History of Oklahoma City in Timeline

Oklahoma City, or OKC, is the capital and most populous city of Oklahoma, ranking as the 20th-most populous U.S. city. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area has an estimated 1.49 million residents, making it the largest in the state and 42nd largest in the nation. It is the county seat of Oklahoma County, with city limits extending into other counties. Oklahoma City is the tenth-largest city by area in the United States and the second-largest state capital by area, after Juneau, Alaska.

1900: Oklahoma City population doubles between 1890 and 1900

Between 1890 and 1900, Oklahoma City experienced rapid growth, with its population doubling during this period.

September 1, 1904: Oklahoma City University founded

On September 1, 1904, Oklahoma City University, formerly known as Epworth University, was founded by the United Methodist Church.

1907: Oklahoma City becomes the state's population center

In 1907, when Oklahoma was admitted to the Union, Oklahoma City surpassed Guthrie as the state's population center, leading to the capital's relocation to Oklahoma City.

1921: WKY Radio Received Federal License

In 1921, Oklahoma City's WKY Radio received its federal license.

1922: WKY Radio Continually Broadcasts Under Same Call Letters

Since 1922, WKY Radio has continually broadcast under the same call letters.

1927: Council-manager form of city government since 1927

Since 1927, the City of Oklahoma City has operated under a council-manager form of city government.

1928: WKY Purchased by Oklahoma Publishing Company

In 1928, WKY was purchased by E.K. Gaylord's Oklahoma Publishing Company and affiliated with the NBC Red Network.

1928: Discovery of oil within city limits

In 1928, oil was discovered within Oklahoma City's city limits, leading to its development as a major center for oil production.

August 11, 1936: Record High Temperature

On August 11, 1936, Oklahoma City recorded a temperature of 113 °F (45 °C).

1937: Tower Theater Built

In 1937, the Tower Theater was built on 23rd Street right off historic Route 66. It now hosts both concerts and raves.

1946: "Route 66" jazz song

In 1946, Oklahoma City was prominently mentioned in Bobby Troup's jazz song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", which was later popularized by artist Nat King Cole.

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1949: WKY-TV Went On Air

In 1949, WKY-TV (channel 4) went on the air and later became the first independently owned television station in the U.S. to broadcast in color.

1950: Census Bureau reports city's population demographics

In 1950, the Census Bureau reported Oklahoma City's population as 8.6% black and 90.7% white.

1959: City government launched a "Great Annexation Drive"

In 1959, the city government launched a "Great Annexation Drive" that expanded the city's area from 80 to 475.55 square miles.

1961: Expansion of city's area

By the end of 1961, Oklahoma City's area had expanded from 80 to 475.55 square miles, making it the largest U.S. city by land mass at the time.

1971: Patience Latting Elected Mayor

In 1971, Patience Latting was elected Mayor of Oklahoma City, making her the city's first female mayor and the first woman to serve as mayor of a U.S. city with over 350,000 residents.

1976: Gaylord family sold WKY-TV

In 1976, the Gaylord family sold WKY-TV.

1978: Sirloin Stockade Murders

In 1978, six employees of a Sirloin Stockade restaurant in Oklahoma City were murdered execution-style. An investigation followed, identifying three individuals involved.

1982: Penn Square Bank Bankruptcy

In 1982, Oklahoma City had one of the worst job and housing markets due to the bankruptcy of Penn Square Bank.

1985: Oil Price Crash

After 1985, Oklahoma City experienced one of the worst job and housing markets due to the crash in oil prices (oil bust).

1989: City Arts Center at Fairgrounds

In 1989, the City Arts Center was located at the Oklahoma State Fair fairgrounds.

1993: Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) redevelopment package passed

In 1993, Oklahoma City passed the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS), a major redevelopment package aimed at revitalizing the city's core with civic projects.

April 19, 1995: Bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building

On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed, resulting in 168 deaths.

1995: Roger Dale Stafford Execution

In 1995, Roger Dale Stafford, the mastermind of the 1978 Sirloin Stockade restaurant murders, was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

May 3, 1999: Oklahoma City tornado

On May 3, 1999, parts of Oklahoma City and surrounding communities were impacted by an F5 tornado. Wind speeds of 318 mph (510 km/h) were recorded, the highest wind speeds ever recorded on Earth.

2000: Oklahoma City's age composition in 2000

In 2000, Oklahoma City's age composition was 25.5% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older.

