"Born There but a Visitor Now" a Tulsa Travel Page by AlbuqRay

Based on the discovery of the Glenn Pool oil field in 1905, Tulsa became the "Oil Capital of the World." Oil money helped Tulsa become what it is today but much of the oil-based business moved to Houston many years ago. Many interesting topics about Tulsa's oil history are documented with markers in the area.

The International Oil Exposition was once held every five years at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. By the time of the sixteenth exhibition in 1971, it had grown to include more than five hundred of the world's leading petroleum manufacturers, services, and supply companies. The exhibits were valued at more than $1,000,000,000. However, I don't think it has been held since 1980. I remember that they used to have a real oil rig actually drilling at each Exposition and it would always strike oil! However, at the time Tulsa did not allow drilling within the city limits like Oklahoma City, so the field was not developed.

Although much of the downtown area had already changed (mostly due to urban renewal programs) by the time I left Tulsa to go to graduate school in 1964, it is even more different now. I should take the self-guided tour myself.

I never realized there were so many churches in downtown Tulsa. Urban renewal has made them more visible. Boston Avenue Methodist Church is the most famous because of its unique architecture. Oral Roberts University has some unique architecture too. I'll put some pictures in the tips about it. I wonder if Tulsa is still considered the buckle of the "Bible Belt."

Actually we moved into this house when I was in the 6th grade. We sold it after my mom moved to Albuquerque and someone has really fixed it up.