The State of Oklahoma - an Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

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The State of Oklahoma - An Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

HOME INTRO The State of Oklahoma SYMBOLS ALMANAC ore than 50 languages are spoken in ECONOMY M GEOGRAPHY the state of Oklahoma. There are 55 STATE MAPS distinct Indian tribes that make the state PEOPLE their home, and each of these tribes has GOVERNMENT its own language or dialect. The colorful FORUM history of the state includes Indians, NEWS cowboys, battles, oil discoveries, dust COOL SCHOOLS storms, settlements initiated by offers of STATE QUIZ STATE LINKS free land, and forced resettlements of BOOK STORE entire tribes. MARKETPLACE NETSTATE.STORE Oklahoma, the Sooner State Oklahoma's Indian heritage is honored in NETSTATE.MALL its official state seal and flag. At the GUESTBOOK center of the seal is a star, and within CONTACT US each of the five arms of the star are symbols representing each of the five tribes (the "Five Civilized Tribes") that House Flags were forcefully resettled into the From $5.99 territory of Oklahoma. The tribes Great Selection. depicted on the seal are the Creeks, the Unbeatable Prices. Chickasaw, the Choctaw, the Cherokee, Flags For Every and the Seminoles. The present Season & Reason. www.discountdecorati… Oklahoma state flag depicts an Indian war shield, stars, eagle feathers, and an Indian peace pipe, as well as a white Find Birth man's symbol for peace, an olive branch. Records Online THE STATE NAME: 1) Search Birth Records for Free 2) Find the Oklahoma is a word that was made up by the native American missionary Allen Records Instantly! Birth.Archives.com Wright. He combined two Choctaw words, "ukla" meaning person and "humá" meaning red to form the word that first appears in a 1866 Choctaw treaty. Oklahoma means "red person." Indian Genealogy Records THE STATE NICKNAMES: 4,000,000,000+ Family History Names Find Your The Sooner State Ancestors! "Unassigned Lands" in Oklahoma www.FamilyLink.com/… were offered to settlers through a series of "Land Openings" where Buy American newcomers initially competed for Flags Online the land in horse races. The Land Choose From A Run of 1889 began the process of http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm[11/13/2011 6:57:48 PM] The State of Oklahoma - An Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

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Wide Selection Of disposing of these Unassigned American Flags Only At Quinn Lands. The Homestead Act of 1862 Flags! provided that a legal settler www.quinnflags.com could claim 160 acres of public land, and those who lived on and Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City improved the claim for five years could receive title. Buy Flags Online for People who entered the district illegally to lay claim to lands, before the designated Less entry time, were called "Sooners." The name came from a section in the Indian 500,000 Flags in Stock. Better Appropriations Act of March 2, 1889, that said that nobody would be permitted to Prices & Selection. enter upon and occupy the land before the time designated in the President's Free Shipping! opening proclamation and that those that did would be denied rights to the land. United-States-Flag.com This section became known as the "sooner clause."

Texas Travel Early legal settlers had a very low opinion of Sooners of course. This began to Maps change by 1908 when the University of Oklahoma named the football team the The Official Site Of "Sooners." Like many nicknames, this one's negative connotations faded over time Texas Tourism. and the name, Sooners, is now worn with pride. Though not official, Oklahoma is Get Guides, Maps And More Info popularly known as "The Sooner State." Now! www.traveltex.com Boomer's Paradise he terms "Boom" and "Boomer" were first used by Dr. Morrison Munford in the Kansas City Times in reference to the effort to establish settlements in the State Flags "Unassigned Lands" and to the people involved in those efforts. Promoting the Annin Products "Boomer's Paradise," early advocates of settlement in the Unassigned Lands began Cheap Fire Departments/Membe what is referred to as the "Boomer Movement." The Boomer Movement was Discounts initiated before the Unasigned Lands were legally opened for settlement. www.premierflag.com Early Boomers included James Madison Bell a Cherokee, who tried to settle in the Cherokee Outlet and Kansas and Missouri settlers, organized by Kansan Colonel Bike & Charles C. Carpenter, who entered Indian Territory and tried to settle along the Breakfast North Canadian River. These Boomers were evicted by U.S. Troops. Covered At Inn of the Ozarks your bike In 1880, David Lewis Payne led a party of 21 settlers to the south bank of the and your breakfast North Canadian River and laid out a town called Ewing. They were removed by the are always U.S. Fourth Calvary. Payne continued to flaunt the government's proclamation covered forbidding unlawful entry into Indian Territory and returned to Ewing with a larger www.InnOfTheOzarks.… group of settlers. Judge Isaac Parker levied a $1,000 fine against the Boomer leader for his second intrusion. Mr. Payne's arrest seemed to make him more popular and he continued to guide Boomers into the forbidden territory.

When David Lewis Payne died suddenly, of a heart attack, in 1884, his lieutenant, William L. Couch, assumed leadership of the Boomer Movement and lead four more excursions into the Oklahoma territory. Again and again the Boomers were arrested and expelled from the area. Illegal intrusions by Mr. Couch ended in 1885.

http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm[11/13/2011 6:57:48 PM] The State of Oklahoma - An Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

The Boomer Movement gained new momentum in 1886 and 1887 when the Santa Fe Railroad constructed a line that ran from Arkansas City, Kansas to Gainesville, Texas right through the Unassigned Lands. At this time political pressure was exerted to open up the Unassigned Lands to settlement. In 1889 an amendment to the Indian Appropriations Bill allowed President Benjamin Harrison to proclaim the Unassigned Lands open for settlement.

THE STATE CITIZENS:

People who live in Oklahoma or who come from Oklahoma are called Oklahomans or Oklahomians. Sometimes Oklahomans are referred to as Sooners.

THE STATE QUARTER:

The first

United States Mint Image commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors Oklahoma, Quartz Mountain Resort, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lone Wolf and is the 46th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Oklahoma, nicknamed the "Sooner State," was admitted into the Union on November 16, 1907, becoming our Nation's 46th state.

The Oklahoma quarter features an image of the State bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher, in flight with its distinctive tail feathers spread. The bird is soaring over the State wildflower, the Indian Blanket, backed by a field of similar wildflowers. The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Oklahoma" and "1907."

The depiction of Indian Blanket (or Gaillardia) symbolizes the State's rich Native American heritage and native long grass prairies that are abundant in wildlife. Oklahoma was formed by the combination of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory of the Five Civilized Tribes -- Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee. The State's name is derived from the Choctaw words "okla" and "homma," meaning "red" and "people."

The process to choose the coin's reverse design began in February 2006. Citizens submitted more than 1,000 concepts for consideration. This eventually led to the creation of ten narratives based on these concepts. A vote by Oklahoma citizens narrowed the field to five, which were sent to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings, developed by United States Mint Sculptor- Engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program, were then proposed to Oklahoma for a statewide vote. On April 30, 2007, Governor Brad Henry announced his recommendation of the State bird and wildflower design, based on the overwhelming number of citizen votes for this design. http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm[11/13/2011 6:57:48 PM] The State of Oklahoma - An Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. Four other designs were considered, including "Pioneer Woman and Child with Windmill and Oil Derrick," "Pioneer Woman and Child with State Outline and Oil Derrick," and two versions of "Pioneer Woman and Child with State Outline and Calumet."

For more about the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.

This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters.

Sources...

