Full History Of Oklahoma In Timeline From 1900

1900: Impact of the Dawes and Curtis Acts

By 1900, due to the Dawes and Curtis Acts, roughly half of the land previously owned by Indian tribes in Oklahoma was owned by whites. These acts led to the abolishment of tribal governments and the allotment of land to individual Indians, with much of the remaining land sold to settlers and railroads, resulting in significant land loss for tribes.

1901: Establishment of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the largest and oldest of nine National Wildlife Refuges in Oklahoma, was established in 1901.

1905: Arkansas Receives Choctaw Land

In 1905, 57 acres of Choctaw land was given to Arkansas after a petition to Congress.

1905: Sequoyah Statehood Convention

The Sequoyah Statehood Convention of 1905, although unsuccessful in creating an all-Indian state, played a crucial role in establishing the foundation for the Oklahoma Statehood Convention two years later.

June 16, 1906: Congress Authorizes Oklahoma Statehood

On June 16, 1906, Congress passed a law allowing the people of Oklahoma and Indian Territories to draft a constitution and establish a state government, paving the way for Oklahoma's statehood.

November 16, 1907: Oklahoma Becomes the 46th State

On November 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt officially proclaimed Oklahoma as the 46th state of the United States.

1907: Oklahoma Acquires the Panhandle

In 1907, Oklahoma gained the Panhandle, a former no-man's land previously part of the Texas Panhandle, upon achieving statehood. Texas had to cede this territory due to the Missouri Compromise when it joined the Union as a slave state.

November 11, 1911: Temperature Plunge in Oklahoma City

On November 11, 1911, Oklahoma City experienced a dramatic temperature drop, with the high reaching 83°F, followed by a cold front that brought temperatures down to 17°F by midnight. This event set both the record high and low for the date.

1912: 1912 Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak

In 1912, a tornado outbreak occurred in Oklahoma when a warm front interacted with a stalled cold front, resulting in tornadoes averaging about one per hour. This event highlighted the state's susceptibility to severe weather.

1915: Resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan

The Ku Klux Klan experienced a revival in Oklahoma after 1915, contributing to heightened social tensions.

September 1918: Spanish Flu Arrives in Oklahoma

In late September 1918, the first cases of the Spanish flu emerged in Oklahoma, rapidly spreading and overwhelming healthcare systems and local authorities.

1919: End of Spanish Flu Pandemic in Oklahoma

By 1919, the Spanish flu pandemic subsided in Oklahoma, leaving an estimated 7,500 fatalities out of approximately 100,000 cases.

1920: Oklahoma's Population in 1920

In 1920, Oklahoma's population stood at 2,028,283 according to the U.S. Census, marking the state's continued growth since its establishment.

1920: Early Republican Presidential Wins in Oklahoma

In 1920, Oklahoma, generally considered a Democratic stronghold, was carried by the Republican presidential candidate.

1920: First Radio Station in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's first radio station, WKY, commenced broadcasting in Oklahoma City in 1920.

1921: Tulsa Race Massacre

In 1921, the Tulsa race massacre erupted as white mobs attacked the Black community of Greenwood. Sixteen hours of rioting led to widespread destruction and an estimated death toll ranging from 75 to 300.

1927: Birth of Route 66

In 1927, Oklahoman Cyrus Avery initiated the campaign for U.S. Route 66, utilizing a section of highway from Amarillo, Texas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the initial stretch. He also founded the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa to manage the route's planning.

1928: Second Early Republican Presidential Win in Oklahoma

In 1928, the Republican party won Oklahoma in the presidential election for the second time in the state's history.

1934: Severe Drought of 1934

In 1934, Oklahoma experienced one of its hottest summers with prolonged drought conditions, featuring weeks without rain and temperatures exceeding 100°F. This drought was part of the Dust Bowl period.

1940: Demographic Shift in 1940

In 1940, 90.1% of Oklahoma's population was non-Hispanic White, reflecting the demographic composition before significant diversification began.

1948: Shift in Oklahoma's Political Landscape

Following the 1948 election, Oklahoma's political landscape shifted, moving away from its Democratic stronghold status.

1949: Broadcast Television Begins in Oklahoma

In 1949, Oklahoma saw the advent of broadcast television with the launch of KFOR-TV (then WKY-TV) in Oklahoma City and KOTV-TV in Tulsa.

