Oklahoma got its nickname, the Sooner State, because, in 1889, Indian Territory opened up to settlers. The Land Run of 1889 brought thousands of people prepared to rush for prime spots of land. Some people snuck past the starting line early to claim land. These people were called Sooners. The nickname stuck. Oklahoma City is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the “plains” states area encompassing Oklahoma, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Kansas. The estimated population, as of July 2010, for the city is 556,700, which makes it the 29th most populous city in the nation. The metropolitan area has 1,206,000 residents. Oklahoma City is the 8th largest city, by land mass, in the United States, at 621.2 square miles. The first ever parking meter was invented and installed in Oklahoma City in 1935. The first shopping cart was invented in Oklahoma City in 1937. It was first used at the Standard Food Market. WKY AM 930 was the first radio station, located within Oklahoma City, to transmit west of the Mississippi River. On April 19, 1995, until September 11, 2001, the Oklahoma City Bombing was considered the largest terrorist attack in US history. 168 people died as a result of this attack.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma came to be when the United States government decided to open up the western lands of Oklahoma Territory for settlers. There were several land runs between 1889 and 1895 but the first one, held on April 22, 1889, was the most important. On this date, over 50,000 settlers lined up at the boundaries. There were some people who snuck past the line early to get prime spots of land and, thereafter, these people were called Sooners, which is now the nickname of Oklahoma. Subsequently, the run happened and an estimated 10,000 settlers claimed land in and around the Oklahoma City area. A provisional government was quickly put into place.
Oklahoma became the 46th State on November 16, 1907. The town of Guthrie was the first capital until 1910, when the governor decreed that Oklahoma City was to be the capital of Oklahoma. The Lee-Huchins Hotel served as the capital building until a permanent one was built in 1917. The city had been built on top of an oil field and the oil produced brought more people and more money into the city. Oklahoma City continued to expand and to grow exponentially. By the 1960's the oil began to dry up and the city went into serious decline. In 1992, Mayor Ron Norrick proposed the MAPS initiative. MAPS stands for the Metro Area Projects Plan which entails using $350 million to redevelop the city during the late 1990's. “Bricktown” was one of the public works programs included in the plan. After the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, where Timothy McVeigh partially exploded the Alfred P. Murray Federal Building and 168 people died, the Oklahoma City National Memorial was erected.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in June of 2010, was recognized as having one of the Nation's best pet parks. Paw Park was built for animals and it features a pond, water stations, benches, trees and, most important, room to run. The park was also given the distinction of being in the top 13 of Dog Fancy magazine's “America's Best Dog Park” contest. Southern Living magazine also included Oklahoma City on their list as one of the “South's 5 Best Dog Parks.”
In June of 2010, Oklahoma City had the 5th highest volunteer rating among 51 of the largest United States cities. The city is also 2nd highest in the number of volunteer hours worked per resident. The cost of living in the city is 11% below national average and even the gasoline prices are low. The national average for a gallon of gasoline, as of September 2010, is $2.70, while Oklahoma City's average is $2.49 per gallon. The climate in Oklahoma City is considered humid-subtropical because of the frequent variations in weather daily and seasonally. The average high temperature in January is 37.6 degrees and the average high in July is 82 degrees. The severe weather season begins in March and goes all the way through August. The worst months for severe weather are April and May. The metropolitan area of Oklahoma City, on average, is the most tornado-ridden city within Tornado Alley. Tornadoes can, and have, occurred every month of the year. Beginning with the first weather records, Oklahoma City has had 9 major, above F3, tornadoes. There have been eight F4's and one F5. On May 3, 1999, the city suffered one of the most powerful tornadoes on record. It was an F5 with wind speeds upwards of 318 miles per hour.
Forbes' list of “Best Cities to Find a Job” came out on August 20, 2010. Another accolade is from Computerworld Magazine, in which they rate 2 of Oklahoma City's companies, American Fidelity Insurance at #14 and Chesapeake Energy at #17, on its list of “Best Places to Work in IT 2010.” Also, New Geography Magazine ranks Oklahoma City as being #11 on its “2010 Best Cities for Job Growth” list.
