Sign in Using FacebookOklahoma City Guide » More About Oklahoma City: Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
- Oklahoma City is the capital of Oklahoma, and inhabitants boast that the city was "born grown." The city quickly became home to 10,000 people on April 22, which is the day of the 1889 Land Run. Today, the city is home to more than one million residents.
- The city is so spread out (625 square miles to be exact) that it may be quite difficult to find its center. To add to the confusion, an underground concourse downtown diverts pedestrians from the sidewalk, making the city seem somewhat sparse.
- Railroads and the meat packing industry were Oklahoma City's first economic posts. The best place to check out this part of the city's history is at Stockyard City. This was the location where cattle and hogs were brought by rail to the slaughterhouses. Despite the fact that the last of the packing plants closed down more than ten years ago and the cattle are now traded in the National Stock Yard Company, the city continues to host one of the world's largest weekly cattle auctions.
- Saddle Up! The National Saddlery has been in business since 1926. Original brass tiles and a stuffed cowboy adorn the ceiling. The cowboy was added when replacement tiles couldn't be found to repair a hole in the ceiling. The business provides all the trophy saddles for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association National Finals Rodeo. They also provide belts for stars such as Garth Brooks!
- Get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Oklahoma City is the largest United States city that meets EPA clean air standards. So, take advantage of it! The metropolitan area has an abundance of space to play: 138 parks, 62 public swimming pools, 7 jogging trails, and 5 lakes.
- Oklahoma City had always been known for its generosity and compassion. Two world-renowned organizations, World Neighbors and Feed the Children, were founded and continue to base their headquarters here.
- The State Fair of Oklahoma comes to life each September. For seventeen days, free family entertainment, educational exhibits, and the unmistakable smells and tastes of the fair descend upon the Oklahoma City. The fair continues to rank as one of the top five fairs in the country and draws more then one million people annually.
- Giddy Up! Oklahoma City is the horse show capital of the world. The city hosts special events each year, including rodeos and horse shows. In fact, the city hosts more of these events than any other city in the United States.
- In 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. The Survivor Tree, which stands across from the building, is known as "The Tree of Life" and represents those people whom Bill Clinton called, "The people who bent but did not break."
- Oklahoma Tea? The limestone and granite Oklahoma State Capital displays oil wells on its grounds. And no, they're not there just for show. Although the earliest well dried up in 1986, the remainders actually do pump oil.
Eat Out and Save Money!