Shankle, George Earlie. State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers, and Other Symbols. Irvine, Calif.: Reprint Services Corp, Revised edition, 1971. Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

Additional Information

Oklahoma (From Sea to Shining Sea), by Linda Saylor-Marchant. 80 pages. Publisher: Scholastic Library Publishing (September 2003) Reading level: Grades 3-5. Presents information about Oklahoma's people, geography, history, landmarks, natural resources, government, state capitol, towns and cities, and more.

Oklahoma Oklahoma (World Almanac Library of the States), by Linda Saylor-Marchant Michael A. Martin. 48 pages. Gareth Stevens Publishing (October 2002) Reading level: Grades 4-6. Filled with the most up-to-date information, including the latest Census results. Full-color photos bring to life the story of Oklahoma. In addition to an in-depth factual profile of Oklahoma in the form of a state Almanac, this book offers fascinating and lively discussions of the state's history, people, geography, government, economy, culture, and lifestyles. A section on Notable People, a calendar of events, and enough primary source documents, time lines, maps, and other tools to Oklahoma make this unquestionably the best young adult reference material on the Michael A. Martin USA available anywhere.

Oklahoma Almanac 2007 / 2008, published by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 99 pages. The Oklahoma Almanac, published by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and formerly known as the Directory of Oklahoma, has been called the "accepted information authority" on the state since 1907.

Similar to other state's Blue Books, the Almanac includes information on Oklahoma's state agencies, and the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government. Oklahoma Almanac 2007 / 2008 The Almanac also includes election results, county statistics, a tourism section, a wildlife and nature section, Oklahoma history, federal government contacts, lists of Oklahoma museums and statewide associations, and more.

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Oklahoma: A History, by W. David Baird, Danney Goble . 342 pages. Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (October 31, 2008) The product of two of Oklahoma's foremost authorities on the history of the 46th state, Oklahoma: A History is the first comprehensive narrative to bring the story of the Sooner State to the threshold of its centennial.

From the tectonic formation of Oklahoma's varied landscape to the recovery and renewal following the Oklahoma City bombing, this readable book includes both the well-known and the not-so-familiar of the state's people, events, and places. W. David Baird and Danney Oklahoma: A History Goble offer fresh perspectives on such widely recognized history makers as Sequoyah, the 1889 Land Run, and the Glenn Pool oil strike. But they also give due attention to Black Seminole John Horse, Tulsa's Greenwood District, Coach Bertha Frank Teague's 40-year winning streak with the Byng Lady Pirates, and other lesser-known but equally important milestones. The result is a rousing, often surprising, and ever-fascinating story.

Oklahoma history is an intricate tapestry of themes, stories, and perspectives, including those of the state's diverse population of American Indians, the land's original human occupants. An appendix provides suggestions for trips to Oklahoma's historic places and for further reading. Enhanced by more than 40 illustrations, including 11 maps, this definitive history of the state ensures that experiences shared by Oklahomans of the past will be passed on to future generations.

Oklahoma: A History of Five Centuries, by Arrell Morgan Gibson. 316 pages. Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; 2 Sub edition (December 1981) The drama and the excitement of the Oklahoma story unfold from the prehistoric residency of Clovis man and Folsom man and the Spanish and French explorations in the early historic period through the removal of many diverse Indian tribes to the federally- designated Indian Territory and into the modern period of Oklahoma politics and economic advancement. Gibson informs his readers with refreshing candor. Betrayal of the Indians, racism, and political Oklahoma corruption are told in their entirety. Arrell M. Gibson The acheivements of the state and its people are related with pride as the story progresses through the early years of statehood and the hardships of opening pioneer farms and building new towns. The effects of the Great Depression are told, revealing the Oklahomans were coping with drought and depression lone before the rest of the nation.

Later chapters tell of the vibrant modern period in Oklahoma, when its politics became more sophisticated, when its economic base expanded as the result of the recruitment of industry to the Sun Belt, and when science and technology opened the new frontiers of the space age. Of equal importance to modern-day Oklahomans is the successful growth of the humanities and the arts, with increasing appreciation of the state's rich Indian heritage.

Historic Oklahoma: An Illustrated History, by Paul F. Lambert, Kenny A. Franks, and Bob Burke. 384 pages. Publisher: Published for the Oklahoma Heritage Association [by] Historical Pub. Network; 1st edition (March 15, 2000) As a state, Oklahoma is young. Admitted to the Union in 1907, Oklahoma statehood predates only four other states-- New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii. But the land that would become Oklahoma is old, and the area has a venerable history and pre- http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm[11/13/2011 6:57:48 PM] The State of Oklahoma - An Introduction to the Sooner State from NETSTATE.COM

history that is rich in fascinating people and dramatic events. Historic Oklahoma Historic Oklahoma examines the geology and pre-historic animals and An Illustrated History people that occupied the region. Later the area was caught up in the struggle for empire between England, France, and Spain, while vast herds of bison and various tribes of Native Americans roamed across the land. With the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the region became part of the United States, and a great drama of exploration, forced settlement of numerous Indian tribes, the establishment of the Indian Nations and Oklahoma Territory, a Civil War, the range cattle industry, land runs and land lotteries, coal mining, railroad building, oil and gas exploration, and statehood movements took place.

Throughout the 20th century, Oklahoma's history has been no less dramatic. Drawing on a deep well of pride, optimism and determination, Oklahomans have overcome both natural and man- made disasters, rebounding in each instance to build a better state and quality of life. The people of Oklahoma have been prepared well by their heritage, if they choose to study and preserve it, to meet the challenges of the new millennium.

Roadside History of Oklahoma, by Francis L. and Roberta B. Fugate. 99 pages. Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company (June 1, 1991) Roadside History of Oklahoma invites tourists and residents alike to use the state's highways as avenues connecting the present with the past. Drive along the stage route used by the Butterfield Overland Mail, or follow the Chisholm Trail as the first cowboys did after the Civil War when they drove cattle to railheads in Kansas, or cross the state on "America's Main Street," Route 66.

Roadside History of Oklahoma

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http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ok_intro.htm[11/13/2011 6:57:48 PM] Economy of Oklahoma including Oklahoma Agriculture and Manufacturing from NETSTATE.COM

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|| HOME || INTRO || SYMBOLS || ALMANAC Oklahoma Economy || ECONOMY || GEOGRAPHY || STATE MAPS Agriculture || PEOPLE || GOVERNMENT || FORUM || NEWS In terms of revenue generated Oklahoma's top five agricultural products are cattle || COOL SCHOOLS || STATE QUIZ and calves, hogs, broilers (young chickens), wheat, and dairy products. || BOOK STORE || MARKETPLACE || STATE LINKS || NETSTATE.STORE || NETSTATE.MALL Livestock || GUESTBOOK || CONTACT US Oklahoma is one of the leading (#5) sources of beef in the country Ads by Google and, not surprisingly, the production of beef cattle is the leading source Manufacturing of agricultural income in the state.

Oklahoma Other important livestock products are hogs (#8), broilers (young Flag State chickens), dairy products (milk), chicken eggs, sheep and lambs, turkeys and fish (farm-raised catfish).