1950: Population Decline After the Dust Bowl

By 1950, Oklahoma experienced its only historical population decline, dropping by 6.9 percent as families migrated out of the state due to the devastating economic impact of the Dust Bowl.

1952: Start of Consistent Republican Presidential Wins

Starting in 1952, Oklahoma consistently voted for Republican presidential candidates with only one exception.

1953: Ridge Bond's Role in Oklahoma! and State Song Adoption in 1953

In 1953, Ridge Bond, an Oklahoma native, starred in the Broadway production of Oklahoma! and helped make the show's title song the official state song. This year was marked by the show's influence on Oklahoma's cultural identity and Bond's contribution to its recognition.

1954: 1954 Heat Wave

The summer of 1954 in Oklahoma was marked by a severe heat wave and drought, with temperatures soaring above 100°F and little to no rainfall for extended periods.

1962: Founding of Oklahoma City Ballet Program in 1962

In 1962, the Oklahoma City Ballet program was founded by Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov at the University of Oklahoma. This program became the first fully accredited dance program of its kind in the United States, highlighting Oklahoma's contribution to the arts.

1964: Lyndon B. Johnson's Victory in Oklahoma

Lyndon B. Johnson's landslide victory in the 1964 presidential election was the sole instance when Oklahoma didn't vote for a Republican candidate since 1952.

1973: Proposal of Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant

In 1973, the Public Service Company of Oklahoma proposed the Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant near Inola. However, the project faced significant opposition and was eventually canceled in 1982 after legal challenges.

1976: Capital Punishment in Oklahoma

From 1976 onwards, Oklahoma legally practiced capital punishment, with the highest per capita execution rate in the US up to mid-2011. Authorized execution methods included electrocution, gas chamber, and firing squad.

1976: Inauguration of the Medieval Fair of Norman

The Medieval Fair of Norman began in 1976 as Oklahoma's first medieval fair, initially held on the south oval of the University of Oklahoma campus, marking the start of a long-standing tradition in the state.

1979: Protests against Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant

In 1979, protests against the Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant intensified following the Three Mile Island accident, contributing to increased public scrutiny and eventual project cancellation.

1980: Life expectancy trends between 1980 and 2014

Between 1980 and 2014, Oklahoma's life expectancy increases were below the national average, with males seeing a 4.0-year increase and females a 1.0-year increase, indicating slow progress in health improvements.

1980: TBN Studio and Affiliate in Oklahoma

In 1980, TBN, a Christian religious television network, established a studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma and launched its first fully owned affiliate station in Oklahoma City.

1980: 1980 Heat Wave

Oklahoma suffered from extreme heat and drought in the summer of 1980, with prolonged periods of high temperatures over 100°F, severely affecting agriculture and daily life.

1982: Cancellation of Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant project

In 1982, after nine years of protests and legal challenges, the proposed Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant project was canceled, marking a significant moment in Oklahoma's energy and environmental history.

1985: Oklahoma v. Arkansas Supreme Court Case

The 1985 Supreme Court case Oklahoma v. Arkansas affirmed that the 57 acres previously given to Arkansas would remain with Arkansas, even though the Choctaw Nation had not been consulted during the transfer.

1987: Inception of Oklahoma City Pride Parade in 1987

Since 1987, the Oklahoma City Pride Parade has been held annually in late June in the city's gay district. This event has become a significant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and community in Oklahoma City.

1990: Oklahoma's Demographics in 1990

In 1990, 81% of Oklahoma's population was White, marking a decrease by 2020 as the state became more diverse.

1992: Growth in Education Expenditures from 1992

From 1992 to 2002, Oklahoma witnessed a growth in total education expenditures, ranking 22nd in the nation. This period marked a focus on increasing financial investment in education, leading to various improvements in the sector.

April 19, 1995: Oklahoma City Bombing

On April 19, 1995, the Oklahoma City bombing, perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh, claimed the lives of 168 people, including 19 children. This act of domestic terrorism remains the most destructive in American history.

2000: Oklahoma Cities Growth in 2000

Between 2000 and 2010, Oklahoma saw significant population growth in cities such as Blanchard, Elgin, Jenks, and Piedmont, reflecting shifts in economic and residential patterns.

2000: Reduction in Oklahoma's House Representation

Following the 2000 census, Oklahoma's delegation to the US House of Representatives was reduced from six to five members.

2000: Oklahoma's healthcare ranking in 2000

In 2000, Oklahoma ranked 45th in physicians per capita and was slightly below the national average in nurses per capita but above average in hospital beds, indicating a mixed healthcare performance.

