Gettin’ to Know the Amazing State of Oklahoma

Are you an Oklahoman who knows everything there is to know about the state? Are you sure? Test your knowledge of Oklahoma by reviewing our collection of facts and interesting tidbits to see if you can learn something new!

9 Interesting Things You May Not Know

1. Oklahoma is the 20th largest state by area in the United States, with 69,899 square miles.
2. The state is in the country’s South Central region, bordered by Texas to the south, Arkansas to the east, Missouri to the northeast, Kansas to the north, Colorado to the northwest, and New Mexico to the west.
3. Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the Union in 1907. It gets its name from the Choctaw words ‘okla’ and ‘humma,’ which mean ‘red people’ in Choctaw.
4. Oklahoma City is the state’s largest city, with a population of over 600,000 people. Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, and Lawton are among the state’s other major cities.
5. Energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are all important parts of the state’s economy.
6. Oklahoma is well-known for its rich Native American heritage, with 39 federally recognized tribes.
7. The state is also notable for its distinctive geography, which includes rolling hills, forests, and prairies. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the Ouachita National Forest are two of the state’s national parks and forests.
8. The state also has several notable landmarks and attractions, including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and the Will Rogers World Airport.
9. Oklahoma is known for its music and art scene, as well as its cuisine, which includes dishes like fried okra, chicken fried steak, and pecan pie.

9 Most Popular Tourist Destinations

1. Anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West should visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
2. The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995.
3. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is the state’s busiest airport and a major hub for international travelers.
4. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is a lovely and tranquil park with hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
5. The Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma is a beautiful and tranquil place to get away from city life.
6. With events and exhibitions held throughout the year, the Tulsa State Fairgrounds is a popular destination for those interested in agriculture.
7. Tulsa’s Arts District is a vibrant and creative neighborhood filled with galleries, theaters, and other cultural attractions.
8. Oklahoma City’s Myriad Botanical Gardens is a lovely and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, with a wide variety of plants and flowers on display.
9. Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art is a world-class art museum with a diverse collection of works from around the world.

9 Famous People Born in Oklahoma

1. Will Rogers, born in Oologah, Oklahoma, was an American actor, writer, and humorist. He was well-known for his witty commentary on politics and current events.
2. Woody Guthrie, born in Okemah, Oklahoma, was an American singer-songwriter and folk musician. He is best known for writing the classic folk song ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and other songs.
3. S.E. Hinton is a Tulsa, Oklahoma-born American author. Her young adult novels, such as The Outsiders and That Was Then, This Is Now, have made her a household name.
4. Ron Howard was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, and is an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days, as well as his directing work on blockbuster films like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind.
5. Reba McEntire was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, and is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is a country music legend with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
6. Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is an American singer and songwriter. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, he is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
7. Toby Keith was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, and is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is a country music superstar who has released over 20 studio albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide.
8. Chuck Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, and is an American actor and martial artist. He is best known for his roles in action films such as The Expendables 2 and Delta Force.
9. K.D. Lang is a Canadian singer-songwriter born in Consort, Alberta, but raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Pawnee, Oklahoma. She is a Grammy Award winner who has released over 20 albums.

9 of the Most Popular Songs About Oklahoma

1. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma’ is a classic musical number from the same-named Broadway show. The song is a lively and upbeat celebration of the spirit and beauty of the state.
2. Garth Brooks’ ‘Oklahoma Wind’ is a classic country ballad that pays homage to the state’s wide open spaces and strong sense of community.
3. Woody Guthrie’s folk song ‘Oklahoma Hills’ celebrates the state’s rolling hills and wide-open skies.
4. The Dixie Chicks’ ‘Travelin’ Soldier’ is a moving ballad about an Oklahoma soldier fighting in the Vietnam War.
5. Stoney LaRue’s ‘Oklahoma Breakdown’ is a lively and energetic song that captures the spirit and energy of the state.
6. ‘Wherever You Are’ a catchy and upbeat love song by Oklahoma native Austin Webb, celebrates the state’s charm and beauty.
7. Blake Shelton’s ‘Home’ is a heartfelt ballad about returning to Oklahoma after a long absence.
8. Garth Brooks’ song ‘Oklahoma City’ is a nostalgic and heartfelt tribute to the state’s capital city.
9. Miranda Lambert’s ‘The House That Built Me’ is a moving ballad about the value of home and the memories associated with it.

9 Greatest Movies Set in Oklahoma

1. ‘The Outsiders’ is a classic coming-of-age film set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The film is based on S.E. Hinton’s novel of the same name and stars a young cast that includes Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze.
2. The thrilling disaster film ‘Twister’ is set in Oklahoma. The film follows a group of storm chasers as they follow a string of deadly tornadoes across the state.
3. ‘Rain Man’ is a touching road trip film set in Oklahoma. The film stars Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as two estranged brothers who reunite on a cross-state journey.
4. ‘Tumbleweeds’ is a coming-of-age drama set in rural Oklahoma in the 1970s. The story follows a young girl and her mother as they navigate life on the road and seek a sense of belonging.
5. ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ is a classic drama set in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. The film is based on John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name, and it follows a family of Oklahoma farmers as they travel west to California in search of a better life.
6. ‘The Killer Inside Me’ is a dark and suspenseful crime drama set in rural Oklahoma in the 1950s. The plot revolves around a small-town sheriff who is hiding a dark secret and will go to any length to protect it.
7. ‘Caddyshack’ is a classic comedy set on a fictitious golf course in Oklahoma. The film follows a group of mischievous caddies as they attempt to outwit the stuffy and uptight members of the club.
8. ‘Sling Blade’ is a gripping and emotionally charged drama set in rural Oklahoma. Billy Bob Thornton plays a mentally challenged man who is released from a psychiatric hospital and must deal with the difficulties of life on the outside.
9. ‘The Cherokee Word for Water’ is a moving drama set in rural Oklahoma. The film is based on the true story of a band of Cherokee Indians who fought for running water in their community.