"The Sooner State" Top 5 Page for this destination Oklahoma by rexvaughan

Oklahoma Travel Guide: 1,790 reviews and 2,695 photos

Strange history

Oklahoma is my home state - I was born, raised, educated and married here so I will always be an "Okie".

The history of the state is a strange one. Before the great Land Run of 1889 the entire state was Native American reservations - they kept being pushed off land the white folks wanted and promised that was it, but it never was. Oklahoma has the largest Native American population of any state and, to its credit, made efforts to affirm that and reclaim their history and culture. The recently completed Capitol dome in Oklahoma City is topped by a Native American figure called "The Guardian" done by a Seminole artist.

Another strange twist is that the original state capitol was in Guthrie but the state seal was stolen in the dark of night and taken to Oklahoma City.

The name "Sooner" is a source of pride to a great many Oklahomans but was actually born of underhanded dealings. The land rush was to begin April 22, 1889 but some folks snuck in early to stake their claims. They were known as "Sooners."

Last visit to Oklahoma: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 28, 2008
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Reviews (4)

Home of Native Americans Local Customs (1)

I mentioned elsewhere that there are more Native Americans in Oklahoma than any other state and that in the past 20 - 30... more travel advice

Try their "legal" brew Restaurants (1)

People in Oklahoma have been known to drive 150 miles to have dinner here. It is a very nice and large facility with... more travel advice

Good basic accommodation Hotels (2)

This is a good basic American motel type facility. It is only a couple of years old, so is bright, clean and cheerful.... more travel advice

Decent Breakfast Hotels (2)

As American motels go, this one is pretty good. The rooms are good size and clean. The breakfast is a cut above some in... more travel advice

Comments (3)

Bwana_Brown May 24, 2006 at 9:03 AM Report Abuse

A nice little page on Oklahoma! I more than enjoyed my short time in the state while waiting for the start of a meeting in Dallas!! Good point about the brick streets - I saw an old one in Kansas not so long ago.
deecat Apr 6, 2006 at 3:08 PM Report Abuse

Excellent introduction, Rex. Another great restaurant tip. Enjoyable, interesting as well as informative.
TravelCool Feb 4, 2005 at 8:15 PM Report Abuse

I met an actress who played a mermaid in Oklahoma.