Oklahoma ( The Sooner State ) The name Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw Indian words, okla, which means "people", and "humma", which means "red." In 1889, Congress opened up 2 million acres for white settlement (it was previously open only to Native Americans who were forced to leave their homelands), and the first of a number of land runs began. Some of the state's settlers were called "Sooners" because they had already staked their land claims before the land was officially opened for settlement. In 1907, Oklahoma became the 47th state in the Union. Oklahoma is a major fuel and food-producing state. Thousands of oil and natural gas wells dot the Oklahoma landscape. Millions of white-faced beef cattle graze on Oklahoma's flat plain and low hills. Fertile fields produce vast crops of wheat. Will Rogers, the famous Oklahoma cowboy humorist, once said, "There ought to be a law against anybody going to Europe until they have seen the things we have in this country". He may have been thinking of some of the scenic spots in his home state. The range of Oklahoma's attractions include beautiful natural settings, Indian villages and striking modern buildings. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Oklahoma include: Brad Pitt, Blake Edwards, James Marsden, Chuck Norris, The Flag of Oklahoma Entered the Union in 1907 as the 46th State; flag adopted in 1925, modified in 1941 and 1988. An Osage shield stands for defense, its small crosses for lofty ideals. The blue background symbolizes loyalty, while the olive branch and calumet are for peace.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Oklahoma City, 506,132; Tulsa, 393,049; Norman, 95,694; Lawton, 92,757; Broken Arrow, 74,859; Edmond, 68,315; Midwest City, 54,088; Enid, 47,045; Moore, 41,138; Stillwater, 39,065   Business and Trade in Oklahoma Agriculture: Cattle, wheat, milk, poultry, cotton. Industries: Transportation equipment, machinery, electric products, rubber and plastic products, food processing. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Flower: Mistletoe (phoradendron serotinum) Tree: Redbud (cercis canadensis) Song(s): Oklahoma Motto: Labor Omnia Vincit (Labor Conquers All Things) Oklahoma Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Sardis Lake - CLAYTON • Chouteau Lock And Dam 17 - GORE • Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery - Tishomingo • Chickasaw National Recreation Area - Sulphur • McGee Creek Reservoir - Atoka

Capital: Oklahoma City     Local Weather  Statehood: 1907-11-16  Population: 3,450,654 (50.3 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 69,898.19     Water 1,231.13     Land 68,667.06     Rank 19th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In Oklahoma, there are 1,514,400 housing units, averaging to 22.1 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Inside OU Sports Magazine     Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine     Oklahoma Today Magazine   Posters and Artwork University of Oklahoma Photo 8" x 10" • University Of Oklahoma Art Print 28" x 22" • Oklahoma, The Sooner State, Map Art Print 17" x 11" • Flamingo Room, Oklahoma Club, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Art Print 17" x 11" • Philtower, Tulsa, Oklahoma Art Print 11" x 17" • A Canada Goose Looks Through a Window at the University of Central Oklahoma May 12, 2006 Photographic Print 12" x 16"