Manufacturing Outlook Crops Survey findings of manufacturing & distribution Oklahoma's most valuable crop is wheat and the state ranks among the industries-free leading (#4) producers in the country. report www.cliftoncpa.com Greenhouse and nursery products rank second with hay, cotton, soybeans, corn for grain, pecans, grain sorghum, peanuts, watermelons, Farmers & and rye following. Ranchers Since when did Peaches and oats are also grown in Oklahoma. agriculture become a dirty word? Join the conversation. www.FoodDialogues.c… [ More ]

Bank of Manufacturing AmericaÂ® Fueling the Economy by Manufacturers add value to raw products by creating manufactured items. For Helping Small & example, cotton cloth becomes more valuable than a boll of cotton through Medium-Sized manufacturing processes. Businesses. www.bankofamerica.c… Production of machinery, particularly oil field machinery, leads the manufacturing industry in Oklahoma. Construction machinery, machine parts and refrigeration Aerospace and heating equipment are other types of machinery manufactured in the state. Manufacturers Receive Qualified Transportation equipment (aircraft and aerospace equipment, automobile RFQs/ RFPs 5.3 http://www.netstate.com/economy/ok_economy.htm[11/13/2011 7:01:56 PM] Economy of Oklahoma including Oklahoma Agriculture and Manufacturing from NETSTATE.COM

assembly) ranks as the second most important manufacturing activity in the state Million+ Industrial Buyers followed by a variety of other items including computer and electronic equipment www.globalspec.com (electronic components, military communication systems, telephone equipment), fabricated metal products (structural metal), processed foods (meat-packing plants, animal feed, bakery products), and rubber and plastic products (tires).

Mining

Oklahoma's most important mined products are, by a good margin, petroleum and natural gas. The state ranks among the leading producers in the country.

Other mined products are coal, crushed stone (limestone quarries), iodine and sand and gravel. Iodine is not produced in any other state.

Services

In the services industry, the community, business and personal services group leads the way with private health care, equipment rental companies (oil field equipment, rental cars), telemarketing firms (telephone reservation systems) and repair shops.

Ranking next are the wholesale trade (food products, grain, oil and gas, transportation equipment) and retail trade (automobile dealerships, discount stores, food stores, service stations) industries along with government services (public schools, hospitals, military bases).

The third most important service industry in Oklahoma is the finance, insurance and real estate group, fueled by costs associated with the transfer of property and increasing demand for office space.

Sources

H. Wayne Morgan and Keith D. Harries, "Oklahoma," World Book Online Americas Edition, http://www.worldbookonline.com/wbol/wbPage/na/ar/co/400980, August 15, 2001. U.S. Department of Agriculture: National Agricultural Statistics Service, "Oklahoma State Agriculture Overview, 2004", 3 January 2006, (12 January 2006)

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|| HOME || INTRO The Geography of Oklahoma || SYMBOLS || ALMANAC || ECONOMY Click here for a few definitions. || GEOGRAPHY || STATE MAPS || PEOPLE || GOVERNMENT Longitude / Latitude Longitude: || FORUM || NEWS 94° 29'W || COOL SCHOOLS to 103°W || STATE QUIZ || BOOK STORE Latitude: || MARKETPLACE || STATE LINKS 33° 35'N || NETSTATE.STORE to 37°N || NETSTATE.MALL || GUESTBOOK || CONTACT US Greatest Length x Width 478 miles, east to west and Farmers & 231 miles Oklahoma base and elevation maps Ranchers north to Tell us what south. Americans should know. Agriculture Geographic Center The is NOT a dirty Explanation geographic word. center of www.FoodDialogues.c… Oklahoma is located lake texoma in marinas Oklahoma Official Site: Lake County, 8 Texoma Resorts, miles N of Hotels, Cabins, Cottages, Deals Oklahoma www.ResortsandLodg… City. Longitude: 97° 39.6'W Try Google's New Browser Latitude: A browser with a clean, simple 35° 32.2'N design made for users. Download Borders Oklahoma is bordered by Colorado and Kansas on the north. now On the south, Oklahoma is bordered by Texas. On the east, www.google.com/chro… Oklahoma is bordered by Missouri and Arkansas and on the west, Oklahoma is bordered by New Mexico and Texas. Texas Travel Maps Total Area Oklahoma covers 69,903 square miles, making it the 20th The Official Site largest of the 50 states. Of Texas Tourism. Get Guides, Maps Land Area 68,679 square miles of Oklahoma are land areas. And More Info Now! Water Area 1,224 square miles of Oklahoma are covered by water. www.traveltex.com Highest Point The highest point in Oklahoma is Black Mesa at 4,973 feet above sea level.

http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ok_geography.htm[11/13/2011 7:03:29 PM] Oklahoma Geography from NETSTATE

Lowest Point The lowest point in Oklahoma is Little River at 289 feet above sea level. Mean Elevation The Mean Elevation of the state of Oklahoma is 1,300 feet above sea level. Major Rivers Arkansas River, Canadian River, Red River Major Lakes Lake Texoma, Eufaula Lake, Lake Hudson, Lake O' the Cherokees, Gibson Lake, Oologah Lake, Keystone Lake

The Land Oklahoma is a land of flat, fertile plains and low hills. Oil and natural gas wells can be seen thoughout much of the state. Oklahoma's plains also host large herds of cattle and vast wheat fields. The geographical landscape of Oklahoma is comprised of 10 separate land regions.

The Ozark Plateau, in the northeastern part of the state, is an extension of the Missiouri and Arkansas landscape. It's marked by rivers with steep valley walls separated by broad flat areas.

West and south of the Ozark Plateau lies the region known as the Prairie Plains. This area produces most of the state's coal and a great deal of oil. Cattle graze on the Prairie Plains and farms in the Arkansas River Valley, east of Muskogee, produce spinach, beans, and carrots.

On the border of Arkansas, in the southeastern part of Oklahoma, are the Ouachita Mountains. These sandstone ridges, running east to west, form the roughest land in Oklahoma. Spring-fed streams run through narrow valleys between the ridges.

In the north central part of Oklahoma, extending south from the Kansas border to the Red River, is the Sandstone Hills Region. The Sandstone Hills are from 250 to 400 feet high. Some are covered with Blackjack and Post Oak forests. It was in this region that early oil development commenced in Oklahoma.

The Arbuckle Mountains comprise an area of about 1,000 square miles in south-central Oklahoma. The low mountains rise about 600 to 700 feet above the plains. Unusual rock formations have been created by erosion in the mountains. The area is used for cattle grazing.

The Wichita Mountains are found in southwestern Oklahoma.

The Red River Valley Region, in southern Oklahoma along the Texas border, is characterized by rolling prairie. Some forested hills can also be found in the area. The soil is sandy and fertile. Cotton, peanuts, and vegetables are grown in this region.

http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ok_geography.htm[11/13/2011 7:03:29 PM] Oklahoma Geography from NETSTATE

To the west of the Sand Hills, are the Red Beds Plains. The largest land region in Oklahoma, the Red Beds Plains stretch from the Kansas border in the north, south through the center of the state. The Red Beds Plains slope upward from east to west. In the east are some forested areas. In the west the region is covered with grass.

The Gypsum Hills lie west of the Red Beds Plains and extend north to the High Plains in the northwestern part of Oklahoma. The Gypsum Hills are low (150 to 200 feet) hills capped with 15 to 20 foot layers of gypsum. The Gypsum Hills sparkle in the sunlight because of their gypsum content and, because of this, are sometimes called the Glass Hills.

The High Plains, in northwestern Oklahoma, are level grasslands. The High Plains rise from about 2,000 feet above sea level in the east to 4,973 feet above sea level at Black Mesa in the west. This region includes the Oklahoma Panhandle, the strip of land 166 miles long and only 34 miles wide between Colorado and Kansas in the north and Texas in the south.

