Oklahoma History

Oklahoma pilot Wiley Post was a true visionary, blind in one eye, who revolutionized aeronautics by discovering the jet stream and inventing the pressurized suit that inspired today’s astronaut suits.

Soon, a 50-ft. stainless steel sculpture, named Beacon of Vision, will be installed on Route 66 at Post Road to honor his pioneering spirit. Artist Nathan Pratt has dreamed of this project for over a decade and hopes to complete the Beacon of Vision during the Route 66 Centennial in 2026.

Edmond Visual Arts Commission has approved the sculpture and at a cost of $1 million and donations are being accepted.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. was commissioned Sept. 7 and named after a Tishomingo native who was a U.S. Navy officer and recipient of the U.S. military’s highest decoration: the Medal of Honor. McCool was honored in 1945 for heroism displayed after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa.

Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, McCool led efforts to battle a fire on his ship and rescued injured sailors. The San Antonio-class amphibious warship provides modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate in the 21st century.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission unveiled the logo for Oklahoma’s Route 66 Centennial at the State Capitol. This event marked the start of celebrations leading up to Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026 and highlighted Oklahoma’s pivotal role.

Five former Oklahoma governors – George Nigh, David Walters, Frank Keating, Brad Henry and Mary Fallin – were announced as honorary chairs to help guide Oklahoma’s centennial activities.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission is offering $6.6 million in grants to Oklahoma’s historic Route 66 corridor communities. Local communities are encouraged to apply.

More information at route66-centennial.com.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial celebrations kicked off at the State Capitol. The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission introduced upcoming events to mark the road’s milestone 100th anniversary.

A fleet of classic cars welcomed visitors on the Capitol lawn, previewing the vibrant community spirit and tourism-boosting activities ahead. These celebrations include car rallies, music festivals and guided tours, all designed to honor the rich history of Route 66.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell emphasized the transformative impact of these celebrations on Oklahoma’s economy and community pride as the state showcases its 400-mile stretch of the iconic highway.

For more information, visit route66-centennial.com.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The legacy and impact of All-Black towns is an important chapter in the history of our state. Faced with inexpensive land but entrenched systemic racism, African Americans carved out bustling communities, with more than 50 towns created between 1865-1920.

Today, 13 of these towns are incorporated into Oklahoma. In Boley, the Farmers & Merchants Bank stands tall as the first Black-owned bank with a national charter. Rentiesville, founded in 1907, will host the Dusk ‘Til Dawn Music Festival at the iconic Down Home Blues Club from Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

And don’t miss visiting Langston University, the only historically Black college in Oklahoma.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Tulsa was home to Black Wall Street, which thrived with successful businesses, newspapers, artistic venues and churches. In 1921, the 40 square blocks in Greenwood were reduced to rubble from racial tensions.

Today, the Greenwood District offers museums and centers honoring and preserving the neighborhood’s legacy. Opened on the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Greenwood Rising‘s a state-of-the-art history center telling the story of Black Wall Street through immersive exhibits and interactive galleries: Greenwood Cultural Center features an African American art gallery, historical exhibits and memorabilia, and Reconciliation Park has outdoor displays depicting the rebuilding of the Greenwood District.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

In a groundbreaking discovery described in Current Biology, scientists have unearthed the world’s oldest amniote skin fossil in a cave at Richards Spur. Dating back 289–286 million years, the well-preserved skin offers insight into prehistoric life.

The cave’s unique conditions played a pivotal role in the preservation of this ancient fossil, which will help us better understand terrestrial vertebrates. The fossilized skin is attributed to a “prehistoric lizard-like reptile,” as stated by The Oklahoman.

This remarkable find not only widens our view of ancient life but also reminds us of the important role the past plays in understanding the present.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Martin Scorsese’s film shot in Oklahoma – was awarded Best Film and its star, Lily Gladstone, was named Best Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle.

Additionally, the film earned 12 nominations for the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards and its three primary actors were nominated for Golden Globes. It seems likely, then, that an Oscar nomination (or several) will be coming in the near future.

