Oklahoma

Interesting Facts about Oklahoma

Oklahoma's nickname is the Sooner State. Why? During the landruns those who snuck past the markers before to the actual shotgun start in search of the best land areas were called "sooners".

The word "Oklahoma" comes from two Choctaw Indian words meaning "red people." More American Indian tribes are headquartered in Oklahoma than any other state and 39 of those are federally-recognized nations.

In 1910, a political dispute caused the state's capitol to be moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City. It's been said that the state's seal was moved in the during the night in a "bundle of laundry."

The highest point in Oklahoma is Black Mesa (at 4,973 feet), located in the Panhandle (a.k.a. No Man's Land). It takes approximately four hours on foot to reach the top. The soil around the Black Mesa is, of course, black...very different from the red dirt one sees around the majority of Oklahoma. It's a very cool place to visit.

The Great Salt Plains are is a great place to dig up selenite crystals. It looks like a great sea of salt for miles around. Located north of Jet, Oklahoma, the flats are sectioned off into designated digging areas during the spring and fall. There's a beautiful lake nearby for fishing, camping, and other activities.

Belle Starr, one of the most famous women outlaws, is buried in an isolated grave southwest of Porum, Oklahoma near the Eufuala Dam. Her murder was never solved.

So, what in the world is that symbol in the middle of Oklahoma's state flag? Well, it's an Indian war shield. The crosses on the shield represent stars. Seven eagle feathers are around the edge of the shield. An Indian peace pipe with a pipestone bowl and a tassel at the end of the pipestem lies on the shield. Above the Indian peace pipe is an olive branch which symbolizes peace.

Oklahoma rose rocks look like roses. They are formed by barite rock crystals and our red soil colors them in hues of red and brown. Noble, Oklahoma is the place to find the Rose Rock Museum...a great collection of rose rocks and rose rock sculptures. My kids love this place.

These and more found at Your Oklahoma