Email Link100 CANDLES
by Becky Dixon
It’s sure to be the celebration of a lifetime. Oklahoma will commemorate its 100th anniversary of statehood on November 16, 2007, and all across the state, Oklahomans are planning a yearlong party filled with pomp and pageantry.
TIME TO CELEBRATE: Tulsa’s centennial clock
was
a gift from
Oklahoma City.
SOONER HISTORY
What is now Oklahoma was originally known as Indian Territory. Starting in the 1820s, Five Civilized Tribes from the southeastern United States were forced by federal and state governments to relocate here over numerous routes, the most famous being the Cherokee “Trail of Tears.” For over 20 years the Cherokees, along with Choctaws, Creeks, Chickasaws, and Seminoles suffered great hardships during these trips west, but eventually recovered, and thanks to hard work and sacrifice, began to thrive in their new home.
Following the Civil War, Oklahoma became a part of the booming cattle industry, ushering in the era of the American cowboy. Western expansion reached Indian Territory in the late 1800s, and treaties enacted after the war forced tribes to give up their communal lands and accept individual property allotments.
Next, the government decided to open the western parts of the territory by holding a total of six land runs beginning in 1889. Settlers from across the nation and even foreign countries came to stake their claims. Those who did so before the official land runs were called “Sooners”, thus giving Oklahoma its nickname, the Sooner State. Native Oklahoman and famed movie director Ron Howard told me he paid tribute to his own grandparents’ participation in the Land Runs with his 1993 film Far and Away.
Over a decade after the Land Runs, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the Union on November 16, 1907. Some historians believe part of the reason statehood was such a sure thing for Oklahoma was the discovery of oil. People came from all parts of the world seeking their fortunes in Oklahoma’s oil fields, and as our state’s population grew, its economy grew as well. The 21st Century finds Oklahoma boasting not only lucrative oil fields, but also vibrant cities, bustling small towns, and productive farms and ranches.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Our rich history forms the foundation for Oklahoma's Centennial Celebration. Though the official kick-off is this November in Tulsa, local residents have already received a very cool gift: a centennial clock given to Tulsa by our neighbors in Oklahoma City. Standing 16 feet tall, the clock is permanently installed at the corner of one of Tulsa’s busiest downtown intersections.
The November kick-off will be followed by our state’s participation in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, during which a magnificent float called Oklahoma Rising will make its way down New York’s famous Broadway Avenue. Then we’ll ring in the New Year as two Oklahoma floats lead the Tournament of Roses Parade. Back at home, two major events in 2007 will celebrate Oklahoma’s history and heritage: the Centennial Expo in September, and the Centennial Parade on October 14.
Finally, on Statehood Day, November 16, 2007, historical reenactments will take place in Guthrie, the state’s first capital. Activities will include the presidential proclamation of statehood and an inaugural parade. The day will conclude in Oklahoma City with a grand finale billed as The Spectacular, featuring live entertainment from some of our state’s most celebrated performers. According to Lee Allan Smith, Executive Director of the Centennial, “Vince Gill, Kristin Chenoweth, and Patti Page have all been confirmed, while a number of other entertainers are arranging their schedules for this spectacular event.”
Oklahoma’s Centennial Celebration promises to be the biggest bash in state history and is sure to communicate the message that being an Oklahoman is truly something special. Because, without a doubt, it is!
