National Oklahoma Day on June 7 recognizes the 46th state to be granted statehood.

The panhandled state of Oklahoma is a dotted series of granite mountain peaks, sloping sandstone ridges, rolling hills, and plains. In 1803, the land became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.

Across the state, significant sites record the result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail crosses nine states and describes the brutal impact on the lives of Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles.

In 1889, several counties in Oklahoma became open to settlement by Land Run. Settlers could claim quarter sections of land only after a specific time (usually noon) on a set date. Some eager settlers would cross the boundary into the county seeking their preferred quarter section sooner than the stroke of noon, earning them (and the state) the nickname “Sooners.”

From the Arkansas River to the Neosho River, Oklahoma has scenic views, lakes and mountain trails. Put on your hiking boots and make some trail mix for an afternoon adventure. After a good hike, take in Route 66 for a drive and maybe pick up some barbeque or something fried.  Oklahomans seem to have cornered the market on nearly everything fried. To mention a few, we came across fried okra and lamb balls and catfish. For something fresh, don’t forget the state fruit. Strawberries!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Oklahoma Day. We’ll take a drive out on the open highway, and work up an appetite. Discover the best eateries in the state and explore the history that goes with them. Find adventure in The Sooner State and use #NationalOklahomaDay to share on social media.

Hidden Treasures

Pioneer Woman Statue – Ponca City

Shattuck Windmill Museum – Shattuck

99’s Museum of Women – Oklahoma City

Totem Pole Park – Chelsea

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Will Rogers – Humorist/Actor – (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935)

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Jim Thorpe – Athlete – (May 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953)

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Clarence Nash – Voice Actor – (December 7, 1904 – February 20, 1985) voice of Donald Duck

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Karl Guthe Jansky – Physicist -(October 22, 1905 – February 14, 1950)

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Woody Guthrie – Singer Songwriter -(July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967)

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Ralph Ellison – Author – (March 1, 1914 – April 16, 1994)

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Sam Walton – Businessman – (March 29, 1918 – April 5, 1992) The Man who gave us Walmart

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Paul Harvey – Broadcaster – (September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009)

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Naomi Parker Fraley – Waitress/xxx -(August 26, 1921 – January 20, 2018)

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Maria Tallchief – Ballerina – (January 24, 1925 – April 11, 2013)

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Mickey Mantle – Baseball player – (October 20, 1931 – August 13, 1995)

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Darla Hood – Actress – (November 8, 1931 – June 13, 1979)

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Chuck Norris – Martial Artist – (March 10, 1940 – )

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Wilma Mankiller – Cherokee Leader – (November 18, 1945 – April 6, 2010)

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Johnny Bench – Baseball player – (December 7, 1947-)

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Ron Howard – Actor/Director – (March 1, 1954 – )

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Reba McEntire – Singer – (March 28, 1955 – )

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Anita Hill – Attorney – (July 30, 1956 -)

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Garth Brooks – Singer-Songwriter -(February 7, 1962 -)

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