Oklahoma
( The Sooner State )
The name Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw Indian words, okla, which means "people", and "humma", which means "red." In 1889, Congress opened up 2 million acres for white settlement (it was previously open only to Native Americans who were forced to leave their homelands), and the first of a number of land runs began. Some of the state's settlers were called "Sooners" because they had already staked their land claims before the land was officially opened for settlement. In 1907, Oklahoma became the 47th state in the Union. Oklahoma is a major fuel and food-producing state. Thousands of oil and natural gas wells dot the Oklahoma landscape. Millions of white-faced beef cattle graze on Oklahoma's flat plain and low hills. Fertile fields produce vast crops of wheat. Will Rogers, the famous Oklahoma cowboy humorist, once said, "There ought to be a law against anybody going to Europe until they have seen the things we have in this country". He may have been thinking of some of the scenic spots in his home state. The range of Oklahoma's attractions include beautiful natural settings, Indian villages and striking modern buildings.
Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Oklahoma include:
Chuck Norris,
Mickey Mantle,
Tim Duncan,
Ron Howard,
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The Flag of Oklahoma
Entered the Union in 1907 as the 46th State; flag adopted in 1925, modified in 1941 and 1988. An Osage shield stands for defense, its small crosses for lofty ideals. The blue background symbolizes loyalty, while the olive branch and calumet are for peace.
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 Largest Cities in the State
(2000) Oklahoma City, 506,132; Tulsa, 393,049; Norman, 95,694; Lawton, 92,757; Broken Arrow, 74,859; Edmond, 68,315; Midwest City, 54,088; Enid, 47,045; Moore, 41,138; Stillwater, 39,065
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Business and Trade in Oklahoma
Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, milk, poultry, cotton.
Industries: Transportation equipment, machinery, electric products, rubber and plastic products, food processing.
State Symbols and Emblems
- Bird: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Flower: Mistletoe (phoradendron serotinum)
- Tree: Redbud (cercis canadensis)
- Song(s): Oklahoma
- Motto: Labor Omnia Vincit (Labor Conquers All Things)
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Capital: Oklahoma City
Local Weather
Statehood: 1907-11-16
Population:
3,450,654 (50.3 mi2)
Geographic Area (mi2)
Total 69,898.19
Water 1,231.13
Land 68,667.06
Rank 19th Largest
State Education:
Pub & Prv Schools
College & University
Libraries
Border States: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas
Health Information:
Illicit Drug Use
Housing: In Oklahoma, there are 1,514,400 housing units, averaging to 22.1 per sq mile.
 Related Magazines:
Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine
Oklahoma Game & Fish
Inside OU Sports Magazine
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