( Oklahoma Close-up )

Climate (All temperatures Fahrenheit) Highest Temperature The highest temperature recorded in Oklahoma is 120°, Fahrenheit. This record high was recorded on July 26, 1934 at Tishomingo. Lowest Temperature The lowest temperature in Oklahoma, -27°, was recorded on January 18, 1930 at Watts. Average Temperature Monthly average temperatures range from a high of 93.9 degrees to a low of 24.8 degrees. Climate Average yearly precipitation for Oklahoma, from 1971 to 2000, is shown on this chart from Oregon State University.

Sources: The World Almanac of the U.S.A. by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, Copyright © 1998 H. Wayne Morgan and Keith D. Harries, "Oklahoma," World Book Online Americas Edition, http://www.worldbookonline.com/wbol/wbPage/na/ar/co/400980, August 15, 2001. The United States Geological Survey Website Maps.com http://www.maps.com

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http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ok_geography.htm[11/13/2011 7:03:29 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

|| HOME || INTRO Oklahoma State Government || SYMBOLS || ALMANAC || ECONOMY || GEOGRAPHY || STATE MAPS || PEOPLE STATEHOOD: The land called Oklahoma was || GOVERNMENT || FORUM purchased from France, in 1803, as part of the || NEWS || COOL SCHOOLS Louisiana Purchase. From 1803 to 1819, Oklahoma || STATE QUIZ was part of several territorial districts as the United || BOOK STORE || MARKETPLACE States reorganized its land holdings due to boundary || STATE LINKS || NETSTATE.STORE disputes and treaties. By 1819, Oklahoma, minus the || NETSTATE.MALL panhandle, was part of the Arkansas Territory. || GUESTBOOK Indian Territory 1820-1907 || CONTACT US (Get closer) In the early 1800's, there was intense pressure to Ads by Google remove Indians from the settled east. In response, the U.S. Government reserved State Capital Oklahoma for Native Americans and, in 1828, required all settlers to withdrawn from the area. Between 1830 and 1842, a sad chapter of U.S. history, the Cherokee, Oklahoma Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole Indians (The Five Civilized Tribes) were Government compelled to give up their homelands and move to Oklahoma. The Cherokee people referred to this migration as the "Trail of Tears."

Farmers & Soon, settlers looking for more property and the Ranchers railroads looking for revenue coveted the reserved Tell us what Indian Territory. By the late 1880s, Native Americans Americans should were pressured again as Indian Territory was divided know. Agriculture is NOT a dirty into two parts. In 1889, the western half of Indian word. Territory, including the panhandle, was opened for www.FoodDialogues.c… Oklahoma / Indian Territory settlement. On March 2, 1890 this land, plus an (Get closer) additional 3,681,000 acres, was established as Oklahoma Territory by the U.S. Congress and Guthrie How to Buy was designated as the Territorial Capital. Gold Physical Gold Shipped to Your Demands for Indian land continued and the Dawes Commission was formed to bargain Door Free Investor with the Indians for their land and to dissolve the Indian nations. Kit. Since 1960. Goldline.com/Buy-Gold In 1905, leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes formed a constitutional convention in Muskogee, inviting settlers to participate. The convention adopted a constitution for a Better Business state, called Sequoyah, and voters approved it. The United States Congress was Backup unwilling to accept Indian Territory as a separate state however. Congress wanted Global Leaders in Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory combined into one state. In 1906, Backup Provision. representatives from Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory met in Guthrie to draw up See Why US a new constitution that would combine the two territories as one new state. Companies Use Autonomy autonomy.com On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma was admitted to the union. The state capital, USC Public Guthrie, was moved to Oklahoma City in 1910. Admin Masters Earn an

http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

Accredited Master's Degree in STATE CONSTITUTION: A constitution sets out the rules Public Admin from by which we play the game of government. Like the rules for USC. any other game, it limits the moves available to players. It PublicAdmin.USC.edu describes how the various players interact with each other, and who has more power in various situations.

A constitutional convention assembled in Guthrie, Oklahoma on November 20, 1906 and worked until July 6, 1907 developing the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma. It was approved by Oklahoma voters on September 17,1907 and went into effect on November 16, 1907 when Oklahoma became the 46th state to be admitted to the Union.

Amendments (changes) to the Oklahoma Constitution may be proposed in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. If an amendment is agreed to by a majority of the member of each house of the Legislature, the amendment is presented to the citizens of Oklahoma for their vote. If a majority of voters approve an amendment, it becomes part of the Oklahoma Constitution.

The Legislature may also propose that a constitutional convention be held to amend the Oklahoma Constitution. But a proposal for a convention must be approved by a majority of the voters before it may be held.

As designated by the Oklahoma Bill of Rights, voters may also petition (make a formal written request) the government to begin formal proceedings on a proposed amendment.

PREAMBLE: Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; to promote our mutual welfare and happiness, we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

[ OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION ]

STATE MOTTO: Oklahoma's motto is the Latin phrase, Labor Omnia Vincit. It dates back over 2,000 years to the writing of a Roman poet named Virgil.

Virgil's phrase, Labor omnis vicit, is found in the first of a series of four Latin Poems, Georgics. These poems were written in support of Augustus Caesar's "Back to the Land" campaign to encourage more Romans to take up farming. The phrase is found in a section of the poem describing the growth of agriculture from primitive beginnings.

Translated as "Labor Conquers All Things," by the state of Oklahoma, the phrase was incorporated into the design of the Grand Seal of the Territory of Oklahoma during the second session of the Territorial Legislative Assembly held in Guthrie, January 1893. This is shown, magnified, to the left on the territorial seal. The phrase was later specified as a feature of the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma in the 1907

http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

Oklahoma Constitution.

[ DESCRIPTION OF THE SEAL - OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION ]

Grand Seal Territory of Oklahoma

STATE GOVERNMENT: As in the case of the federal government, Oklahoma's state government is organized into three branches - executive, legislative, and judicial. The state government is a product of three documents: the United States Constitution, the Oklahoma State Constitution, and laws of the state.

The Governor of Oklahoma is the chief executive officer of the state, is elected for a four-year term, and may serve an unlimited number of terms but not more than eight years in a row. He or she is responsible for appointing certain state officers, veto or approval of bills passed by the Legislature, granting pardons and paroles, calling special sessions of the legislature, and commands the state militia. The Governor is also responsible for the preparation of the state budget and ensures that all laws are obeyed in the state.

The Oklahoma State Legislature is the lawmaking branch of the state government. The Legislature has the authority to pass laws that people must obey. The Legislature is also responsible for raising and distributing the money necessary to run the state government.

The judicial branch of the Oklahoma Government interprets the laws. The Oklahoma Court System is made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Civil Appeals, and 77 District Courts. Unlike most states, Oklahoma has two courts of last resort. The Supreme Court determines all issues of a civil nature, and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decides all criminal matters. Members of these courts, and of the Court of Civil Appeals, are appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission.

