Oklahoma
"Trail of Tears"
Painting by Robert Lindneux

 
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Oklahoma, also called "The Sooner State," is smack dab in the middle of the Heartland, USA. The name Oklahoma is from the Choctaw Nation words "okla" meaning people, and "humma" meaning red... "Red People." The largest population (250,000) of Native American Indians in the United States, with Tribal Headquarters for 39 Tribes, are in Oklahoma. The state was known as Indian Territory when the 5 civilized Tribes were forced to relocate here, during 1838-1839, from their homes in the southeast as ordered by President Jackson in what is known as the "Trail of Tears." A treaty then swore this would be the Indians' Promised Land, "for as long as the grass grows and the water flows." -- However, in 1889 a choice portion of Indian Territory in Oklahoma was opened up for white settlement in one of the most bizarre events known to American History. Over 100,000 people lined up along 165 miles of the Kansas border ready to take off and stake their claims in the Land Rush. Those Federal Marshals, railroad personnel, and others who were legally allowed in the territory before the shot fired at noon, starting the race into "Cherokee Strip," were called "legal sooners" which is how the name Oklahoma "Sooners" came to be.
In 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state. Oklahoma is located north of Texas, and south of Kansas, with a portion of our panhandle south of Colorado. The northeastern part of Oklahoma, where I live, is called "green country"... Strange to think this is the same state that was referred to as part of the "dust bowl" of the 1930's. (There are still parts that get pretty dusty.)
Approximately 25% of Oklahoma is forest lands, including four mountain ranges: the Ouachitas, Arbuckles, Witchitas, and Kiamichis. We have over one million surface acres of water in Oklahoma... more miles of shoreline than the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts combined.
Oklahoma has elk, deer, bears, wolves, coyote, groundhogs (woodchucks), rabbits, turkey, eagles, hawks, owls, many birds... and even bison (American buffalo) - Oklahoma's state animal - at the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska. Here are some Oklahoma wildlife photos
Did you know Oklahoma has a Drug Store Museum? -- And even a highway museum - Route 66 Museum.
In 1996, I returned to Oklahoma from the gulf coast. It's good to be home! I have wanted to be rooted in Oklahoma all my life. I've just traveled too much to have roots. Maybe they grew spiritually while I was off "changing the world"... Ah yes, I'm one of "those"... but you know, any change that does come about is from the efforts of one person -- enough "ones" unite to have a loud voice, and they become heard. Join us! Voice your opinions - add your "one" to the numbers to help improve our water quality and get better pollution disposal. Then our grandchildren and their grandchildren can also enjoy the bountiful pleasures of our world. -- ok, Here's

Some Oklahoma Sites

The Best, IMNSHO (in my not so humble opinion:)
 
Native American jump to:
Oklahoma Education / Gov
About Oklahoma
Tulsa City/County
Oklahoma City
Owasso

Here's an Oklahoma State map, Road Maps, Historical OK Maps, & OK Digital Maps

Events & Festivals
Oklahoma Census Data
Oklahoma State Emblems & Seals
Constitution of the State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Photos
Oklahoma Nature Photography Ghost Towns of Oklahoma
TravelOK 10 Most Beautiful Places
CrazyTourist Best Places to visit
NWS Norman: Monthly & Annual Averages & Records, OKC
Oklahoma Tornado Info
Oklahoma Radio Stations on the Internet

Birds of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Fdn Quarter Horse Reg
Oklahoma Fishing
Oklahoma Campgrounds
OK Camping
Oklahoma State Parks
Oklahoma Bed & Breakfast Inns
Oklahoma Postcard Collection

Oklahoma Newspapers
Native Times
The Cherokee Observer - News
Oklahoma Indian Territories & Maps
Oklahoma Indian Nations
Oklahoma's American Indian Culture
Red Earth
Jerome Bushyhead,Cheyenne El Reno Artist
John Guthrie, Cherokee Guthrie Artist
Linda Hogan, Chickasaw - Poet, novelist, essayist, playwright & activist - Gene Autry
Sandra Van Zandt Art Sculptures Talala
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma
American Indian Museum Oklahoma
Indian Health Service
Oklahoma Authors & Writers

Eskimo Joe's, since 1975
Oklahoma Aquarium
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
History:
Oklahoma Route 66
Okla Route 66 photos
Adventures of Wells Fargo
Belle Starr
Bonnie & Clyde in Oklahoma
Doolin - Dalton Gang
Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd
Gateway to Oklahoma History from
  OK Historical Society
Oklahoma History
Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
OK History Education Resources
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve - Bartlesville
Rogers County Historical Society
Will Rogers

Afghans for Angels
Oklahoma Homeschooling / (More)
Oklahoma Homeschool
OU Sooners | OU
 
Oklahoma Colleges & Universities
Oklahoma Supreme Court
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma Legal Aid
Oklahoma State Government
Contacting Congress
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Oklahoma First-Aid for Poisoning
Oklahoma Dept of Human Services
Oklahoma Main Street Program (Dept of Commerce)
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Oklahoma Vital Records Information
Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma
Green Country Communities:
Bartlesville
Bixby
Broken Arrow
Catoosa
Claremore
Collinsville
Coweta
Drumright
Fort Gibson
Glenpool
Grove
Jenks
Muskogee
Oologah
Osage County
Owasso
Ponca City
Rogers County
Sand Springs
Sapulpa
Shawnee
Skiatook
Stillwater
Tahlequah
Tulsa
(Tulsa Maps)
Verdigris
link to Cardinal Information - photo copyright by E.C.Gruhler Oklahoma has many of these beautiful Cardinals. -- Photo copyright 1998 by E.C.Gruhler used by permission
(Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, OK State Bird)
 

Tulsa Resources

Tulsa

Oklahoma City, our state capital
Oklahoma City, our state capital


Oklahoma City Map
Oklahoma County Map
Will Rogers World Airport
OKC Convention & Visitors Bureau (events)
OKC History
Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Bricktown
45th Infantry Thunderbird Museum
Metropolitan Library System
Omniplex-Kirkpatrick Science/Air Space Museum
Red Earth Festival & Museum (June Fest)
OKC Events - Sports & Entertainment
Things to DO
Oklahoma State Fair
Parks & Trails
OKC Zoo

OKC Jobs
More Job Resources
The Church in Oklahoma City
Daily Oklahoman Online
Weather

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
City of Oklahoma City
City Council & Mayor
OK Dept of Commerce
OKC Police Department
OKC Schools
 



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Page Title: Gateway to Oklahoma - by Snowhawk
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