All Oklahomans know their state is special, and the Sooner State has plenty of interesting history. Even longtime residents may be surprised to learn some of the little-known facts about the state's past and the people who lived in it. Here are 14 fun facts about Oklahoma that even Oklahoma natives may not have heard:
1. Will Rogers World Airport and Wiley Post Airport are both named after two famous Oklahomans who both perished in the same plane crash.
Will Rogers and Wiley Post were both Oklahoma natives who were famous in their respective fields. Will Rogers was a beloved comedian, actor and social commentator, while Wiley Post was an aviation pioneer. Both men died tragically in a 1935 plane crash in Alaska. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and Wiley Post Airport in Bethany, Oklahoma are both named in their honor. The airports serve as a reminder of the legacy left by these two men.
2. Oklahoma has surpassed all other states in producing astronauts.
Oklahoma is the only state to have astronauts who have served at every stage of the US space program, reflecting the state's pioneering spirit and continued contribution to space exploration. Seven astronauts have hailed from Oklahoma since 2020.
3. Oklahoma is the only state in the US that produces iodine.
In Oklahoma, iodine is mined from underground deposits (primarily in northwestern Oklahoma) and used primarily in the production of animal feed supplements, X-ray contrast agents, and other industrial products.
4. Boise City, Oklahoma, was the only city in the United States to be bombed during World War II.
On July 5, 1943, a US Army bomber accidentally dropped bombs on the city while on a training mission. The bombing caused limited damage and no casualties were reported. Still, the event remains a unique and little-known piece of American history, a reminder of the unintended consequences of even routine military training exercises.
5. Muskogee marked the start of the Girl Scout Cookie Sale in 1917.
In 1917, the first Girl Scout cookie sale was held in Muskogee, marking the beginning of a fundraising tradition that has since become a staple of the organization.
6. Grand Lake's Pensacola Dam is the largest multi-arch dam in the world.
The dam, located on Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma, is the longest multi-arch dam in the world, spanning a total of 6,565 feet. The dam was built in the late 1930s as part of a large-scale project to create a recreational lake and generate hydroelectric power. The multi-arch design, which features numerous arches spanning the full width of the dam, was chosen for its stability and ability to withstand water forces and earthquakes.
7. The Port of Catoosa is the largest inland port in the United States.
The port handles a variety of commodities, including agricultural products, petroleum products, and heavy equipment, and serves as a key connection between the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions of the country.
8. Oklahoma has the highest concentration of tornadoes per square mile anywhere in the world.
The combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains creates an ideal environment for tornado formation. As a result, the state has the highest concentration of tornadoes per square mile of any location in the world, making it one of the most tornado-prone areas on earth.
9. The shopping cart was invented in Ardmore in 1936.
The shopping cart was invented in Ardmore in 1936 by Sylvan Goldman. Goldman was a grocery store owner who was trying to make shopping easier and more efficient for his customers. We'd say it sure did…this invention spread around the world and is one of the most used items in retail stores today.
10. Cimarron County, located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is the only county in the US that borders 4 separate states – Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas.
Cimarron County is an important crossroads for travel and commerce in the region and gives it a unique character and cultural heritage. The county's regional location also means it is influenced by many different local climates and geographies, from the arid deserts of New Mexico to the rolling prairies of Kansas.
11. Bartlesville can be credited with inventing the aerosol can.
Adding to the list of Oklahoman genius inventions is the aerosol can. The first successful commercial aerosol can was developed in the 1940s by Bartlesville resident Robert H. Abplanalp, who went on to found the Precision Valve Corporation.
12. No Democratic presidential candidate has won a single county in the state since 2000.
In recent presidential elections, Oklahoma has consistently favored the Republican nominee by wide margins, making it one of the most Republican-leaning states in the country.
13. Oklahoma is the only state with an official state meal.
While many other states have one or more official foods, it is the only official state meal. So what exactly does our meal contain? It consists of barbecue pork, sausage with biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, fried okra, squash, black-eyed peas, grits, corn, cornmeal, pecan pie and strawberries.
14. The Oklahoma state capitol is the only capital city in the US with oil wells operating on its grounds.
The oil wells were discovered in the 1930s and continue to produce oil to this day. The revenue generated from the sale of the oil is used to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the state capital building.
How many of these facts surprised you? What's your favorite weird fact about Oklahoma history? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to wear your love of Oklahoma on your sleeve when you check out this unique outfit from Wear your roots.
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