[ BRANCHES OF OKLAHOMA GOVERNMENT ] As defined by the Oklahoma Constitution: [ EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT ] [ LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT ] [ JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT ] [ GREAT SEAL OF OKLAHOMA ] [ OKLAHOMA STATE FLAG ]

http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

GOVERNOR: Mary Fallin (Republican) FIRST GENTLEMAN: Wade Christensen

Governor Mary Fallin [ GOVERNOR'S PAGE ] Courtesy of the [ FORMER STATE GOVERNORS ] [ GOVERNOR'S MANSION ] [ State of Oklahoma TOUR INFORMATION ]

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL BUILDING: Location: Oklahoma City Date Erected: 1915-1917 Dome: 2001-2002

The Oklahoma capitol was designed, classic Greco-Roman, by English architects Wemyss Smith and Solomon A. Layton in 1914. Ground was broken for the capital building on Oklahoma State Capitol Building June 10, 1914 by Governor Lee Cruce. Over 5,000 people in attendance. [ ABOUT ] [ HISTORY ] [ GREAT HISTORICAL TOUR ] Construction began on August 4, 1915. The exterior is Indiana limestone and the base is Oklahoma pink granite from Troy, Oklahoma. The outside steps and tables are made of black granite from Cold Springs, Oklahoma. Floors are Alabama marble and the stairs and wall bases are Vermont marble. The capital building opened on June 30, 1917 without the dome that was included in the design. A temporary "saucer dome" was built to close the building. With no dome, the capitol was nicknamed "Old Baldy." 85 years after the capitol was opened for business, a capitol dome was dedicated on Oklahoma statehood day, November 16, 2002. Many portions of the temporary dome were saved as historic artifacts including the stained http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

glass skylight, plaster crown, and cut limestone. The Oklahoma Capitol is surrounded by working oil wells. The well in front of the entrance is nicknamed "Petunia #1" because the drilling began in the middle of a flower bed. The 6,000 pound, 22-foot tall, bronze Native American warrior that stands on top of the capitol dome is called "The Guardian." It was sculpted by State Senator Enoch Kelly Haney, an American Indian of Seminole and Creek descent whose family followed the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma seven generations ago. It's the first statue representing Native Americans to be placed on top of a state capitol. Four large portraits hang in the capitol's the rotunda: Robert S. Kerr, co-founder of the Kerr- McGee Oil Company, the 12th governor of Oklahoma, and former U.S. senator; Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee syllabary; Will Rogers, goodwill ambassador to the world in his day; 1912 Olympic champion Jim Thorpe, who was a member of the Sac and Fox tribe.

STATE REPRESENTATION: The Oklahoma Legislature is divided into two parts, referred to as houses or chambers. The two houses are the Senate and the House of Representatives. A legislature with two houses is called a bicameral body. The Latin roots of the word bicameral, "bi" and "cameral," mean two chambers or rooms. There are 48 senators serving in the Oklahoma Senate and 101 representatives serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

[ OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE ]

STATE STATE SENATORS: Senators in REPRESENTATIVES: Representatives Oklahoma each represent people in a in Oklahoma each represent people in a specific area of the state. These areas are specific area of the state. These areas are called senate districts. There are currently called house districts. There are currently 48 men and women representing 48 101 men and women representing 101 senate districts in the Oklahoma Senate. house districts in the Oklahoma House of 20 representatives are Republicans and Representatives. 48 representatives are 28 are Democrats. Each senator serves Republicans and 53 are Democrats. Each for a period of four years in the Senate, representative serves for a period of two after which he or she must run for re- years in the House of Representatives, election. A senator may not serve for after which he or she must run for re- more than a total of 12 years, or three http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

election. A representative may not serve terms. for more than a total of 12 years, or six terms. [ STATE SENATORS ] [ LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS ] [ FIND YOUR SENATOR ] [ STATE REPRESENTATIVES ] [ LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS ] [ FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ]

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS: The legislative branch of government is responsible for making and maintaining laws within their jurisdiction. United States representatives and senators, federal legislators, are responsible for laws at the national level and state legislators are responsible for laws at the state level. A law begins as an idea that is introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature as a bill by one or more legislators. The bill then goes through the legislative process to become a law. During this process the bill may be changed. Not all bills become law.

[ HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW IN OKLAHOMA ] [ SENTATE LEGISLATIVE TERMS ] [ HOUSE LEGISLATIVE TERMS ]

CURRENT LEGISLATION: When the legislature is meeting, it is said to be "in session." Regular sessions of the Oklahoma Legislature meet once a year, beginning at noon on the first Monday in February. Regular sessions must be adjourned (ended) by 5 p.m. on the last Friday in May. Normally, the Legislature is in session Monday through Thursday.

In odd-numbered years, the regular session will also meet at 12:00 noon on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. This session will be adjourned (end) no later than five p.m. on the same day to declare elections. Extraordinary sessions may be called by the Governor or by the Legislature itself. The following link will allow you to look at bills that are currently going through the legislative process.

[ CURRENT LEGISLATION ]

STATUTES: The following link will allow you to look at Oklahoma's current laws.

[ OKLAHOMA STATUTES ]

COUNTIES: The United States COUNTY TRIVIA: Constitution does not define local government. Instead, this function is left There are 77 counties in up to the states. Oklahoma.

http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

The largest county, at 2,251 square Counties are a local unit of government miles, is Osage County. within a state. All but two of the states The smallest county, at 371 square are divided into counties. Alaska is miles, is Marshall County. divided into boroughs and census districts The greatest number of people live and Louisiana is divided into parishes in Oklahoma County; 660,448 where governing responsibilities are according to the 2000 census. similar to counties. The fewest people live in Cimarron County; 3,148 according to the Traditionally, counties performed tasks 2000 census.

mandated by the state, such as property [ ABOUT COUNTY GOVERNMENT ] assessment, property and vital statistic [ OKLAHOMA COUNTY GOVERNMENT ] record keeping, maintenance of rural [ ASSOCIATION OF U.S. COUNTIES ] roads, administration of local election [ US CENSUS BUREAU ] [ STATE MAPS ] and judicial functions, and support of the poor. Today, counties may be responsible for these functions, more or less, but the responsibilities of county governments vary from state to state.

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION: The legislative branch of the United States government makes laws for our nation and raises and distributes money to run the United States government. The most evident part of the legislative branch is the United States Congress. Congress is divided into two parts, called houses. The two parts are the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress is referred to as a bicameral body because it is made up of two houses. The Latin roots of the word bicameral, "bi" and "cameral," mean two chambers or rooms. Members of the Senate are called Senators and members of the United States Capitol Building House of Representatives are called Representatives. Washington, DC Senators and representatives serving in these two bodies are sometimes referred to as congressmen, or women, and sometimes as legislators because their business is to legislate or make laws. The role of the legislative branch is defined in the United States Constitution.

[ THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ]

Each state elects people to represent them in the United States Congress in Washington, DC. The citizens of each state elect two senators to represent them in the Senate. They also elect representatives to represent them in the House of Representatives. The number of representatives each state sends to the House of Representatives is not a specific number like the Senate, but is based on the population of the state. The people, that are elected to represent the state's citizens in the United States Congress, are referred to as the congressional delegation.

There are 100 senators in the U.S. Senate. Each is elected to a term, in the Senate, of six years. There are 435 representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each is

http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma Government State Capital Oklahoma City Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma State Motto

elected to a term, in the "House," of two years.

The citizens of Oklahoma elect two people, like every other state, to represent them in the Senate and five people, based on Oklahoma's population, to represent them in the House of Representatives.

U.S. Senate (2): State senators

U.S. House of State representatives [ OKLAHOMA Representatives (5): CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ]

Please report broken links to us. We really appreciate it.