2000: Opening of Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

In 2000, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum opened at the site of the Murrah Building. Since its opening, it has been visited by over three million people.

2000: James D. Couch as City Manager since 2000

James D. Couch had served as City Manager since 2000.

June 11, 2001: Execution of Timothy McVeigh

On June 11, 2001, Timothy McVeigh, who destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, was executed by lethal injection.

2001: Economic Output Growth

According to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, between 2001 and 2005, the metropolitan area's economic output grew by 33%.

2002: WKY radio was purchased outright by Citadel Broadcasting

In mid-2002, WKY radio was purchased outright by Citadel Broadcasting.

2004: Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School received the Blue Ribbon School Award

In 2004, OKCPS's Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School received the Blue Ribbon School Award.

April 2005: Oklahoma City Skate Park Renamed Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park

In April 2005, the Oklahoma City Skate Park at Wiley Post Park was renamed the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park in recognition of Mat Hoffman.

2005: NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

In 2005, Oklahoma City hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second rounds.

2005: Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP)

In 2005, Oklahoma City's gross metropolitan product (GMP) was $43.1 billion.

2005: New Orleans Hornets Temporary Relocation

In 2005, the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City.

2005: Hornets' Relocation

In 2005, the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated to the Ford Center, playing the majority of its home games there.

2005: Oklahoma History Center Opening

In 2005, the Oklahoma History Center opened across the street from the governor's mansion in Oklahoma City.

April 2006: Wanda L Bass School of Music Opening

In April 2006, Oklahoma City University opened the Wanda L Bass School of Music and Auditorium.

2006: Hornets' Relocation

In 2006, the New Orleans Hornets continued to play at the Ford Center.

2006: New Orleans Hornets Continued Relocation

In 2006, the New Orleans Hornets continued to play in Oklahoma City.

October 9, 2007: Hornets' Final Game

On October 9, 2007, the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets played their final home game in Oklahoma City against the Houston Rockets.

2007: Big 12 Basketball Tournaments

In 2007, Oklahoma City hosted the Big 12 Men's and Women's basketball tournaments.

2007: Oklahoma Shakespeare In The Park relocated to the Myriad Gardens

In 2007, Oklahoma Shakespeare In The Park relocated to the Myriad Gardens following a renovation of the stage.

2007: Enhanced Fujita scale replaced Fujita scale

In 2007, the Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the Fujita scale.

2007: Restoration of the Skirvin Hotel

In 2007, the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City underwent restoration as part of the ongoing development in the area.

2008: Forbes Magazine Report

In 2008, Forbes magazine reported that Oklahoma City had falling unemployment, one of the strongest housing markets in the country, and solid growth in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

2008: Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center

In 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder became the primary tenant of the Paycom Center.

2008: Sonics Relocation to OKC

In 2008, the Sonics moved to OKC and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2008: Oklahoma City Thunder Arrive

Since the 2008-09 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA has called Oklahoma City home after Clay Bennett relocated the franchise from Seattle.

2008: Thunder's Arrival

The Oklahoma City Thunder arrived in Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season.

December 2009: Oklahoma City voters passed MAPS 3

In December 2009, Oklahoma City voters passed MAPS 3, a $777 million initiative for funding the Oklahoma City Streetcar system.

2009: Oklahoma City largest school district as of 2009

As of 2009, Oklahoma City Public Schools is the state's largest school district.

2009: GMP Growth

By 2009, Oklahoma City's GMP had grown to $61.1 billion.

2009: Big 12 Basketball Tournaments

In 2009, Oklahoma City hosted the Big 12 Men's and Women's basketball tournaments.

2009: Oklahoma City ranked 45th in ACSM's annual ranking

In 2009, Oklahoma City ranked 45th in the American College of Sports Medicine's annual ranking.

2009: Voters approve MAPS 3 proposal

In late 2009, voters approved the MAPS 3 proposal, which included several elements of the "Core to Shore" project, such as relocating I-40 and creating a landscaped entrance to the city.

2010: Success of Metropolitan Area Projects

As of 2010, the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) has exceeded $3 billion in private investment.

2010: Household statistics in 2010

In 2010, Oklahoma City had 230,233 households. 29.4% of those had children under 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families.

2010: Oklahoma City took last place in ACSM's annual ranking

In 2010, Oklahoma City took last place in the American College of Sports Medicine's annual ranking of the United States' 50 most populous metropolitan areas on the basis of community health.

