Tulsa is the second largest city in all of Oklahoma. It is also the 47th largest in America having a population of approximately 389,625 residents as of 2009. The county seat of Tulsa County, which is the densest in the state in terms of population, Tulsa is the header of a large metropolitan area. Tulsa encompasses the counties of Osage, Wagoner, and Rogers. Tulsa is located in the heart of Tornado Alley, an area of the country which often undergoes harsh weather, especially tornadoes and high winds. It is located near the Ozark Mountains, on the Arkansas River. The city used to depend strongly on oil industry. During much of the 20th century, Tulsa was one of the most important centers in the United States for oil production. This has given rise to the city's nickname: The Oil Capital of the World. Residents of Tulsa can be affectionately referred to as “Tulsans”. Home to world famous art museums, opera and ballet productions, and an enormous concentration of artistic modern architecture, Tulsa is considered the culture and fine art center of Oklahoma. The city is also known to be a center for higher education, offering the Oral Roberts University and University of Tulsa.
Tulsa was once considered to be an Indian territory, having been settled in the year 1836 by the Creek and Lochapoka tribes. Their home was formed under an oak tree in the place where Cheyenne Avenue and 18th Street now stand today. They christened this settlement with the name Tallasi. The name Tallasi is from the Creek language, meaning “old town”. It eventually became Tulsa as we know it today. The city of Tulsa was not made official until early 1898, with the election of Edward Calkins as the mayor.
The first oil well in Tulsa was called Sue Bland No. 1. The well was established in 1898, and by 1905, masses of entrepreneurs were gathering to the oil fields. The population of the city grew between 1901 and 1930 to more than 140,000 people. The profits from the oil and bustling economy helped the city survive the Great Depression in a much better way than most other places in America. Tulsa is thought to be a birthplace of the famed Route 66. It was started in 1925, when a business man named Cyrus Avery started to build a road which would link Chicago and California. The historic Route 66 plays many roles in the history of America. The city of Tulsa became a popular tourist stop and grew widely in areas of entertainment, population, and basic needs. Cain's Ballroom was built in 1935. It is known to many as the Carnegie Hall of Western Swing. Many musical acts passed through the venue and is still open to this day. For the rest of the twentieth century, parks, gardens, museums, and churches were all erected and to this day the city is still being improved upon. Time magazine named Tulsa the country's most beautiful city during the 1950s.
Tulsa is not so different today than it was at its establishment, though there are many more new things to see today. Art deco architecture is very popular within the city. In fact, there is the largest concentration of this style of any city in America. Streamlined and zig-zag styles are very popular throughout the city, and the buildings can be seen all over Tulsa, mostly downtown but some sporadically placed even in the older neighborhoods. Some of the most popular and impressive structures in the city include the Mid Continent Tower, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, and Philtower. Tulsa is also home to the BOK Tower, which is the tallest building in the Midwest. In addition to this, Tulsa is home to all of the tallest buildings in Oklahoma.
Tulsa's downtown section is about 1.5 square miles. It is surrounded by the loop formed by Interstate 244, Highway 75, and Highway 64. Not only do its historic areas attract tourists, but these also act as the city's business district. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center, BOK Center, and Tulsa Convention Center are all located in downtown Tulsa. According to a 2006 census report, Tulsa is home to about 380,900 residents, with 99,115 families. There are over 2,000 residents per square mile. More than 68% of the population is white, with nearly 16% being black. Other residents such as Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans make up very small percentages of Tulsa's population.
Throughout Tulsa's history, the city's economy has been dominated by the oil industry. Moreover, the city's efforts to diversify the economy have resulted in the existence of other important industries such as finances, technologies, aerospace, communication, and manufacturing. The American Airlines base at Tulsa's International Airport is not only the biggest employer in the city, but it is also the biggest maintenance facility in the entire world. According to Forbes magazine in 2006, Tulsa is one of the best cities in America for business.
