Oklahoma History

Did you know Oklahoma is where African American men and women came together to create more than 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 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.

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.