Source: State of Oklahoma Web Site, (http://www.state.ok.us), May 13, 2004 Source: Office of the Governor of Oklahoma, (http://www.governor.state.ok.us/index.php), May 13, 2004 Source: Oklahoma Legislature, (http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/), May 13, 2004 Source: National Governor's Association, (http://nga.org), May 13, 2004 Source: The Catholic Encyclopedia, (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11230c.htm), May 14, 2004

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http://www.netstate.com/states/government/ok_government.htm[11/13/2011 7:05:02 PM] Oklahoma State Symbols and Emblems - Complete list of Oklahoma state symbols including the state flag and state seal from NETSTATE.COM

HOME INTRO Oklahoma State Symbols, Songs, and SYMBOLS ALMANAC Emblems ECONOMY GEOGRAPHY For the latest symbols information, visit the NETSTATE CHRONICLE. STATE MAPS PEOPLE List order FORUM NEWS COOL SCHOOLS Designation Symbol / Emblem Adopted STATE QUIZ STATE LINKS Amphibian Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) 1997 BOOK STORE MARKETPLACE Animal American Buffalo or Bison (Bison bison) 1972 NETSTATE.STORE Beverage Milk >>>>>State "beverage" or state "drink? 1985 NETSTATE.MALL GUESTBOOK Bird Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) 1951 CONTACT US Butterfly Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) 1996 Cartoon GUSTY® 2005 Character Flags Children's song "Oklahoma, My Native Land" composed and written by 1996 Flags Online. Martha Kemm Barrett Shop Target.com. www.Target.com Colors Green and white 1915 Country & "Faded Love," by John Willis and Bob Wills. 1988 western song Texas Travel Crystal Hourglass selenite crystal 2005 Maps The Official Site Of Dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus atokensis 2006 Texas Tourism. Get Guides, Maps Drink Milk >>>>>State "beverage" or state "drink? 2002 And More Info Fish White bass, also called sand bass (Morone chrysops) 1974 Now! www.traveltex.com Flag Find out more... 1925

Custom Floral Emblem Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) 1893 Badges and Flower Oklahoma rose 2004 Emblems Highlight your Flying mammal Mexican free-tailed bat 2006 product logo. We offer a wide varity Folk dance Square dance 1988 of finishes. KeeGroupUSA.com/B… Folk song "Oklamoma Hills," composed and written by Woody 2001 Guthrie and Jack Guthrie

House Flags Fossil Saurophaganax maximus 2000 From $5.99 Furbearer animal Raccoon (Procyon lotor) 1989 Great Selection.

http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/ok_symb.htm[11/13/2011 6:59:11 PM] Oklahoma State Symbols and Emblems - Complete list of Oklahoma state symbols including the state flag and state seal from NETSTATE.COM

Unbeatable Prices. Fruit Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) 2005 Flags For Every Season & Reason. Game animal White-tail deer (Odocoileus virginians) 1990 www.discountdecorati… Game bird Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) 1990 Grass Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) 1972 Gospel song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," composed and written by 2011 Hydro- Wallis Willis Excavation Hydro-Con Great seal Find out more... 1906 provides hydro- excavation Insect Honeybee (Apis millifera) 1992 services in TX, Land run song "The Oklahoma Run," composed by Harold Fletcher 2009 OK, LA and AR www.hcexcavation.com Meal Fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, biscuits, 1988 sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken Custom fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas. Message Flags Musical Fiddle 1984 Available In A instrument Variety Of Colors. No Set-Up Fee. Okie caricature Teresa Farrington 2005 No Minimum! artist www.quinnflags.com Percussive Drum 1993 musical Blackburns instrument Family,Fishing Norfork lake, Best Pin "OK" pin 1982 Price, Pets OK Good Boat Rental Poem "Howdy Folks" by David Randolph Milsten 1973 Cheap www.blackburnsresort.… Poet Laureate Appointed by the Governor for a period of two years, 1994 appointment made by January 1 of every odd year. Reptile Mountain boomer or collared lizard (Crotaphytus 1969 State Of Oklahoma collaris) Map Rock Barite rose, commonly known and referred to as the 1968 Find more "rose rock" sources/options for what your looking Rock song "Do You Realize??" by the Flaming Lips (By 2009 for www.webcrawler.com proclamation of Goveronor Brad Henry) Salute to the Flag Find out more... 1982 Soil Port silt loam (Cumulic haplustolls) Find out 1987 more... Song and anthem "Oklahoma!," lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, music by 1953 Richard Rogers Tartan Oklahoma Tartan adopted with House Concurrent 1999 Resolution No. 1025 Theatre Lynn Riggs Players of Oklahoma, Inc. 1971 Tree Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 1937 Vegetable Watermelon 2007 Waltz "Oklahoma Wind" by Dr. Dale J. Smith 1982

Western swing The Sounds of the Southwest 1997 band Wild flower Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) 1986 Wood Capital of Oklahoma Forest Heritage Center Museum, located in 2010 Oklahoma Beavers Bend State Park

Sources...

Oklahoma. Oklahoma Statutes. Oklahoma City: State of Oklahoma, 2011. Web. 7 Apr 2011. . "State grass." Message to Cartwright Law Library . 05 Apr. 2011. E-mail. Shankle, George Earlie. State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers, and Other Symbols. Irvine, Calif.: Reprint Services Corp, Revised edition, 1971. Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

Making laws in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma House of Representatives offers The Legislative Process Pages to help us understand how laws are made in Oklahoma. These pages include The Course of Bills Becoming Law, Flow Charts, a Glossary of Legislative Terms, Versions and Amendments of a Bill, and information on Researching Legislation.

Additional Information

Oklahoma State Symbols: Oklahoma state Historical Society.

Oklahoma State Icons: The State of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Facts and Emblems: Oklahoma! Guide to Oklahoma's state emblems, including the state bird, flower, song, flag, seal, and more.

Oklahoma Facts and Symbols, by Karen Bush Gibson. 24 pages. Publisher: Capstone Press; Rev Upd edition (August 2003) Reading level: Grades 3-4. Interest level: Grades 3-9. Perfect for report writing! Easy-to-read text covers major Oklahoma symbols such as the state flag, seal, bird, tree, flower, animal, and more. A "Fast Facts" section highlights the state's capital city, largest city, physical size, population, Oklahoma natural resources, farm products, and primary manufactured goods. Also Facts and Symbols included are full-page maps that introduce the concept of the map key, Karen Bush Gibson which is great for teaching map-reading skills.

State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols, by Benjamin F. Shearer, Barbara S. Shearer. 544 pages. Greenwood Press; 3 Sub edition (October 30, 2001) This is one of the best, and most comprehensive, books we could find about the official state names and nicknames, mottoes, seals, flags, capitols, flowers, trees, birds, songs, and miscellaneous designations of each state. This, coupled with the 1938 Shankle book, formed the basis of our symbol library. If you're serious about your states symbols, you'll want to have this book and the one below. This book also contains information about state holidays, license plates, http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/ok_symb.htm[11/13/2011 6:59:11 PM] Oklahoma State Symbols and Emblems - Complete list of Oklahoma state symbols including the state flag and state seal from NETSTATE.COM

sports teams, universities and other trivia. State Names, Seals Flags and Symbols State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers, and Other Symbols, Benjamin F. Shearer Barbara S. Shearer by George Earlie Shankle. 522 pages. Reprint Services Corp; Revised edition (June 1971) Reprint of the 1938 revised edition. The first comprehensive book about our state symbols! From the preface: "This book grew out of the desire of its author to know, about his native state, a great many facts which he found exceedingly difficult to obtain. After three years of research in the Library of Congress, he is able to give to the public this storehouse of information, which could have been gathered from not library less fertile in source material..."

Visit the NETSTATE Oklahoma State Book Store for additional Oklahoma related books, including Oklahoma Reference Books, History, Biographies and Cookbooks.