Some of Tulsa's biggest companies are Baker-Hughes, Best Buy, Community Health Systems, and IBM. The typical career in the city is in management and professional occupation. An estimated 76% of Tulsa's workers are employed by companies. On the other hand, about 10% are employed by the government, while 6% are self-employed. The most common jobs that can be found in the city are in physical therapy, assistant management, sales clerking, and nursing. The typical salary for a job in Tulsa, according to the government, is about 32,586 dollars per annum. Tulsa's unemployment rates are only slightly higher than the national average of 6.9%. However, since early 2009, the amount of jobs in the city has increased by about 20%.
Tulsa boasts a great many restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. The city features a great variety of cuisine from the local merchants and tastes of countries all around the world. Tulsa serves up American, Italian, Asian, French, Indian, and many more—all within the city. Try Billy Ray's Bar-B-Q & Catfish for some of the best seafood in the area. Highly rated by its frequent customers, Billy Ray's is conveniently located in the heart of the city. For some authentic Italian food, head over to Ciao. With excellent food in a welcoming and pleasant environment, Ciao works hard to serve its valued customers.
For some classic American dining in an upscale, pleasant environment, try going to the Avalon Supper Club. With a few famous specialty dishes and excellent service, the Avalon Supper Club is a local favorite for special occasions or any time. Another local must-try is the Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar. With special food items, a romantic environment, excellent wine list, and moderate prices, the Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar is a perfect dining destination in Tulsa. Applauded by native Asians for the authenticity of their dishes, the Golden Gate Restaurant is said to be the best Chinese food in the entire city. A small establishment tucked away deep in the city, their quality and service is unbeatable. Highly rated by the locals, the Golden Gate Restaurant will treat you like family
Tulsa is home to multiple prestigious and beautiful public art displays. One of the most highly acclaimed establishments, The Philbrook Museum, which is situated in an oil baron's former estate, is ranked in the top 50 museums for fine art in America. It is also one of only five that offers the combination of its artwork with a historical home and beautiful garden and has been in operation since 1939.
Housing the biggest collection of Judaica in southwest America, the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish art includes artifacts from the Holocaust and exhibits documenting aspects of Judaism. There are multiple other museums in the city as well, including the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Tulsa also features multiple dancing, theater and musical groups. These include the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and the American Theater Company. There are also multiple facilities for the performing arts. These include the Tulsa Convention Center, the Expo Square Pavilion, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Most of these facilities can be found in the downtown Brady Arts District, the centerpiece of which is the Brady Theater. The Brady Theater can be found in the National Register of Historic Places.
Tulsa has plenty of interesting and unique attractions for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a resident or a tourist. Not only are there many parks and gardens, but there are also many animal attractions including zoos, aquariums, fairs, and many more. The city has 140 parks scattered throughout. One of its best is Woodward Park. This park, located in middle Tulsa, features 250 varieties of roses in its botanical garden, with a total of over 6,000 plants.
Considered as America's favorite zoo, the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum features about 1,500 animals with 436 species. The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum also archives histories and cultures from various areas in North America. The Tulsa Zoo stretches over 78 acres. Another animal life attraction in Tulsa is the Oklahoma Aquarium. The sole free standing aquarium in Oklahoma, the Aquarium features more than 200 exhibits, which includes a shark tank. Rated in the world's top ten by USA Today, the Tulsa State Fair, which opens in the autumn, brings in more than a million visitors during its ten-day duration. Some of the attractions featured at the Fair include thrilling amusement park rides and exhibition of agriculture in the Built Ford Tough Livestock Facility. The Fair's biggest facility is the QuikTrip Center, which has been recently overhauled. In the Center, vendors and merchants from anywhere can provide attractive booths for a large variety of items.
After a long day of sightseeing in Tulsa, get ready to relax and have some fun as you dive into the city's night life. Whether you are interested in an intimate bar or dancing the night away in a flashy club, Tulsa will have something for you. Read on for information on some of the hottest bars and clubs in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area.