In all actuality, 53 of the 100 metropolitan areas lost jobs consistently since May of 2000. Oklahoma City, though, ended up with a net gain of 14,500 jobs since May of 2000. This has resulted in Oklahoma City only having a 6.5% unemployment rate vs. the national average of 9.5%. The numbers don't lie. In July 2010, the number of persons unemployed within the city and metro area was 36,991. That is down 1,969 people from June 2010, but there has been a gain of 1,603 jobs within the first half of 2010. Popular employers include Devon Energy, Cross-Post, Integris Health, Dell, and Chesapeake Energy. Other large employers are the Tinker Air Force Base, the Federal Government, the Boeing Company, the State of Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, UPS, AT&T, and Cox. Of the persons currently employed, the most common jobs are within the management and professional fields, at 30% of the workforce. The average salary within the city is $33,164 and the median income is $37,375 as of August 2010.
Miscal Bistro, on Ed Noble Parkway Drive, is an Indian restaurant that opened in 1979 and it has an average meal cost of $18. They have an exotic décor that features hand-enameled flowers, hand-carved figurines from Hindu Mythology, an interior courtyard, and colorful shamianas. Their specialties include seven types of breads, an orange zest salmon, rack of lamb, and a vegetarian platter. It is recommended that reservations be made in advance.
The Blue Fire Grill, on Waterford Blvd., is famous for its Southwest Plains Cuisine. Their average meal cost is $20 and they offer steaks and seafood with a little of Oklahoma City's flair added to the mix. They also serve slow-cooked smoked meats, king crab legs, fresh oysters, steaks and cedar plank salmon. The Sushi Neko, on North Western, is a Japanese restaurant like no other in Oklahoma City. Their meals generally cost around $17 and they offer authentic Japanese fare including sashimi and sushi that are rolled by hand and served with a generous portion of wasabi. They also have a more contemporary menu, which is a blend of American and Japanese cuisines, with dishes like Cajun roles wrapped in nori. Reservations are helpful because the restaurant is a very popular one.
Oklahoma City is home to a vast variety of historic buildings, museums and art institutions. The Oklahoma History Center, on Nazih Zundi Drive, is a museum that displays a broad spectrum of people and moments from Oklahoma's history. They have thousands of artifacts and interactive exhibits including a Civil War era cannon, an original bison hide teepee, oil industry equipment, and native-made quilts. They also have exhibits concerning Oklahoma's role in the space program and the art and history of the state's Native American tribes. Outside of the building, there is an oilfield exhibit, multiple sculptures and a walking tour of the Red River Valley. Admission for adults is $7, admission for seniors above 62 is $5, and a student admission is $4. The Civic Center Music Hall is a performing arts center that was founded in 1937 and includes the Freede Little Theater, City Space, the Gaylord Performing Arts Theater, Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall, and the Meinders Hall of Mirrors.
The first Oklahoma City Orchestra was formed as early as 1924. The Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra was officially funded in 1938 and Ralph Rose conducted the inaugural season. During the 40's through the 60's, the Orchestra became known nationally, and even internationally, by regular radio broadcasts on the Mutual Radio Network and on the Voice of America. In 1988, the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra was disbanded. Afterwards, Joel Levine founded the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to continue the tradition of the Orchestra.
Tours by Water Taxi are available within Oklahoma City. These water taxis are flat-bottomed boats that are a great way to see the shops, clubs, and restaurants around the Bricktown Canal. Ambassadors working the Water Taxi point out areas of interest throughout the taxi ride. Admission is based upon an All Day Pass. The pass for adults is $8.50. Passes for seniors above 65; students; military personnel; and children, ages 6 to 10, cost $7.50. Passes for children under 5 is $2. These taxis run continually so boarding and disembarking is about every 10 or 15 minutes. The Frontier City Theme Park, located N. I-35 Service Road is a Wild-West theme park that has more than 75 rides, 4 roller coasters, games, water rides, and live shows. It is all set in an authentic 1880's Western town. Admission for those that are over 48 inches is $30.99, for those less than 48 inches admission is $18.99 and children that are aged 3 and under are admitted for free.
Will Roger's Park on North Portland is a 130 acre park that features rose gardens, ponds, an arboretum with over 600 species of plants, groves of trees, and picnic grounds. There are also sporting activities such as a tennis center, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and an 18-hole Frisbee Golf course. An outdoor amphitheater and a senior citizen's center graces the grounds as well. The park was founded in 1932 by a Parks Department Horticulturalist, Henry Walters. He designed and planted a vast majority of the planting beds and trees that are still in use today.
There are a variety of night-time venues that will keep even the most discriminating of visitors happy. VZD's on North Western Avenue is a dance club and live music venue that was established in 1976.