HOME INTRO SYMBOLS ALMANAC ECONOMY GEOGRAPHY STATE MAPS PEOPLE FORUM NEWS COOL SCHOOLS STATE QUIZ STATE LINKS BOOK STORE MARKETPLACE NETSTATE.STORE NETSTATE.MALL GUESTBOOK CONTACT US

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EnchantedLearning.com Oklahoma Facts, Map and State Symbols Oklahoma Flag Printout/Quiz Oklahoma Map Quiz/Printout Large Flag Printable Oklahoma Outline Map Printout

Oklahoma was the 46th state in the USA; it became a state on November 16, 1907.

State Abbreviation - OK State Capital - Oklahoma City Largest City - Oklahoma City Area - 69,903 square miles [Oklahoma is the 20th biggest state in the USA] Population - 3,450,654 (as of 2000) [Oklahoma is the 27th most populous state in the USA] Name for Residents - Oklahomans Major Industries - farming (wheat, cattle), oil, natural gas

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com

Major Rivers - Arkansas River, Canadian River, Red River Major Lakes - Lake Texoma, Eufaula Lake, Lake Hudson, Lake O' the Cherokees, Gibson Lake, Oologah Lake, Keystone Lake Highest Point - Black Mesa - 4,973 feet (1,516 m) above sea level Number of Counties - 77 Bordering States - Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas

Origin of the Name Oklahoma - The name Oklahoma is from the Choctaw Indian words "okla" meaning people and "humma" meaning red. State Nickname - Sooner State State Motto - "Labor omnia vincit" - Labor Conquers All Things State Song - "Oklahoma!" by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Dinosaur Fossils Found in Oklahoma - Acrocanthosaurus, Apatosaurus, Epanterias, Pleurocoelus, Sauroposeidon, Tenontosaurus

Oklahoma State Symbols and Emblems: State Flag

The official state flag of Oklahoma was adopted on April 2, 1925. The flag was chosen from entries in a Daughters of the American Revolution flag contest. The winning entry was designed by Mrs. Louise Funk Fluke, an artist from Oklahoma City.

The flag features a sky blue field (this is the color of the flag that Choctaw soldiers carried during the Civil War). Oklahoma's flag pictures a Osage Indian battle shield made of buffalo skin. It is adorned with eagle feathers and white crosses (the crosses represent the stars in the sky, and symbolize higher purposes in Native American culture). A gray peace pipe (also called a calumet) and an olive branch (symbols of peace in European and Native American cultures) are on the shield. "OKLAHOMA" is written in white under the shield (this was added to the flag in 1941).

Animal Symbols: State Bird State Game Bird State Animal State Game Mammal State Furbearer

Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com

Raccoon Buffalo Wild Turkey (Bison bison) White-tail deer (Meleagris gallopavo)

State Insect State Butterfly State Reptile State Dinosaur State Fossil State Fish

Black Collared Lizard Acrocanthosaurus Saurophaganax White or Sand swallowtail (Mountain atokensis maximus Bass Boomer) (Morone chrysops) Honey bee (Crotaphytus (Apis collaris) mallifera)

Plant Symbols: State Floral Emblem State Flower State Wildflower State Tree State Grass

Mistletoe Oklahoma Rose Indian Blanket Redbud Indiangrass (Phoradendron serotinum) (Gaillardia pulchella) (Cercis canadensis) (Sorghastrum nutans)

Earth Symbols: State Rock State Soil

Rose rock Port Silt Loam Barite rose (cumulic haplustolls)

Miscellaneous Symbols: State Beverage State Percussive Musical Instrument State Waltz State Colors State Dance

Drum "Oklahoma Wind" Green and white Square dance

Milk

Oklahoma: US State Dot to Dot Mystery Map Oklahoma: Outline Map Connect the dots to draw the Oklahoma: Label Oklahoma: Map/Quiz Printout borders of a mystery state of Me! Printout

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com Printout An outline map of Oklahoma the USA. Then use a globe Label the major Answer geography questions to print. or atlas to figure out which features of Oklahoma. about Oklahoma using the map state you have drawn. You Answers on this quiz. might want to give students Answers clues, such as that it has a panhandle, that its capital is Oklahoma City, or that its name starts with "O." Answer: Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Flag Printout/Quiz Tornado Quiz + Read about and answer Label Tornado Alley Tornado Alley Printout questions on the flag of Read about Tornado Alley, Answer five questions Oklahoma. Oklahoma's Flag: an area in Mid-USA that is about tornadoes and Large Coloring Printable prone to dangerous label the states in the A large black-and-white tornadoes. heart of Tornado printable of the flag of Alley. Or go to the Oklahoma. answers.

United States of America: Follow the Instructions #5 Draw lines on the USA map according to simple directions, such as, "The path you have drawn looks like which US state?" Or go to the answers. Or go to a pdf of the worksheet and the answers.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com

US State - Find Related Words For a US state, write eight words related to the state, then use each word in a sentence.

Your State: US State Graphic Draw and Write Organizer US State Report Draw a map of the state For one US state, write Graphic that you live in (in the the name of the state, Organizer USA) and write about draw a map of the it. state, then write the Printout #1 state capital, postal abbreviation, date of This printout helps the statehood, state bird student do a short (draw and write), state report on a US state, flower (draw and prompting the student write), a major body of to draw a map of the water in the state, two state, locate it on a US bordering states, and map, draw the state's state nickname. flag, and write its capital city, state nickname, area, population, date of statehood, and state bird.

USA Map: Find Your USA Map: Where I State Live Find and label your Write your country, US State state in the USA, and state, and city, and Printable Book label other important then find and label A short, printable book on a US state. To geography. your state (and a few complete the book, the student must Answers other geographical research a US state, draw its map, draw its features). US State Report flag, and answer simple questions about Graphic the state. Organizer Printout #2

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com

This printout helps the student do a short report on a US state, prompting the student to draw a map of the state, locate it on a US map, draw the state's flag, and write its capital city, state nickname, area, population, date of statehood, state bird, state flower, climate, and major industries.

The Census A census is an official count of the number of people in a region. The survey is done by a government, usually periodically. This page Write Ten Things US State - Find a explains how and why About Your State Related Word for censuses are taken. A one-page printable Each Letter worksheet. Write ten US State Wheel For a US state, see if things about your state This 2-page print-out makes a wheel about a you can think of and (plus one thing you single US state; the student fills out the write down a word or information on the wheel. It consists of a base phrase that is related to would like to change). page together with a rear wheel that spins around. After putting the wheel together, the that state for each letter student follows the instructions on the front of the alphabet. Think wheel (coloring in the state on a US map and of cities, famous people drawing a small map of the state) and fills out from the state, bodies the 12 sections of the wheel with information of water, mountains, about one state. When you spin the wheel, facts landmarks, and other about the US State appear, including: Biggest Cities, Capital, Flag, Bodies of Water, Postal features. Find words Abbreviation, State Bird, Population (rank), for as many letters as Area (rank), Residents Called, Bordered by, you can. Major Industries, and Entered Union (order).

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/oklahoma/[11/13/2011 6:52:28 PM] Oklahoma: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com

Census: Printable Read-and- Answer Worksheet A printable worksheet on the census, with a short text to read, a map to color, and questions to answer. Or go to the answers. Or go to a pdf file with the worksheet and the answers.

