Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
source
Name	Oklahoma City
Settlement type	City

Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma, located in the south-central part of the United States. It is situated in the Great Plains region, near the North Canadian River, and is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, which includes Edmond, Norman, and Moore. The city is home to many notable institutions, including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City University, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Oklahoma City is also close to several major United States highways, such as Interstate 35 and Interstate 40, and is served by the Will Rogers World Airport.

Geography

Oklahoma City is located in the central part of the state, in Oklahoma County, and is part of the Arkansas River valley. The city's terrain is generally flat, with some hills and valleys, and is surrounded by the Great Plains to the west and the Ouachita Mountains to the east. The North Canadian River runs through the city, providing water and recreational opportunities for residents. Nearby cities include Edmond, Norman, and Tulsa, which are all connected to Oklahoma City by major highways, such as Interstate 35 and Interstate 40. The city is also close to several major lakes, including Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser, which are popular spots for boating and fishing.

History

The area that is now Oklahoma City was originally settled by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche, before being claimed by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. The city was founded in 1889, during the Land Run of 1889, when thousands of settlers, including Geronimo and other Apache leaders, rushed to claim land in the area. The city quickly grew, becoming the capital of Oklahoma in 1907, and was officially incorporated in 1890. During World War II, the city played an important role in the war effort, with the Will Rogers Field serving as a major training base for the United States Army Air Forces. The city was also home to several major military bases, including Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill, which are still in operation today. Notable events in the city's history include the Oklahoma Land Runs, the Dust Bowl, and the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing.

Economy

The economy of Oklahoma City is diverse, with major industries including energy, healthcare, and aviation. The city is home to several major companies, including Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The city is also a major center for the oil and gas industry, with many companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, having operations in the area. The Will Rogers World Airport is a major hub for Southwest Airlines and other carriers, and the city is also served by several major highways, including Interstate 35 and Interstate 40. Other major employers in the city include the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City University, and the State of Oklahoma.

Culture

Oklahoma City has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The city also hosts several major festivals and events, including the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts, the Taste of Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma State Fair. The city is also home to several major sports teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association and the Oklahoma City Dodgers of the Pacific Coast League. Other notable cultural institutions in the city include the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.

Government

The government of Oklahoma City is a mayor-council system, with a mayor and a nine-member city council. The city is also part of the Oklahoma County government, which provides services such as law enforcement and public health. The city is represented in the United States Congress by Oklahoma's 5th congressional district, which is currently represented by Stephanie Bice. The city is also home to several major government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Other notable government institutions in the city include the Oklahoma State Capitol, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Education

Oklahoma City is served by several major school districts, including the Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Putnam City Schools. The city is also home to several major institutions of higher education, including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City University, and Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City. Other notable educational institutions in the city include the Francis Tuttle Technology Center, the Metro Technology Centers, and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. The city is also served by several major libraries, including the Metropolitan Library System and the Oklahoma City University Library.