The building was originally occupied by Veazey Drug, a locally owned chain of fountain shops and drug stores that operated until the 1950's. VZD still has the former drug store's shelving and counters lining its walls. They have hosted acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michelle Shocked, Bo Didley, and the Dixie Chicks. They also play host to national and regional bands. Oklahoma's first brew pub, Bricktown Brewery, on North Oklahoma Avenue keeps 3 house brews on tap constantly. They offer great live music and fabulous pub grub. For those that want to mix it up, there are video games, pool tables, and a large amount of TV's playing sports all the time. Regional, local, and national bands play on Friday and Saturday nights. The Tap Werks Ale House and Café on E Sheridan is open daily and it is a townhouse-style pub that offers a large selection of beers with more than 100 different beers on tap and another 150 bottled kinds. Cigars are also available. They are open for lunch and dinner. Foods like German sausages, Shepherd's Pie, gourmet pizza, and fish tacos are favorites.
The Painted Door, on East Sheridan Avenue, is located within the “Heart of Bricktown.” It is a gift shop with a huge selection of home furnishings, tabletop linens, accessories, home fragrances, bath and body care, infant and toddler clothing, etc. They also offer a personal shopper, who is on staff to accommodate special shopping requests and time constraints. Gourds, Etc. on S 439-2 is a Native American gallery and art studio that offers authentic American Indian art for purchase. They feature gourd art such as Cherokee Gourd Masks, jewelry, original paintings, and hand-woven baskets. Periodically, they also offer a gourd mask-making workshop. All gourds that are used are grown on-site. They host an annual Christmas Art Show on the first weekend of each December that features Native American artists.
The Buffalo Sun on North Main Street offers Native American designed clothing and gifts. Contemporary as well as traditional Native American fashions are available. Items such as blouses, ribbon shirts, buckskin dresses, moccasins, leggings, and Cherokee Dresses are great for gifts. Webb Clothing Company, on Avondale Avenue, is an upscale boutique with cutting-edge fashions by American and European designers. The owner, Mike Webb, says that the shop seeks to offer the “fun side of serious dressing.”
Deja'Vu Ultimate Couples Spa on South Walker Avenue is a day spa that offers massages to individuals and couples alike. They also have a full-service beauty salon. Deja'vu also specializes in pedicures, manicures, body wraps, permanent makeup, and body waxing services.
Pure Spa on NW 63rd Street is a preferred spa by residents of Oklahoma City. They are a day-spa and full service-salon that gives clients the best spa care experience in a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. The Day of Luxury package is a favorite among guests. For $200, it covers a 2-hour massage of choice, refreshments, gift bag, chocolates, and a facial. Some individual treatments include a European Facial for $60, an acne facial for $70, waxing treatments, spray-on tans, a Collagen and Elastin facial for $85, and massages. Massages include an aromatherapy one for $70 for 60 minutes, body treatments, deep tissue massage for $70 for 60 minutes, therapeutic massages for 30 minutes at $25 up to 120 minutes for $120. An absolutely fabulous wrap is the Mimosa Champagne Chocolate Truffle and Sugar Scrub Hydration Wrap for $100 and a Blueberry Sugar Scrub and Hydration Wrap, also for $100.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a great place to live because of its wonderful weather and extremely low cost of living. It's not just that, though; it is a city still steeped in its Wild West and Native American histories.
Oklahoma City has many beautiful attractions that have captured the hearts of tourists from nearby cities and other different places. The city welcomes visitors from anywhere in the world, with hotels that make everybody's stay pleasant and memorable. About 121 hotels are available for accommodating visiting families, businessmen, and travelers in Oklahoma City. The hotels have beautiful architectures that add to the city's appeal. The friendly and accommodating staff pleasantly guides the guests staying in the city. Oklahoma City hotels range from romantic hotels to business hotels and from affordable to luxurious. Tourists won't be disappointed with the beautiful and affordable hotels in the city.
The Baymont Inn Oklahoma City South is a two-star property that features business amenities. Guests can readily visit nearby attractions such as Myriad Botanical Gardens and Ford Center during their free time. Another affordable option that is conveniently located near the airport is the Biltmore Hotel Oklahoma. Guests can stay comfortable in the fully air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV or spend some time at the outdoor pools and tennis courts for recreation. Clarion Hotel Airport is also situated near the airport with White Water Bay and Oklahoma City National Memorial in nearby. Hotel amenities include laundry room, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, complimentary breakfast, and high-speed Internet access to cater every visitor's need. Another hotel that offers good value is Extended Stay Deluxe Oklahoma City – Northwest. This hotel is desirable for those who are going to spend a week-long vacation in the city. Rooms with comfortable work spaces, living areas, and kitchens with full-size appliances are great for visiting families. The Meridian Extended Stay Hotel is also an affordable hotel that offers great services and accommodates guests in very neat rooms.