2010: Thunder in NBA Playoffs

In 2010, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a berth (8th) in the NBA Playoffs after boasting its first 50-win season.

2010: Oklahoma City population by county

In 2010, the distribution of Oklahoma City's population across different counties was as follows: 44,541 resided in Canadian County, 63,723 in Cleveland County, 471,671 in Oklahoma County, and 64 in Pottawatomie County.

2010: Population density of Oklahoma City

In the 2010 census, Oklahoma City had 579,999 people, 230,233 households, and 144,120 families. The population density was 956.4 inhabitants per square mile (321.9/km).

2011: Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School received the Blue Ribbon School Award again

In 2011, Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School received the Blue Ribbon School Award again.

2011: Citadel Broadcasting bought out by Cumulus Broadcasting

In 2011, Cumulus Broadcasting bought out Citadel Broadcasting.

2011: Northwest Division Title

In 2011, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a Northwest Division title.

August 3, 2012: Record High Temperature

On August 3, 2012, Oklahoma City recorded a temperature of 113 °F (45 °C).

2012: KIPP Reach College Preparatory School Received National Blue Ribbon

In 2012, KIPP Reach College Preparatory School in Oklahoma City received the National Blue Ribbon.

2012: Completion of the Devon Energy Center

In 2012, the Devon Energy Center was completed, becoming the tallest building in Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma.

2012: Thunder in NBA Finals

In 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder made it to the NBA Finals but lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

May 20, 2013: EF5 tornado hits South Oklahoma City

On May 20, 2013, South Oklahoma City, along with Newcastle and Moore, was hit by an EF5 tornado that was 0.5 to 1.3 miles (0.80 to 2.09 km) wide and killed 23 people.

September 10, 2013: Oklahoma City received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's TIGER program

On September 10, 2013, the federal government announced that Oklahoma City would receive a $13.8-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's TIGER program for a rail-based initiative.

September 2013: David Slane announced he would pursue legal action regarding MAPS3

In September 2013, Oklahoma City area attorney David Slane announced he would pursue legal action regarding MAPS3, claiming the multiple projects that made up the plan violate a state constitutional law.

2013: Walk Score ranked Oklahoma City the 43rd most walkable out of the 50 largest U.S. cities

A 2013 study by Walk Score ranked Oklahoma City the 43rd most walkable out of the 50 largest U.S. cities.

2013: Oklahoma City urbanized zone density

In 2013, Oklahoma City's urbanized zone covered roughly 244 square miles (630 km) resulting in an estimated density of 2,500 per square mile (970/km).

2013: NOAA report on climate trends

In 2013, a report from NOAA projected that parts of the Great Plains region could expect up to a 30% increase in extreme precipitation days by mid-century.

2013: International Photography Hall of Fame Relocation

In 2013, the International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF) relocated to St. Louis, Missouri from the Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

2013: Thunder in Western Conference Semi-Finals

In 2013, the Oklahoma City Thunder reached the Western Conference semi-finals but lost to the Memphis Grizzlies.

2014: Northwest Division Title

In 2014, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a Northwest Division title and improved their win record to 59 wins.

2014: Thunder in Western Conference Finals

In 2014, the Oklahoma City Thunder reached the NBA's Western Conference Finals but lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

2014: Oklahoma City Blazers Junior Team

Since 2014, the Oklahoma City Blazers name has been used for a junior team in the Western States Hockey League.

May 2015: Record Rainfall

May 2015 was Oklahoma City's record-wettest month with 19.48 inches (495 mm) of rainfall. Across Oklahoma and Texas generally, there was record flooding in the latter part of the month.

2015: Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Ranking

As of 2015, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area was the 41st largest in the nation based on population.

2016: GMP Growth

By 2016, Oklahoma City's GMP had grown to $73.8 billion.

2016: The Criterion Completion

In 2016, The Criterion, a 3,000 capacity multi-level venue in Bricktown, was completed.

2016: Northwest Division Title

In 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a Northwest Division title.

2017: Racial Segregation Analysis

In 2017, Oklahoma City was found to be the 8th least racially segregated significant city in the United States.

2017: Construction of the Oklahoma City Streetcar system began

In early 2017, construction of the Oklahoma City Streetcar system in Downtown OKC began.

