild West shows and rodeos quite like Lucille Mulhall. Born in 1885, Lucille was raised on a family farm in Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory. By the age of 10, she was entertaining crowds at the mayor’s request.

Last month, a note dated September 21, 1933, was found during ongoing renovations at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The note, scribbled on an envelope from the Game and Fish Department, listed names of individuals and stated, “The above worked in this place on above date.”

The first record of a hot air balloon flight carrying human passengers took place in France in 1783. Launched by the Montgolfier brothers, its flight lasted 25 minutes and traveled over five miles.

Oklahoma takes pride in its Native American history and culture, especially the Cherokee Nation.

Before the Land Rush of 1889, Reverend Sylvester Morris, a Methodist missionary, owned what is now the oldest house standing in Tulsa. The simple, side-gabled house dates back to 1885.

Oklahoma never fails to astonish us when it comes to history.

The birthplace of “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son” is a perfect destination for classic summer activities.

Fifty years and six months ago, millions of television viewers tuned in to watch the crowning of small-town Oklahoma girl Jane Jayroe as Miss America in 1967.

A vast civilization once stood on the banks of the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma. Initially a small farming village, Spiro Mounds fueled its expansion and became one of the most important regional centers in the Mississippian culture. Spiro’s trade network spread from the Rocky Mountains to the Virginia coast and from the Great Lakes to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

If you’re from Catoosa or surrounding areas, you know “Blue” as the friendly cement whale with a toothy grin wading in an offset pond. The waterfront structure has become one of the most recognizable attractions on Route 66.

James Herman Banning was born in Canton, Oklahoma Territory, on Nov. 5, 1900 on an Oklahoma homestead to caring parents Riley and Cora Banning.

Historic Fort Gibson was established in 1824 and was located farther west than any other US military post in existence. The remote region was truly the western frontier.

For each item on display at the Oklahoma History Center, hundreds more are in storage with every piece acting as a portal to the history of a notable person or a big story.

In 1950, the world’s first yield sign was placed at the corner of First Street and Columbia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The intersection was believed to be the most dangerous in Tulsa, and Officer Clinton Riggs, Tulsa native and police officer, developed a new idea to alleviate collisions.

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Genealogy is more popular than ever as it serves as a useful tool to learn more about ourselves in present time. Since 1893, the Oklahoma Historical Society has been collecting resources to help Oklahomans learn about their family trees.

The most notorious outlaws of yesteryear Oklahoma will forever live in infamy.

In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a 56-line poem that changed Christmas forever. Now known as “The Night Before Christmas,” Moore’s poem created the modern image of Santa Claus.