Oklahoma City is home to the 2nd largest school district in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City Public Schools District has 4 high schools, 8 middle schools, 38 elementary schools, and 11 charter schools. The district also has 6 schools that are middle school and high school combined. There are lots of choices for parents in Oklahoma City. Harding Charter Preparatory School is an excellent way for children to get a jump start on college preparation. It is a bit of a process to get into it, and children who are starting Kindergarten must register early so that their curriculum can be planned. Stanley Hupfeld academy is a charter school that has over 300 mentors, and is the first charter school to take in students in their own district. There is a waiting list to get into the academy because of the focus they put on excellence.
There are 6 colleges in Oklahoma City. These range from four year Universities through a few Schools for the Arts. Classen School of Advanced Art Studies is ranked within the top 100 public schools in the country. Opened in 1919, the programs focus on such art as; dance, piano, visual arts, vocals, guitar, and drama. Another college in the area is Oklahoma City University. This school focuses on maintaining the United Methodist values it was founded on. The school welcomes a diverse group of faiths, all the while keeping spirituality a priority. The University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine is a smaller medical school with around 600 students. The College of Medicine is the only school in Oklahoma that has a program for the Doctor of Medicine degree. Oklahoma City has a diverse group of colleges to choose from. They offer diversity in education with their different campuses, so that there is something for everyone.
One of the most commonly used modes of transportation in Oklahoma City is the Metro Transit system. The Metro is responsible for shuttle service, bus service, and the express routes through town. The Metro Transit has 25 routes and hundreds of stops to get you around Oklahoma City. There are also two express routes that go straight from one side of town to the other. The Metro Transit has services to help take care of passengers who are disabled or those who have trouble getting around. Due to the fact that the Metro pays attention to travelers that have disabilities means everyone can use their services.
The Oklahoma Bus System is open Monday through Saturday until midnight. The Oklahoma Bus System includes fixed routes that commuters can use to get to work. The System also has routes that include lots of stops for tourists. The Oklahoma Bus System has six different sets of routes that are all geared towards a different type of passenger. All of the fares, times, and maps are easily found online. The Bus System covers the whole metropolitan area, and includes trolleys and buses to take you where you need to go. The other main sources of transportation are taxis, and the public service shuttles. There are Greyhound Bus stations in the City that are available as well. When you arrive in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma you can get picked up by the Airport Express Shuttle. This shuttle is only for carrying customers back and forth from the airport. It is available anytime and has 11 vans, and 25 Shuttle buses. There is a good chance you will be able to catch it! Oklahoma City takes public transportation seriously and this helps it be a good place to both live and visit.
Having a problem with your water supply? Need to know if the roads are clear? The people of Oklahoma City have a range of services provided by the mayor's office, city council and local government. Whether you need advice on the best way to put up a garden fence without upsetting the neighbors, the rules for running a garage sale or planning permission for a business expansion, there is contact to help you. The council has many balls to juggle but their main priority is your safety and quality of life. They are committed to providing the best fire, police and the court services that your tax dollars can provide. Oklahoma City aims to be a diverse, friendly place to live.
City hall has departments for animal adoption, information technology, MAPS for kids and sustainability among many others. The council also uses its own public service TV station, Channel 20, as well as other types of media, to keep you fully informed of everything that matters in Oklahoma City. You can contact City Hall if you need information on garbage pick-ups, the airport, transport routes, the availability of attractions such as the Zoo, and even the status of public safety projects and local developments. To find all of the information available regarding the local government offices, you should visit the official website at www.okc.gov. The e-mail address for all general enquiries is public.info@okc.gov and all online comments are gratefully received.
The Oklahoma City council offices, including the Mayor's office, are located at City Hall, 200 N Walker, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73102. You can be a part of Oklahoma City's plan for the future. Contact the City council and request that a local government officer comes to your organization's next meeting to explain the City's official plans. Alternatively, you could join a Citizens' Stakeholder group; the more people who are a part of the plan, the more likely it is to succeed.
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