Oklahoma's Centennial and Route 66

The Dallas News of June 1st had an article about the centennial of Oklahoma this year. I found out some stuff I didn't know and, of course, there was stuff I knew. I'd have to rank Oklahoma as my third favorite Route 66 state, after Illinois and Missouri (in that order).

There was not just one land rush in 1889 as I always believed, but four others took place between then and 1895. These land rushes led to Oklahoma becoming a state in November, 1907. At one time there were two territories: Oklahoma and Sequoia, and the belief was that they would become two states, but, at the last minute, they became just one. There was also some question as to why the territorial capital at Guthrie did not become the state capital. I did not know this stuff.

Route 66- The article claimed that the Mother Road has the most drivable miles at nearly 400. There are two great museums in the state. The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton (soon to be the site of the Route 66 Festival in just a few weeks). The article also mentioned the Round Barn and Hillbillies Cafe and B&B in Arcadia.

Some famous Oklahomans were Lt.-Gen. Thomas Stafford, the highest ranking astronaut. His mother came to Oklahoma in a covered wagon and lived to see her son fly into outer space (now that is a neat story). He has a museum in his hometown of Weatherford (Rt 66).

Also, Oklahoma was home to slugger Mickey Mantle, Ron Howard (who didn't grow up in Mayberry, but Duncan), and early aviator Wiley Post. For some reason the article didn't mention Will Rodgers.

Of course, Oklahoma is home to Native American culture. Even the name of the state comes from the Choctow word for "red people." The five civilized tribes were there: Cherokee, Choctow, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole. Thirty-nine tribes make their headquarters in the state and 67 tribes are represented.

Happy Birthday Oklahoma. --RoadDog