Oklahoma is the 20th-most extensive state that located in the South-Central region of the United States. It’s surrounded by 6 other states: Kansas on the north, Missouri on the northeast, Arkansas on the east, Texas on the south and west, New Mexico on the west, and Colorado on the northwest. The Sooner State and Land of the Red Man are two nicknames of Oklahoma. Are you interested in knowing interesting facts about Oklahoma? Let’s discuss 10 interesting facts about Oklahoma in this article.
1. Oklahoma is One of the Last States Admitted to the United States
Oklahoma is among the last states admitted to the United States. It was admitted as the 46th state of the United States on November 16, 1907. There are only 4 states that were admitted after Oklahoma: New Mexico and Arizona (1912), Hawaii and Alaska (1959). Before the statehood, Oklahoma was Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory.
2. Oklahoma City is the Capital and Largest City of Oklahoma
The capital and largest city of Oklahoma is Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Metroplitan Area (Greater Oklahoma City) is the largest metropolitan area in Oklahoma. More than a third of Oklahoma live in the Oklahoma Metropolitan Area. The second largest city in Oklahoma is Tulsa. Tulsa Metropolitan Area is also the second largest Metropolitan in Oklahoma.
3. Oklahoma Has the Highest Percentage of Native American populations Behind Alaska
As part of Oklahoma was Indian Territory before statehood, Oklahoma has the highest percentage of Native American population (13.39%) behind Alaska (19.86%). But when it comes to number, the population of Native American in Oklahoma is still larger than in Alaska. But California still has the largest population of Native American in the United States (757,628) while Oklahoma comes second (523,360).
4. Cimarron County, Oklahoma is the Only County in the United States that Borders with 4 Other States
Cimmaron County is the westernmost county of Oklahoma that located in located in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Cimarron county has borders with 4 other states: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Kansas. It’s the only state in the United States that borders with 4 other states. Kenton in Cimmaron County is the only community of Oklahoma that observes Mountain Time.
5. Oklahoma Has the Most Man-Made Lake among All States
Oklahoma has more than 200 man-made lakes. It’s more than any other states in the United States. Man-made lake of Oklahoma was made to supply water for domestic needs and agricultural irrigation. Lake Eufaula and Lake Texoma are two largest man-made lakes of Oklahoma that rank 34th and 38th largest lake in the United States by surface area.
6. Oklahoma is the Largest Producing State of Iodine in the United States
Oklahoma is the largest producer of Iodine in the United States. The production of Iodine is mainly located on Woodward trench in northwest Oklahoma where iodine-rich brine water is drilled from 7,000 and 13,000 ft production wells. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency affects many people and is one of the causes of intellectual disabilities.
7. Oklahoma is One of the Largest Producing States of Oil and Gas
Although it’s not the largest producing state of oil and gas, Oklahoma is among of the largest producing states of oil and gas. Oklahoma usually ranks on the top 5 largest producing states of crude oil and natural gas in the United States. In 1907, before statehood, Oklahoma produced more oil than any other state or territory of the United States. Tulsa, Oklahoma is often considered as the “Oil Capital of the World”.
8. Black Mesa is the Highest Natural Point of Oklahoma
The highest natural point of Oklahoma is the Black Mesa. Black Mesa is a mesa that lies in the state of Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Black Mesa reaches 4,973 feet (1,516 m) elevation in the northwestern Cimarron County, Oklahoma, that becomes the highest natural point of Oklahoma. Besides the highest point of Oklahoma, Black Mesa is also the driest, harshest and coldest place in the state.
9. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is the Official State Bird of Oklahoma
The scissor-tailed flycatcher (earlier called Muscivora forficata, now called Tyrannus forficatus) is the official state bird of Oklahoma. It was designated as the official bird of Oklahoma on May 26, 1951. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a long-tailed bird that can be found in North and Central America. It feeds mainly insects (grasshoppers, robber-flies, and dragonflies) in the summer but also eats berries during winter.
10. Redbud is the Official State Tree of Oklahoma
The official state tree of Oklahoma is redbud (Cercis canadensis). It was designated on March 30, 1937. Redbud is a small deciduous tree that is native to eastern North America. It can be found from southern Michigan south to central Mexico and east to New Jersey. The redbud can grow to 6–9 m (20–30 ft) tall with simple, heart shaped leaves and showy, light to dark magenta pink flowers.
Besides those 10 interesting facts, there are surely many more interesting facts about Oklahoma. If you know other interesting facts about Oklahoma, feel free to share with us here.