Oklahoma City, the capital of the state of Oklahoma, USA. UU., Is located in the counties of Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma, along the North Canadian River, near the center of the state, about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Tulsa. The city limits extend to Canadian, Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties, although much of those areas outside of central Oklahoma County are suburban areas or rural protected areas (watersheds). Oklahoma City is the eighth largest city in the United States by area, including consolidated city-counties; it is the second largest, after Houston, not including consolidated cities.
It is also the second largest by area among U. S. state capitals, after Juneau, Alaska. The bustling metropolis has a thriving economy that is largely driven by its livestock market, oil and gas industry, and federal government jobs. It is located on I-35 and I-40 corridors, one of the main travel corridors south to neighboring Texas and Mexico, north to Wichita and Kansas City, west to Albuquerque and east to Little Rock and Memphis.
It is located in the state's Frontier Country region, in an ecological region known as Cross Timbers. Oklahoma City was founded during the Land Run of 1889 and grew to reach a population of more than 10,000 people within hours of its founding. When Oklahoma was admitted to the Union in 1907, Oklahoma City had surpassed Guthrie, the territory's capital, as the center of population and commercial center of the new state. Soon after, the capital was moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City was an important stop on Route 66 during the early part of the 20th century; it was prominently mentioned in Bobby Troup's 1946 jazz song Route 66 (Get Your Kicks On), made famous by artist Nat King Cole. In 1950, according to Census Bureau data, 8.6% of its population was black and 90.7% white. In 2000 census data showed that 25.5% of its population was under 18 years old; 10.7% from 18 to 24; 30.8% from 25 to 44; 21.5% from 45 to 64; 11.5% 65 years or older with a median age of 34 years.
For every 100 females there were 95.6 males; for every 100 females age 18 or over there were 92.7 males. Oklahoma City has experienced a significant increase in population since late 1990s becoming first city in state to register a population greater than 600,000 residents as well as first city in Great Plains region to register a population greater than 600,000 residents; it is also largest municipal population in Great Plains region (Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota).The Museum of Osteology houses more than 300 skeletons of real animals focusing on form and function of skeletal system with exhibits including adaptation, locomotion, classification and diversity of vertebrate kingdom; it is only one of its kind in United States. The Oklahoma City National Monument in northern part of downtown Oklahoma City was created as inscription on east door says to honor victims, survivors, rescuers and all those who changed forever on April 19th 1995 when Alfred P Murrah Federal Building complex was bombed; visitors can enter adjacent Memorial Museum for small fee. The site is also home to National Memorial Institute for Prevention of Terrorism which is nonpartisan nonprofit think tank dedicated to prevention of terrorism. Other major sporting events include thoroughbred horse racing circuits and horse quarters in Remington Park as well as numerous equestrian shows and equine events that take place at state fairgrounds every year; there are numerous golf courses and country clubs scattered around city as well as walking trails that line Bricktown Canal and Oklahoma River in center. City's bicycle trail system surrounds Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser in northwest and west quadrants respectively while Stanley Draper Lake in southeastern Oklahoma City is largest most remote lake offering true rural but still urban experience. The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to numerous natural wonders that are sure to delight visitors from all walks of life.
