Nestled in the heartland of America lies a hidden gem – a state that boasts a vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a rich history that’s as diverse as it is fascinating. Welcome to Oklahoma, a land of cowboys and Native Americans, tornadoes and oil fields, and a melting pot of cultures that have come together to create a truly unique identity. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in mouth-watering cuisine, or immerse yourself in the state’s colorful past, Oklahoma has something for everyone. So come along with us on a journey to discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Sooner State – you won’t be disappointed!
1-5 Fun Facts About Oklahoma
1. The state’s name has an interesting origin, deriving from the Choctaw word for “red people” – “okla” meaning people, and “humma” meaning red.
2. Oklahoma is almost twice the size of Ireland.
3. Despite its vast expanses, Oklahoma’s population is relatively modest, with just over 4 million people calling it home – making it the 28th most populous state in the US.
4. Oklahoma has a rich Native American heritage, with the second-largest indigenous population in the country – over 523,000 or 13% of the state’s population. Only California has a higher total number of indigenous people, and Alaska has a higher percentage.
5. Oklahoma experiences more earthquakes than any other place in the world.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Oklahoma
6. In a bold move, Oklahoma declared watermelon a vegetable and made it their official state vegetable. While botanists everywhere scratched their heads, Oklahomans proudly celebrated their state’s commitment to confusing taxonomical classifications.
7. The Tulsa Center of the Universe, located in Oklahoma, is an acoustic phenomenon that amplifies sound. When someone makes a noise at the center of the circle, it echoes back several times louder, yet people standing outside cannot hear a thing.
8. The state motto of Oklahoma is a powerful one, emphasizing the value of hard work and perseverance – “Labor Omnia Vincit”, or “Labor Conquers All Things”.
9. In 1943, a courthouse in Oklahoma was mistakenly bombed by the U.S. Air Force during a training mission. For many years, it was believed to be the only city in the U.S. bombed by its military.
10. Oklahoma holds an electrifying record – the longest-recorded lightning bolt in history occurred over the state in 2007, stretching a jaw-dropping 321 km (199.5 miles) and lasting an incredible 5.7 seconds.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Oklahoma
11. Here’s a startling fact: Oklahoma has the dubious distinction of having the highest incarceration rate in the entire world.
12. Before 1942, Oklahoma had a disturbing practice of forcibly sterilizing prisoners under the misguided belief that criminal behavior was hereditary.
13. Oklahoma may be known for its wide-open spaces, but approximately 24% of the state is covered in forests. The Ouachita National Forest, which spans nearly 2 million acres, is shared by Oklahoma and Arkansas.
14. When it comes to obesity, unfortunately, Oklahoma ranks as the third most obese state in the country, with 36.5% of adults classified as obese – surpassed only by West Virginia and Mississippi.
15. If you’re a fan of gambling, you might want to check out the WinStar Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It’s the biggest casino in the US in terms of gaming floor space.
16-20 Shocking Facts About Oklahoma
16. While Oklahoma may be a large state, the majority of its population is concentrated in just two areas – the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas, where two-thirds of the state’s residents call home.
17. Despite its many charms, studies have shown that Oklahoma may not be the best state to raise a child – in fact, it has consistently ranked as one of the worst in the country for child-rearing.
18. Oklahoma may have some peculiar laws on the books, such as outlawing the sharing of hamburgers and wearing boots to bed, but some are downright bizarre – including prohibitions against having tissues in the back of your car, eavesdropping, and even reading a comic book while operating a motor vehicle. And if you thought you could get away with speaking loudly in church – think again!
19. Before 2006, it was illegal to get a tattoo in the state of Oklahoma.
20. Oklahoma’s policy on last meals for death row inmates is somewhat unique: they can request a final meal costing no more than $15. However, it must be sourced locally.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Awesome Oklahoma Facts For Kids.
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