Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central United States. Oklahoma is the 20th most extensive and the 28th most populous of the 50 United States. The state's name is derived from the Choctaw words okla and humma, meaning "red people". The capital of Oklahoma the state is Oklahoma City. The population of Oklahoma is estimated to about 3.878 million in 2014. The secretary of the state is Chris Benge and the senators are Jim Inhofe and James Lankford. The State flag features an Osage warrior's shield on a blue background. An olive branch and a calumet, or peace pipe, lay across the shield. Seven eagle feathers decorate the shield. Both of these items are symbols of peace. The design was officially adopted as Oklahoma's flag in 1925. In 1941 the word "Oklahoma" was added beneath the shield. The land that today makes up Oklahoma was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. government relocated Indian tribes from the southeastern United States to the area, and by 1900, over 30 Indian tribes had been moved to what was originally called the Indian Territories. At the same time, ranchers in Texas began to move into the area in search of new pasture lands, and the government eventually opened the land to settlement, creating “land runs” in which settlers were allowed to cross the border at a particular hour to claim homesteads. Settlers who broke the law and crossed the border sooner than allowed were called “sooners,” which eventually became the state’s nickname. Oklahoma became the 47th state in 1907, following several acts that incorporated more and more Indian tribal land into U.S. territory. After its inclusion in the union, Oklahoma became a center for oil production, with much of the state’s early growth coming from that industry. During the 1930s, Oklahoma suffered from droughts and high winds, destroying many farms and creating the infamous Dust Bowl of the Great Depression era. (history.com)
The Oklahoma Historical Society was founded in 1893 by members of the Oklahoma Territory Press Association. In 1918 OHS was relocated to the State Capitol, and in 1930 moved to the Wiley Post building. Over the years OHS has developed numerous collections and programs and now has 35 museums and historic sites statewide. In 2005 came the opening of the Oklahoma History Center, with world-class museum exhibits and a state of the art Research Center.