US State Facts, Map and State Symbols

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Order and Dates of Statehood State Population Figures State Area Figures State Extremes and Records

US Postal Codes US Postal Codes Matching Guidelines for Writing a Report on a State US Geography

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Biography United States > States Travel to Oklahoma · Oklahoma City · Tulsa · Afton — Sports Unbiased reviews and great deals from TripAdvisor Arts & Ent. Oklahoma Business Calendar & Holidays Health & Science Map of Oklahoma Homework Center Francisco Vásquez de Coronado first explored Fact Monster Kid's reference, the region for Spain in games, quizzes 1541. The U.S. Calculator Capital: Oklahoma City acquired most of Editor's Favorites Oklahoma in 1803 in Spelling Checker State abbreviation/Postal code: the Louisiana Purchase Place Finder Answerplease: A new Q & A site Okla./OK from France; the Distance Calculator Western Panhandle Periodic Table American Indian Governor: Mary Fallin, R (to Jan. 2015) Heritage Month region became U.S. Conversion Tool territory with the Veterans Day Perpetual Calendar Lieut. Governor: Todd Lamb, R (to Jan. annexation of Texas in Campaign 2012 Year by Year 2015) 1845. Country Profiles Senators: Tom Coburn, R (to Jan. 2017); Most Populous Cities Set aside as Indian of the World James Inhofe, R (to Jan. 2015) Territory in 1834, the 24 X 7 Holidays in America region was divided into Private Tutor U.S. Representatives: 5 50 States Indian Territory and Conversion Historical biographies of Oklahoma Territory on Calculator May 2, 1890. The two Congressional members 24 x 7 Tutor were combined to Color Psychology Availability Top 50 U.S. Cities Secy. of State: Glenn Coffee, R (to Jan. make a new state, 2015) Oklahoma, on Nov. 16, Unlimited Infoplease's Online Tutoring Facebook page 1907. Treasurer: Ken A. Miller, R (to Jan. 2015) 1-on-1 Tutoring Follow Infoplease on On April 22, 1889, the Twitter Atty. General: Scott Pruitt, R (to Jan. 2015) first day homesteading Explore Free Algebra was permitted, 50,000 Help , Molarity Search: Infoplease Organized as territory: May 2, 1890 people swarmed into Calculator the area. Those who Entered Union (rank): Nov. 16, 1907 (46) tried to beat the noon Info search tips Present constitution adopted: 1907 starting gun were called “Sooners,” Search: Biographies Motto: Labor omnia vincit (Labor conquers hence the state's all things) nickname. Bio search tips State symbols: Oil made Oklahoma a rich state, but natural- flower mistletoe (1893) gas production has now surpassed it. Oil tree redbud (1937) refining, meat packing, food processing, and bird scissor-tailed flycatcher machinery (1951) manufacturing

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108260.html[11/13/2011 6:54:03 PM] Oklahoma: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts — Infoplease.com

animal bison (1972) (especially construction and oil equipment) are reptile mountain boomer lizard important industries. (1969) Minerals produced in Oklahoma include stone rose rock (barite rose) helium, gypsum, zinc, (1968) cement, coal, copper, colors green and white (1915) and silver.

song “Oklahoma” (1953) Oklahoma's rich plains produce bumper yields beverage milk of wheat, as well as butterfly black swallowtail large crops of sorghum, hay, cotton, fish white or sand bass and peanuts. More folk dance square dance than half of Oklahoma's annual furbearer raccoon farm receipts are contributed by livestock game animal white-tailed deer products, including grass Indiangrass cattle, dairy products, swine, and broilers. insect honeybee Tourist attractions musical fiddle include the National instrument Cowboy Hall of Fame poem “Howdy Folks,” David in Oklahoma City, the Randolph Milsten Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, the waltz “Oklahoma Wind” Cherokee Cultural Center with a restored wildflower Indian blanket Cherokee village, the restored Fort Gibson Nickname: Sooner State Stockade near Muskogee, the Lake Origin of name: From two Choctaw Indian Texoma recreation words meaning “red people” area, pari-mutuel horse 10 largest cities (2010 est.): Oklahoma racing at Remington City, 579,999; Tulsa, 391,906; Norman, Park in Oklahoma City, 110,925; Lawton, 96,867; Broken Arrow, and Blue Ribbon 98,850; Edmond , 81,405; Moore, 55,081; Downs in Sallisaw. Midwest City, 54,371; Enid, 49,379; Stillwater, See more on 45,688 Oklahoma: Land area: 68,667 sq mi. (177,848 sq km) Encyclopedia: Oklahoma Geographic center: In Oklahoma Co., 8 Encyclopedia: mi. N of Oklahoma City Geography Encyclopedia: Number of counties: 77 Economy Encyclopedia: Largest county by population and Government area: Oklahoma, 718,633 (2010); Osage, Encyclopedia: History 2,251 sq mi. Monthly Temperature Extremes State parks: 50 Accredited Colleges Residents: Oklahoman and Universities

2010 resident population est.: All U.S. States: 3,751,351 Geography & Climate Printable Outline Maps 2010 resident census population Record Highest (rank): 3,751,351 (28). Male: 1,856,977 Temperatures (49.5%); Female: 1,894,374 (50.5%). Record Lowest White: 2,706,845 (72.2%); Black: 277,644 Temperatures (7.4%); American Indian: 321,687 (8.6%); Highest, Lowest, and Asian: 65,076 (1.7%); Other race: 154,409 Mean Elevations (4.1%); Two or more races: 221,321 Land and Water Area (5.9%); Hispanic/Latino: 332,007 (8.9%). 2010 percent population 18 and over: All U.S. States: 75.2; 65 and over: 13.5; median age: Population & Economy 36.2.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108260.html[11/13/2011 6:54:03 PM] Oklahoma: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts — Infoplease.com

Historical Population Statistics, 1790– See additional census data Present Area codes Per Capita Personal Income Tourism office Minimum Wage Rates State Taxes Federal Government Expenditure Percent of People in Poverty Births and Birth Rates Homeownership Percentage of Uninsured by State

All U.S. States: Society & Culture: Most Livable States Healthiest States Most Dangerous States Smartest States Crime Index Residency Requirements for Voting Compulsory School Attendance Laws Driving Laws National Public Radio Stations

Selected famous natives and residents:

Johnny Bench baseball player;

John Berryman poet;

Garth Brooks singer;

Iron Eyes Cody Cherokee actor;

L. Gordon Cooper astronaut;

Ralph Ellison writer;

James Garner actor;

Owen K. Garriott astronaut;

Vince Gill singer;

Chester Gould cartoonist;

Woody Guthrie singer and composer;

Roy Harris composer;

Paul Harvey broadcaster;

Van Heflin actor;

Ron Howard actor and director;

Ben Johnson actor;

Jennifer Jones actress;

Jeane Kirkpatrick educator and public-affairs spokesperson;

Shannon Lucid astronaut;

Wilma P. Mankiller principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma;

Mickey Mantle baseball player;

Reba McEntire singer;

Shannon Miller Olympic gymnast;

Bill Moyers journalist;

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108260.html[11/13/2011 6:54:03 PM] Oklahoma: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts — Infoplease.com

Daniel Patrick Moynihan N.Y. senator;

Patti Page singer;

Mary Kay Place actress and writer;

Tony Randall actor;

Oral Roberts evangelist;

Dale Robertson actor;

Will Rogers humorist;

Dan Rowan comedian;

Thomas P. Stafford astronaut;

Maria Tallchief ballerina;

Jim Thorpe athlete;

Alfre Woodard actress.

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http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108260.html[11/13/2011 6:54:03 PM] Oklahoma: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts — Infoplease.com

Oklahoma and Texas wheat looks better than expected. (Southwest Farm Press (Online Exclusive))

Oklahoma Courts Rule Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Shouldn't Be Treated As Property Income. (National Real Estate Investor (Online Exclusive))

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