Frontier Country, Oklahoma
Big-sky country begins in central Oklahoma, where the Southern Plains start their majestic roll to the Pacific Ocean. Novelist Washington Irving rode across these prairies in 1828 in search of adventure -- and travelers find it still. Oklahoma City, the largest in the state, is an easy-going patchwork of city and country, both down-home and cosmopolitan. The 1889 Opening of the Unassigned Lands, better known as the Land Rush, brought farmers, entrepreneurs and dreamers from all over the world here to stake their claims to brand-new towns -- ones that grew from handfuls of railroad workers to towns of 100,000 overnight. The population was a heady mix, and still is today. Each year Oklahoma City hosts the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, the world's largest powwow, as well as Asian, Greek and Hispanic festivals filled with traditional music, food and dancing. Czech farmers planted wheat farms in Oklahoma Territory -- and inaugurated colorful festivals in Prague and Yukon, where Czech delicacies like kolaches and kielbasa sausage are celebrated.
Explore Frontier Country
Oklahoma University
OU ranks No. 1 per capita in the nation among all comprehensive public universities in National Merit Scholars. This year, one out of every 15 freshmen entering OU direct from high school is a National Scholar. The 1999-00 freshmen class includes 10 National Scholars, including 134
Norman, OK CollegesJim Thorpe Birthsite Monument
JAMES FRANCIS THORPE, SAC AND FOX INDIAN NAME OF WA-THO-HUCK "BRIGHT PATH." BORN MAY 22, 1887, SOUTH OF PRESENT-DAY PRAGUE. ATTENDED HASKELL INDIAN SCHOOL, KANSAS AND CARLISLE INSTITUTE, PENNSYLVANIA WHERE HE EXCELLED IN FOOTBALL AND TRACK. AT 1912
Prague, OK MonumentsWoody Guthrie Statue and Mural
The Woody Guthrie Statue was dedicated at the 1998 Free Folk Festival and placed in a memorial park in downtown Okemah. Painted on a wall adjacent to the park is this mural illustrating the life of Woody done by artist, DeAnna Wilson.
Okemah, OK ArtsThe Wolcott Building
National Register of Historic Places A typical example of a Victorian storefront with angled doorway and iron column, this two-story building built in 1903
Chandler, OK Historic BuildingsNational Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague
At the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, thanksgiving and honor are given to Jesus Christ in his humanity.
Prague, OK Shrines
Jim Thorpe
James (Jim) Francis Thorpe with the Sac and Fox name of "Bright Path", was born on May 22, 1887 on a farm just south of Prague, Oklahoma. In 1950, through an Associated Press poll of 393
Prague, OK Famous PeopleOklahoma Museum of Higher Education
Old Central is on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest building on campus, several rooms have been restored to look as they did in 1894
Stillwater, OK MuseumsThe Washington Irving Trail Museum
Follow the Washington Irving Trail and discover the history behind some of Oklahoma's most dramatic events! You will be pleasantly surprised when you discover one of Oklahoma's best-kept secrets -- an off-the-beaten-path museum filled with exhibits about Oklahoma's fascinating past. You'
Stillwater, OK MuseumsWhipping Tree
Standing on the lawn of the present day Seminole County Court House is the Whipping Tree where the Seminoles punished their criminals prior to 1907.
Wewoka, OK Ethnic HeritageHistorical Markers
Land Runs Boundary Line
The big land runs of 1889 and 1893
Stillwater, OK Historical Markers