For a tavern with an authentic Irish flair, try the Kilkennys Irish Pub. Designed by the Irish with traditional foods and the best real Irish whiskey, the Kilkennys Irish Pub will not disappoint. The pub comes highly recommended by the locals for its excellent service and friendly, welcoming staff. For a chance to dance all night in a hip environment, check out Tulsa's premier rock and roll dance club, the Pink Bar & Lounge. Tulsa is also home to a few casinos to complete the ultimate nighttime trip. The River Spirit Casino offers a large, tempting buffet to its visitors, as well as drinks and a range of casino games to keep you entertained all night long. The city's favorite casino, the Million Dollar Elm Casino, is highly rated among the locals for its long-standing traditions. With plenty of games including poker rooms and bingo, you will find it easy to stay a while. Easily accessible from the highways, the Million Dollar Elm Casino also entertains its valued guests with live music performances from local talent.
There are many places where one can shop in Tulsa. Aside from its beautiful scenic spots, Tulsa is also home to a great variety of shopping venues for its visitors and residents. One of the most well-known shopping areas in the city is in Utica Square. Established in 1952 as the city's first suburban shopping section, Utica Square is an upscale, outdoor venue anchored by Miss Jackson's, a local department store. It also features an outlet of Saks Fifth Avenue as well as a selection of small independent stores.
There is another popular shopping venue aside from the Utica Square. This is the Woodland Hills Mall, which is one of the biggest malls in the state of Oklahoma. Anchored by the big names in retailing business such as Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears, the Woodland Hills Mall is home to everything one could ever need. The Woodland Hills Mall was put into operation in the year 1976. Tulsa also offers every other single store that could ever be needed. These include such big name retailers as Wal-Mart, Kohl's, and T-Mobile, as well as smaller specialty shops like Christie's Toy Box and Scrapbooks Galore 'N More. Tulsa is home to everything imaginable.
Tulsa offers a suitable range of services in the areas of health and beauty, as well. You will find that there is an abundance of facilities offering services and products to relieve stress, lose weight, and maintain image. These include beauty salons, day spas, medical spas, fitness centers, and massage parlors. Many of the salons located in Tulsa offer standard hair styling services for men, women, and children. Some of these facilities include Toni Johnson Salon and Spa, Studio One, and Salon 54. For professional and cutting edge beauty work for ladies, try Obscurities Hair & Art Studio, Z Studio, or Michael Brothers Hair. For nail care and manicures, check out Kelli Inman Nail and Skin Care, Lucille's Dermacare Hair & Nails, or Gem's Hair & Nails.
We all know that stress problems can lead to unwanted weight gain. However, with the help of one of the professional massage parlors in Tulsa, this can be eradicated. Some of the most highly rated massage parlors in the city include Spa Lux, Broken Arrow Massage, and Indulgence Spa Massage. To further help with diet, nutrition and fitness, find help at a facility like Fit For Her, Tulsa Natural Health Clinic and Spa, or Marshall Chiropractic & Wellness Center.
Tulsa, Oklahoma takes pride in its scenic destinations that attracted people from in other cities and countries. The city is rich in cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries. Recreational destinations like the gorgeous parks, lakes, and garden centers have made the city a great place for family vacation. Tulsa guarantees a convenient and affordable stay in its reasonably priced hotels. These Tulsa hotels feature great services and exceptional staff. Visitors can stay at the Holiday Inn® Hotel Tulsa City Center. This hotel offers a memorable Tulsa experience.
Exciting music and sporting events at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the BOK Center are just a few minutes away from this beautiful property. Outdoor markets, historic neighborhoods and the local jazz scene are also nearby. Swimming at the sparkling indoor pool or going for a workout in the well-equipped fitness center can be done right at the hotel. Another good option is the La Quinta Inn & Suites located between Tulsa International Airport and Expo Square where awesome events are held. The hotel rooms are spacious and loaded with amenities including a 32-inch flat screen TV with premium channels, free Internet access, refrigerator, and more. Tourists who want to visit SpiritBank Event Center, Southern Hills Country Club and Oklahoma Aquarium can stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa South. The hotel features a steam room, indoor pool, spa tub and sauna where guests can relax and unwind. Children can enjoy their stay in the arcade/game room during their leisure time. Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown is also a good choice. The hotel is near Big Splash Water Park, Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino and a number of other shopping centers. Doubletree Hotel features its 417 well-furnished rooms that can accommodate many guests.
