# Oklahoma

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1649](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1649)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oklahoma

## Summary

Oklahoma is a state located in the south-central region of the United States, admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907, as the 46th state. Known as "The Sooner State," Oklahoma was formed from the merger of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory, and its capital and largest city is Oklahoma City. The state is characterized by diverse geography spanning the Great Plains, Ozark mountains, and Cross Timbers ecoregions, with a population of approximately 3.9 million residents.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: State of Oklahoma
- **Statehood**: November 16, 1907 (46th state admitted to the Union)
- **Capital**: Oklahoma City (inception: 1889)
- **Largest City**: Oklahoma City
- **Population**: Approximately 3,940,521 (2020 census estimate)
- **Area**: 181,195 km² (69,898 sq mi)
- **Coordinates**: 35.5°N, 98°W
- **ISO Code**: US-OK
- **Abbreviations**: OK, Okla.
- **Nickname**: The Sooner State
- **Motto**: "Labor omnia vincit" (Latin: "Work conquers all")
- **Official Language**: English
- **Time Zone**: Central Standard Time (CST)
- **Borders**: Texas (south), Kansas (north), Missouri (northeast), Arkansas (east), Colorado (northwest), New Mexico (west)
- **Major Rivers**: Arkansas River, Canadian River, Red River, Cimarron River, North Canadian River
- **Notable Geography**: Ouachita Mountains, Arbuckle Mountains, Kiamichi Mountains, Black Mesa (highest point), Great Plains, Ozarks, Cross Timbers
- **Major Lakes**: Lake Texoma, Eufaula Lake, Tenkiller Ferry Lake
- **Aquifer**: Ogallala Aquifer (shallow aquifer underlying the state)
- **Interstate Highways**: I-35, I-40, I-44
- **Historic U.S. Route**: U.S. Route 66 (the "Mother Road")
- **Emergency Number**: 911
- **State Bird**: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- **State Flower**: Oklahoma Rose
- **State Tree**: Eastern Redbud
- **State Fossil**: Saurophaganax maximus
- **State Rock**: Barite Rose

## FAQs

**How did Oklahoma become a state?**

Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state on November 16, 1907, following the merger of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory. Oklahoma Territory was established in 1890, while Indian Territory had been a designated area for Native American tribes since 1834. The Enabling Act of 1906 allowed for the formation of a single state from these two territories, and Oklahoma voters approved statehood in October 1907.

**What is Oklahoma's historical significance regarding Native American tribes?**

Oklahoma was originally Indian Territory, established in 1834 as an unorganized territory for the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States. Tribes including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee were relocated here along the Trail of Tears. Today, Oklahoma is home to numerous federally recognized tribes, including the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (founded 1786), the Pawnee Nation, and the Chickasaw Nation. The state maintains a significant Native American population and cultural presence.

**What are the major industries in Oklahoma?**

Oklahoma's economy is driven by energy (oil and natural gas), agriculture, aviation and aerospace (including Tinker Air Force Base and Vance Air Force Base), manufacturing, and healthcare. The state is a leading producer of petroleum products and has significant wind energy production. Agriculture includes cattle ranching, wheat, and cotton production.

**What major weather events has Oklahoma experienced?**

Oklahoma is located in Tornado Alley and experiences severe weather including tornadoes, hailstorms, and thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center, a sub-agency of the National Weather Service, is headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma. Notable tornadoes include the 2013 Moore tornado (EF5) and the 2011 El Reno–Piedmont tornado (EF5). The state also experienced significant earthquakes, including the 2011 Oklahoma earthquake (magnitude 5.7), one of the strongest in state history.

**What universities are located in Oklahoma?**

Major higher education institutions include the University of Oklahoma (Norman), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford, founded 1901). The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a major medical research facility in Oklahoma City. The state also has numerous community colleges including Rose State College in Midwest City.

**What military installations are in Oklahoma?**

Oklahoma hosts several major military facilities including Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City (established 1941, headquarters of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex), Vance Air Force Base in Enid, and the Henry Post Army Airfield at Fort Sill. These installations contribute significantly to the state's economy and defense capabilities.

**What notable landmarks are in Oklahoma?**

Notable landmarks include the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City (established 1986), the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City (opened 2010), Turner Falls, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Black Mesa (the highest point in Oklahoma), and the Glass Mountains. The state also has numerous state parks and natural areas.

**What is Oklahoma's political structure?**

Oklahoma operates under a republican form of government with a governor as chief executive. The state legislature is bicameral. Oklahoma is represented in the U.S. Congress by five congressional districts (1st centered on Tulsa, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Oklahoma City). The state has 77 counties, each with local governance.

## Why It Matters

Oklahoma matters for several interconnected reasons that extend beyond its regional boundaries. Historically, the state represents a unique experiment in American frontier settlement and Native American history, having been the destination for multiple tribes forcibly relocated during the Trail of Tears. The merger of Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory created a uniquely diverse population that continues to define the state's cultural identity.

From an economic perspective, Oklahoma sits atop the SCOOP and STACK plays, some of the most productive oil and natural gas basins in the United States. The state's energy industry has global implications, influencing international petroleum markets and American energy independence. Additionally, Oklahoma's position in wind energy production makes it a leader in renewable energy among fossil-fuel-producing states.

Geographically, Oklahoma serves as a transition zone between the Great Plains, the Ozark Mountains, and the Cross Timbers ecoregion, creating remarkable biodiversity. The state's location in Tornado Alley makes it critically important for meteorological research and severe weather prediction—the Storm Prediction Center in Norman provides forecast guidance for the entire nation during severe weather outbreaks.

Culturally, Oklahoma has produced significant contributions to American music, sports, and art. The state hosts major cultural institutions including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University maintain competitive athletics programs with national followings.

The state's transportation infrastructure, including its position along historic U.S. Route 66 and major interstate corridors, makes it a critical nexus for north-south and east-west travel in the United States. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City provides commercial air service, while the Heartland Flyer Amtrak route connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas.

## Notable For

- **Native American Heritage**: Home to the largest Native American population in the United States and headquarters to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (founded 1786), one of the largest federally recognized tribes
- **Tornado Research**: Headquarters of the Storm Prediction Center, the nation's primary severe weather forecasting facility
- **Energy Production**: Major producer of oil and natural gas with significant contributions to American energy independence
- **Historical Route 66**: Contains significant stretches of the historic U.S. Route 66, the "Mother Road" of American automotive culture
- **Diverse Geography**: Spans five distinct ecoregions including the Great Plains, Ozarks, Ouachita Mountains, and Cross Timbers
- **Military Presence**: Home to Tinker Air Force Base (one of the largest Air Force bases in the nation) and Vance Air Force Base
- **Higher Education**: Home to the University of Oklahoma (founded 1890) and Oklahoma State University (founded 1890), both with national athletics programs
- **Aviation History**: Birthplace of notable aviators and home to major aviation maintenance facilities
- **Statehood Date**: One of the last states admitted to the Union (46th, 1907), created from two distinct territories
- **Earthquake Activity**: Located in a seismically active region with the largest human-induced earthquake swarm in the United States
- **Agricultural Production**: Leading producer of wheat, cattle, and cotton in the United States
- **Unique Fossils**: State fossil is Saurophaganax maximus, a massive dinosaur from the Morrison Formation

## Body

### History and Formation

Oklahoma's modern existence as a state emerged from the convergence of two distinct territories. Indian Territory was established in 1834 as an unorganized territory designated for the relocation of Native American tribes forcibly removed from the southeastern United States. The Trail of Tears saw the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole peoples relocated to this region. Oklahoma Territory was established in 1890, encompassing the western portion of present-day Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Enabling Act of 1906 allowed voters in both territories to vote on statehood and the formation of a single state. On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state, with Oklahoma City becoming the permanent capital. The state's name derives from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma," meaning "red people."

### Geography and Natural Features

Oklahoma encompasses 181,195 km² (69,898 square miles) of diverse terrain. The state's highest point is Black Mesa at 1,516 meters (4,973 feet) in the far western panhandle, while the lowest elevations occur in the southeastern corner along the Red River. The geographic center of the state lies at approximately 35.5°N, 98°W.

The state divides into several distinct geographic regions. The Great Plains cover the western third, characterized by grasslands and minimal tree cover. The Osage Hills rise in the northeast, part of the larger Ozark mountain system extending from Arkansas. The Ouachita Mountains occupy the southeastern corner, with peaks exceeding 900 meters. The Arbuckle Mountains near the center of the state represent an ancient eroded uplift. The Cross Timbers region, extending from Texas through central Oklahoma, features a transition between eastern forests and western prairies.

Major river systems include the Arkansas River (a major tributary of the Mississippi), the Canadian River, the Red River (forming the southern border with Texas), the Cimarron River, and the North Canadian River. Lake Texoma, formed by the Denison Dam on the Red River, is one of the largest reservoirs in the region, spanning the Oklahoma-Texas border.

The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest shallow aquifers in the United States, underlies much of the western two-thirds of Oklahoma, providing critical water resources for agriculture and municipal use.

### Administrative Divisions

Oklahoma comprises 77 counties, organized as follows with their founding dates: Oklahoma County (1890), Canadian County (1889), Cleveland County (1889), Tulsa County (1905), and numerous others established between 1890 and 1912. County seats serve as administrative centers for local governance.

The state's capital, Oklahoma City, was founded in 1889 and serves as the largest city and metropolitan hub. Other major cities include Tulsa (the second-largest city and historic oil capital), Norman (home to the University of Oklahoma), Broken Arrow, Lawton, and Edmond.

### Transportation Infrastructure

Oklahoma's transportation network includes three major interstate highways: Interstate 35 runs north-south through the center of the state, connecting Oklahoma City to Dallas and Wichita. Interstate 40 traverses the state east-west, connecting Oklahoma City to Amarillo and Little Rock. Interstate 44 runs diagonally from Wichita, Kansas through Oklahoma City to St. Louis, Missouri.

U.S. Route 66, the historic "Mother Road," passed through Oklahoma connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. Although decommissioned as a federal highway, segments remain drivable as historic byways, passing through cities like Clinton, Elk City, and Stroud.

Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City provides commercial air service. The state maintains numerous regional airports including Tulsa International Airport, Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport, and Ardmore Municipal Airport. The Heartland Flyer Amtrak route connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas.

### Military and Defense

Oklahoma maintains significant military infrastructure. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, established in 1941, houses the largest Air Force maintenance and logistics complex in the nation and employs over 10,000 military and civilian personnel. Vance Air Force Base in Enid provides undergraduate pilot training for the Air Force. Fort Sill, near Lawton, is an Army installation specializing in field artillery training and is home to the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School.

The presence of these installations contributes billions of dollars annually to the state economy and positions Oklahoma as a critical component of American defense capabilities.

### Education and Research

Higher education in Oklahoma includes the University of Oklahoma in Norman (founded 1890), a comprehensive research university with over 30,000 students. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater (founded 1890) maintains major agricultural and engineering programs. Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, founded in 1901, serves approximately 4,898 students and operates as a regional comprehensive institution.

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, established in 1971, comprises seven health profession colleges and serves as the primary medical research institution in the state.

Primary and secondary education operates through local school districts governed by elected boards, with funding from state appropriations and local property taxes.

### Cultural Institutions and Recreation

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art houses significant collections including the Samuel H. Kress collection of European paintings. The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, established in 1986 in Oklahoma City, honors the sport's greatest athletes and contributors. The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, opened in 2010, features over 300 skeletal specimens and is the only museum dedicated solely to osteology in the United States.

Natural attractions include Turner Falls (the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma), the Glass Mountains (a small mountain range in the northwest), Black Mesa (the highest point in Oklahoma), and the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area in Tulsa. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, a roadside attraction built in the 1970s, has become an iconic photograph location.

Oklahoma's state park system includes over 50 parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas offering hiking, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

### Notable Connected Entities

The Storm Prediction Center, located in Norman, Oklahoma, serves as the national center for forecasting severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, issuing watches and warnings that affect the entire United States.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, headquartered in Durant, is one of the largest federally recognized Native American tribes with over 200,000 members. The Chickasaw Nation, headquartered in Ada, is another major tribal nation in the state.

Kerr-McGee, an American energy company founded in 1946 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, was a major independent oil and gas producer before being acquired by Anadarko Petroleum.

### Demographics and Economy

Oklahoma's population of approximately 3.9 million makes it the 28th most populous state. The population is concentrated in the two major metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which together account for over one-third of state residents.

The economy relies heavily on energy extraction, with Oklahoma ranking among the top states for oil and natural gas production. Agriculture remains significant, with cattle ranching, wheat, cotton, and poultry representing major agricultural products. Manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare round out the primary economic sectors.

### Climate and Weather

Oklahoma experiences a humid subtropical climate in the east transitioning to a semi-arid continental climate in the west. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F). Winters are generally mild but can bring significant cold snaps and ice storms.

The state's position in Tornado Alley makes it one of the most tornado-prone regions in the world, with an average of 62 tornadoes annually. The spring months of April through June typically see the highest tornado activity. The state also experiences significant severe weather including large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. System for Award Management
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. FIPS 10-4
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
9. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
10. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
11. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
12. GeoNames
13. BBC Things
14. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
15. UMLS 2023
16. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
17. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28957-Oklahoma-Vacations.html)
18. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
19. Google Maps
20. Oklahoma, Imagine That!. subreddit
21. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
22. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
23. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
24. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Oklahoma;3950457.html)
25. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
26. Golden
27. KBpedia
28. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
29. museum-digital