January 2, 2018: Craig Freeman took office as City Manager

On January 2, 2018, Craig Freeman took office as the City Manager, succeeding James D. Couch.

April 10, 2018: David Holt assumed the office of Mayor

On April 10, 2018, David Holt assumed the office of Mayor of Oklahoma City.

November 20, 2018: Craig Freeman appointed City Manager

On November 20, 2018, the City Council appointed Craig Freeman as the new City Manager.

December 2018: Oklahoma City Streetcar system opened

In December 2018, the Oklahoma City Streetcar system opened for service connecting the areas of Bricktown, Midtown and Downtown.

2018: Interstate 44 Busiest Roadway

In 2018, Interstate 44 between NW 23rd and NW 36th Streets had an average daily traffic count of 167,200 vehicles per day, making it the busiest roadway in the city and state.

2018: Will Rogers World Airport served a historical record of passengers

In 2018, Will Rogers World Airport served 4,341,159 passengers, which was a historical record.

October 2019: KFOR-TV owned by Nexstar Media Group

As of October 2019, KFOR-TV is owned by Nexstar Media Group.

2019: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Acquired

In the summer of 2019, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade.

2020: Oklahoma City Population Growth

By the 2020 United States census, Oklahoma City's population grew to 681,054.

2020: Religion Data Archives Report

In 2020, the Association of Religion Data Archives reported that the Southern Baptist Convention was the city and metropolitan area's most prominent Christian tradition with 213,008 members, Christianity being the area's predominant religion.

2020: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Move

In 2020, the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center moved downtown, near Campbell Art Park at 11th and Broadway.

2020: 2020 Census Racial Composition

In 2020, the racial composition of Oklahoma City was: White or European American 49.5%, Hispanic or Latino 21.3%, Black or African American 13.8%, Asian 4.6%, Native American 2.8%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.2%, other race 0.4%, and two or more races (non-Hispanic) 7.6%.

2020: Household Statistics in 2020

In the 2020 United States census, there were 268,035 households in Oklahoma City, out of which 81,374 households (30.4%) were individuals, 113,161 (42.2%) were opposite-sex married couples, 17,699 (6.6%) were unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 2,930 (1.1%) were same-sex married couples or partnerships.

February 16, 2021: Last sub-zero (Fahrenheit) reading

On February 16, 2021, Oklahoma City experienced its last sub-zero (Fahrenheit) reading, with a temperature of −14 °F (−26 °C).

September 2021: First Americans Museum Opening

In September 2021, the First Americans Museum opened to the public, focusing on the histories and cultures of the numerous tribal nations and many Indigenous peoples in the state of Oklahoma.

2021: New central park

In 2021, a massive new central park will link the gardens near the CBD and the new convention center to be built just south of it to the North Canadian River as part of a massive works project known as "Core to Shore".

2021: Opening of the Scissortail Park

In 2021, the Scissortail Park opened south of the Myriad Gardens. The park includes a lake with paddleboats, a dog park, concert stage, splash park, playground and athletic facilities.

2022: Household Income Statistics in 2022

According to the American Community Survey 1-year estimates in 2022, the median income for a household in Oklahoma City was $63,713, and the median income for a family was $80,833.

2022: Florence's Restaurant Named America's Classic

In 2022, Florence's Restaurant was named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation.

2023: Andrew Black Wins James Beard Award

In 2023, Andrew Black, chef/owner of Grey Sweater, won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest.

2023: Civic Center Music Hall Renovation

In 2023, the art deco Civic Center Music Hall was renovated. It hosts performances from the Oklahoma City Ballet, the Oklahoma City Opera, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and various concerts and traveling Broadway shows.

March 2024: Top Employers

As of March 2024, the top 20 employers in Oklahoma City were listed (actual list not provided in the source text).

2024: 23rd Street Armory Transformation Begins

In Spring 2024, construction will begin on the transformation of the historic 23rd Street Armory into a $23 million entertainment venue.

2025: NBA Championship

In 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games to win their first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma City.

2026: 23rd Street Armory Transformation Completion Anticipated

Completion of the transformation of the historic 23rd Street Armory into an entertainment venue is anticipated in 2026.

2028: 2028 Summer Olympics Events

In 2028, Oklahoma City will host canoe slalom and softball events during the Summer Olympics.

2045: Ready Player One is set in Oklahoma City

In the year 2045, the setting of Ready Player One takes place in Oklahoma City.