Tulsa Oklahoma's secondary education system consists of 3 primary school districts and is home to over 90,000 students. However, the district has been placed on accreditation probation due to numerous schools failing to perform up to standard. Any parent wishing to view their schools academic performance may visit the city school boards websites which keeps documentation of its academic performance Index and accountability record as well as a list of schools who have been marked in need of improvement. Families planning on moving into the Tulsa area are highly encouraged to seek out individual school test results at the same website. As of the 2008-2009, district annual report card 11 schools have been listed as needing improvement along with the number of years they have held this status, and Tulsa Public Schools were marked as not having made adequate yearly progress.
Tulsa, OK has 15 universities and colleges in the area. The University of Tulsa is a private university offering degrees such as computer science, natural science, engineering, and English. The university was ranked ninth for Quality of Life according to the Princeton Review's 2008 report. The Oklahoma State University offers numerous degree programs ranging from Aviation to Philosophy. The Oklahoma State University branch in Tulsa works together with university's branch in Stillwater to provide its students with a complete undergraduate course of study. Rogers State University is a public school which has rapidly seen enrollment rises faster than any other university in the state. The school provides 16 areas of degree earning, including teaching, nursing, and business administration. The Tulsa Technology Center is more like a trade school in that it teaches its students skills and training they can use immediately. The OU School of Community medicine is the first medical school of its kind across the nation. Its program is specifically designed to help the needs of citizens who may be in extremely poor health due to various reasons.
Tulsa's public transit consists of 97 vehicles that service various areas of the city. Though Tulsa is not as friendly in regards to alternative transportation, drivers will be happy to know that it was ranked amongst the lowest areas in regards to gasoline prices. Unlike other major metropolitan areas Tulsa does not boast any public rail system although there have been discussions of creating one that ranges from downtown Tulsa to the Broken Arrow suburb.
Tulsa's public transportation system is run by Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority. The buses within its system of operations operate on a fixed schedule Monday through Saturday with service ending at 6:30pm. There are a few buses which run night service until midnight. Buses run through approximately every 45 minutes during peak hours and every 90 minutes during off peak hours. It is important to note that no transit service is provided on Sundays, making Tulsa one of the largest cities in the US that does not provide public transit every day of the week.
Highways in Tulsa consist primarily of raised highways and thoroughfares. Famous in many ways, Route 66 traverses through Tulsa, full of motels and restaurants that are meant to remind people of the roads early beginnings. Two of the city's busiest highways are US 169 which travels between 51st street and 61st street. Interstate 44 is Tulsa's second most trafficked highway, the highway travels between Yale Ave and Sheridan Ave. I-244 and I-444 create Tulsa's inner loop, running through downtown and coming up through the north side of town and down around to the east and southern sides of town. For travelers planning long trips or commutes, Tulsa also operates Amtrak and Greyhound which connect Tulsa to nearby cities and states.
Tulsa, Oklahoma has 3 separate districts with a commissioner who is in charge of each district. Other elected offices are as follows: the assessor constantly updates the property records to make sure they are fair and accurate; the county clerk's office is responsible for handling the official records of the city; the court clerk's office is responsible for handling the court records for the courthouse; and finally the sheriff and treasurer make up the other elected officials.
Tulsa.County.org, the official government website, offers a wide range of services to help inform the citizens of the city about what events are currently going on. It also lists all of the public services offered. This site offers auction information detailing foreclosures and sheriff sales. This site also shows you current inmate information which helps one to navigate the local jails and the inmates residing in them. The website also holds information relating to marriage licenses and land records. The auditor's office enables you to pay your property taxes online at the official government website, as long as you have your Tax Roll Item Number or Parcel Number and the amount of taxes currently owed. This is a great benefit to the citizens of Tulsa.
Tulsa offers a wide range of city owned parks and recreation centers which are offered at little or no cost to the citizens of Tulsa. There are currently four large parks of over one hundred acres and ten smaller parks throughout the city. They also have five recreation centers and four outdoor swimming pools. There are two public golf courses. There is a wide range of baseball fields, soccer fields and tennis courts for Tulsa residents' use. Please check out the official website for more information on any of these and the other recreational fields which are available.
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