The film, based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann, tells the story of the “Reign of Terror” for the Osage Nation. Learn more here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Statehood Day in Oklahoma, which is observed on Nov. 16, commemorates the state’s entry into the Union in 1907. President Teddy Roosevelt played a pivotal role, signing the proclamation that moved Oklahoma to statehood. The pen used for the signature belongs to the Oklahoma Historical Society and is a tangible link to the past.

Statehood Day allows residents to reflect on the journey since statehood, celebrating the milestones, challenges and unique cultural tapestry that defines Oklahoma. This day also provides a moment to recognize both the state’s rich history and the enduring spirit that has shaped its progress over the years.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

On Nov. 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the statehood proclamation giving birth to the State of Oklahoma and declared “Oklahoma is now a state.”

Presidential Proclamation 780 admitted Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory collectively as the 46th state into the United States of America. Previously, representatives of the two territories drafted a constitution that was approved by voters in both territories on Sept. 17, 1907, which paved the way to statehood.

The White House telegraph rooms were directly connected with both Guthrie and Oklahoma City, and the news was flashed immediately to the new state.

Happy 115th Birthday, Oklahoma!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

How about having a bit of pilgrim-related fun at your Thanksgiving table this year? Check out the games and quizzes section of the Oklahoma Society of Mayflower Descendants website. There are printable crossword puzzles, coloring pages, connect-the-dot pages, word searches and quizzes. Sample question:

How many Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth?
a. 62, b. 82, c. 102, d. 120

The site also includes information on the Mayflower passenger list, pilgrim history, genealogy websites and how the first Thanksgiving was celebrated.

The Society was formed in 1947 for descendants of the pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower to preserve their memory.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Built as a municipal auditorium and convention hall, Theatre Tulsa was billed as the largest hall between Kansas City and Houston. In 1930 an architect was hired to redesign the “barn-like interior” and it was redone in Art Deco style.

Peter Mayo purchased the building in 1979, the same year it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places. He renamed it the Brady Theater after the street where it is located. When the city of Tulsa renamed the street, he changed the name to Theatre Tulsa.

Its next production is “Our Town” at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

As of Nov. 16, Oklahoma has been a state for 115 years. It became the 46th state when President Roosevelt signed legislation in 1907.

Do you know what the last four states to be admitted were and when they were admitted to give us an even 50?

In January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state, closely followed by Arizona when it became the 48th state on Feb. 14, 1912.

The United States had 48 states for 47 years until 1959 when two states were admitted. Alaska joined our country on Jan. 3, 1959, and Hawaii became a state on Aug. 21.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

More than 9,000 viewers have watched this video flyover of Oklahoma City’s Lincoln Park Golf Club.

Thousands more have seen the course from angles of its lush fairways as the course celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. There’re actually two championship courses there and you can book a round – or a lesson with Aaron Kristopeit, who is  only the fourth pro in the course’s century.

Kristopeit told GolfWeek of seeing players from other clubs saying “I remember playing here when I was 16.” He thinks the course means a lot to the city’s Black community as it’s in the northeast quadrant.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

A brand new Smithsonian exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” has made it to Boley, Oklahoma. Residents are proud to preserve and showcase Boley, as it is one of the 13 remaining historical all-Black towns in the nation.

This unique exhibit takes an in-depth look at the past, present and future of rural communities in Oklahoma and is open to the public now through June 25 in Okfuskee County. The display is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

For more information on the exhibit and location, please visit okhumanities.org.

– Cassidy Littlewood, Jones PR

The Winchester Drive-In Theater opened in 1968 and is Oklahoma City’s only drive-in theater to this day. Between full-service concessions, great movie selections and the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family, the Winchester Drive-In is the perfect place to experience your next cinematic adventure.

In 2018, the theater celebrated its 50th anniversary – a milestone that longtime theater owner Lindy Shambour always dreamt of seeing. Shambour made it to the celebratory anniversary and passed away later that year at age 91.

The theater fits 475 vehicles and re-opened earlier this month. Check out upcoming shows and ticket prices.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR