Oklahoma, USA — visiting The Sooner State

In ca. 1800 the area of Oklahoma was set aside by the government for the Native Americans. The name stems from the language of the Choctaw Native Americans: okla homma which means something like red people.

In 1880 the government decided it needs more land for the white people and opened up the reservation for settlement. The land was occupied even before that became official and that is a reason why the by-name The Sooner State originated: sooner than later the land was taken by the white man. Another by-name is The Boomer State which describes the fact that many white settlers and businessmen became rich when they came so early to start their thing…

What to do / Sightseeing

• Oklahoma City (capital of Oklahoma)
• Ft. Sill Post (Geronimo’s Grave Site)
• Guthrie
• Route 66
• Bartlesville
• Alabaster Caverns State Park

Geronimo’s Gravesite

Ft. Sill became the home of the U.S. Field Artillery Center and School in 1911.
The Buffalo Soldiers were stationed here in the 1870s and provided major assistance in the construction of the post.

Forty-six of Ft. Sill’s original structures are still in use and in mint condition. The Post Quadrangle features historic homes, museum buildings and the Post Chapel.
While on Post, visit Geronimo’s Grave, the final resting-place of the great Apache warrior.

American Indian notables including Quanah Parker are buried at Chief’s Knoll in the Post Cemetery.

Guthrie, the first Capital of Oklahoma

Guthrie’s beauty and grace befit the optimism as the first state capitol of the new 46th state of Oklahoma.

Ongoing restoration since the 1980’s has preserved Guthrie’s rich architectural legacy and all its grandeur. Almost all of the original 19th century buildings remain and most of the commercial structures have been restored. Today, Guthrie is the largest contiguous urban historic district on the National Register, extending 1,400acres and 400 city blocks. A living museum of late 19th century architecture, Guthrie was designated a national Landmark Community in 1999.

Oklahoma has the longest stretch of Route 66

Every Route 66 state has its own unique sights and special contributions to the history and lore (or is that lure?) of Route 66. But only in Oklahoma do the elements of buildings, roadside attractions, people and history come together in such overwhelming abundance

The fabled “Main Street of America” crosses Oklahoma for 392-plus miles (and in fact was born here; the road’s architect, Cyrus Avery, lived in Tulsa). Route 66 enthusiasts will tell you there’s no better place to cruise–travelers find neon-lit diners, drive-in theaters, mom-and-pop gas stations and many of the famed Route 66 icons within Oklahoma’s borders. The state also is home to the National Route 66 museum and a state Route 66 Museum.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s only Skyscraper

The only skyscraper ever realized by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most influential architects. Built in 1956, it is also the only place in the world where you can book a hotel room in a structure designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

This slim and richly detailed structure invites the public to explore it’s exhibition galleries, stay at the Inn at Price Tower in the cantilevered Copper Restaurant + Bar. The 221-foot-tall building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the American Institute of Architect’s 17 most significant examples of Wright’s architecture.

Located in Bartlesville, OK, see more on the official website: https://www.pricetower.org/

Hometowns of Brad Pitt and Carrie Underwood

Checotah, Okla., is the Hometown of American Idol & Country Music Superstar Carrie Underwood.
While visiting the hometown of 2005 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, you should also take time to enjoy the events and attractions in and around Checotah.

Shawnee, Okla., has it all –wine, stained glass, even the birthplace of Brad Pitt Shawnee will captivate and entertain no mater what your age or interest. From wineries and antique shops, to museums and Brad Pitt’s birthplace- Shawnee is a town that has much to offer.

World’s largest gypsum cave at Alabaster Caverns State Park

Alabaster Caverns State Park, near Freedom, Okla., is truly a rare Oklahoma Treasure. Enjoy a tour through the beautifully lighted cavern or create your own wild caving adventure!
The world largest single deposit of pure alabaster is found in this park.

The highlight of this 200-acre park is the 3/4-mile cavern formed of alabaster, a rare form of gypsum, making it the largest natural gypsum cave in the world open to the public. Daily guided tours of the cave are available on the hour from 9am to 4pm

Check out some information Alabaster Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor.com

State Data & Essentials

State Name
Oklahoma  – State Abbr.: OK
Statehood
16-Nov-1907
– Statehood Ranking: 46
Land Area
68,667 square miles  (177,841 qkm)
– Land Area Ranking: 19
Population
3,751,351 (2010 Census); 3,450,654 (2000 Census)
Capital
Oklahoma City
Biggest City
Oklahoma City
Nickname
The Sooner State
Motto
“Labor Omnia Vincit” (== Labor Conquers All Things)
Highest Point
1.516 m / 4,974 ft (Black Mesa)
Lowest Point
87,5 m / 287 ft (Little River)
Daylight Saving Time: yes
Tree
Redbud
Flower
Mistletoe
Bird
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
Animal
American Buffalo or Bison
Song
“Oklahoma!” (by Rodgers & Hammerstein – see also the same named Musical)

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