One of the leading aviation centers in the United States, Oklahoma City is the capital of Oklahoma. This major commercial center is also one of the largest cities in the United States in terms of land area. It occupies more than 600 square miles (1,550 square kilometers). Oklahoma City lies along the North Canadian River, in the center of the state. The city is situated on a vast petroleum deposit, one of the richest in North America. Places of interestOklahoma City's major sites include the Oklahoma City Art Museum, the Kirkpatrick Science and Air Space Museum at Omniplex, and the Western Heritage Center. The Oklahoma State Museum of History has a collection of American Indian archives. Other important museums are the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum. Myriad Gardens is a 12-acre (5-hectare) recreational park with gardens and the seven-story Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. The Oklahoma State Fair is held every year in September, and the International Finals Rodeo is held in January in the State Fair Park. The city is also home to Oklahoma City University and other colleges. EconomyBusiness, agriculture, and the petroleum industry form the basis of the city's economy. Oil was discovered in the city in 1928, and there were soon about 1,400 wells producing oil within the city limits. By the late 20th century, however, the number had dropped to a few hundred. Many large petroleum and energy-related companies have their headquarters in the city. Oklahoma City is also the main marketing and processing point for the state's vast livestock industry. Cotton, wheat, and cattle are shipped from the city. Petroleum products, aircraft, oil-field machinery, electronics equipment, and fabricated steel are manufactured in the city. About 30,000 people in the area work in the aviation industry. Tinker Air Force Base is a large communications base and deals with the organization of military troops and equipment. The Federal Aviation Administration's Aeronautical Center offers training in air safety and airport management. HistoryIn 1887, the Santa Fe Railway opened a stop at Oklahoma Station. The city came into being when about 10,000 people called homesteaders gathered at the station to claim land in central Oklahoma. A temporary government was organized in May 1889. It was named a city and was incorporated in 1890 with the organization of the Oklahoma Territory. The city developed as a distribution point for crops and cattle, and it was named the state capital in 1910. Its industries helped the city to grow throughout the 20th century. In April 1995, much of the city's downtown area was rocked by a terrorist truck bomb that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The bomb killed 168 people, injured more than 500, and damaged many surrounding buildings. Population (2000 census), 506, 132. |