June 11, 2001: Execution of Timothy McVeigh

Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing, was executed by the federal government on June 11, 2001.

2001: Southern Hills hosts third U.S. Open

In 2001, Tulsa's Southern Hills Country Club hosted its third U.S. Open, contributing to its status as one of the premier golf venues in the United States.

2002: Education Expenditure Growth by 2002

By 2002, Oklahoma's growth in education expenditures ranked 22nd nationally, indicating a decade of increased financial commitment to the education sector. This growth reflected broader efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and resources in the state.

2003: OG&E's renewable energy milestone

In 2003, Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) became the first electric company in Oklahoma to generate electricity from wind farms, marking a step towards renewable energy development in the state.

2003: Medieval Fair of Norman moves to Reaves Park

In 2003, the Medieval Fair of Norman relocated to Reaves Park due to its growing size, reinforcing its status as Oklahoma's largest weekend event and the third-largest event in the state.

2004: Generosity of Oklahomans in 2004

According to the 2006 Catalogue for Philanthropy, using 2004 data, Oklahomans were ranked 7th in the nation for generosity. This reflects the state's tradition of Southern hospitality and charitable giving.

2004: Pre-K Education in Oklahoma in 2004

In 2004, Oklahoma was rated first in the United States for its pre-kindergarten education standards, quality, and access, being recognized as a model for early childhood education. This achievement highlighted the state's commitment to early education and its leadership in setting high standards.

2004: Unanimous Republican County Wins

Since 2004, every county in Oklahoma has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election.

2005: High rate of uninsured Oklahomans in 2005

Nearly 25% of Oklahomans aged 18-64 were uninsured in 2005, making it the fifth-highest rate in the nation, highlighting significant healthcare challenges in the state.

2005: Cherokee Language Revitalization Plan in 2005

In 2005, the Cherokee Nation launched a ten-year plan to revitalize the Cherokee language by fostering new speakers from childhood and promoting its use at home. The initiative included investments in schools, teacher training, and community events to ensure language preservation.

2005: Ancestral Makeup of Oklahoma in 2005

In 2005, Oklahoma's estimated ancestral composition included 14.5% German, 13.1% American, 11.8% Irish, and 11.4% Native American, showcasing the state's diverse heritage.

2005: Medical funding in Oklahoma

In 2005, Oklahoma was the 21st largest recipient of federal medical funding, with a total of $75,801,364 allocated for immunizations, bioterrorism preparedness, and health education, reflecting the state's healthcare priorities.

2005: Oklahoma's Foreign-Born Population in 2005

Data from 2005-2009 indicated that approximately 5% of Oklahoma's residents were born outside the U.S., showing a lower foreign-born population than the national average at the time.

2005: Oklahoma's manufacturing and export impact

In 2005, Oklahoma was a top tire manufacturer in North America and had a rapidly growing biotechnology industry. Its manufacturing exports totaled $4.3 billion, significantly impacting the state's economy.

2006: Oklahoma Newspaper Landscape

As of 2006, Oklahoma had a diverse newspaper landscape, boasting over 220 newspapers, including daily and weekly publications. The Oklahoman and Tulsa World were the largest newspapers by circulation.

2006: Oklahoma Radio Stations in 2006

In 2006, Oklahoma had over 500 radio stations operating across various networks.

2006: Philanthropy Ranking for Oklahoma in 2006

In 2006, data from the 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy ranked Oklahomans 7th in the nation for overall generosity. This ranking highlighted the state's strong culture of giving and community support.

2006: Tulsa's Oktoberfest gains international recognition

Tulsa's Oktoberfest was named one of the top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations in the world by USA Today in 2006, marking a significant achievement for the city and boosting its cultural reputation.

July 1, 2007: Start of Academic Year in 2007

The academic year beginning on July 1, 2007, saw 181,973 undergraduate students, 20,014 graduate students, and 4,395 first-professional degree students enrolled in Oklahoma colleges. This year marked the start of a period where the state produced an average of 38,278-degree holders annually.

November 16, 2007: Oklahoma Centennial Celebration in 2007

On November 16, 2007, Oklahoma celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years of statehood with multiple events and festivities. The celebration was recognized as the top event in the United States by the American Bus Association, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage and pride.

2007: High School Dropout Rate Reduction in 2007

The high school dropout rate in Oklahoma decreased from 3.1% to 2.5% between 2007 and 2008, placing the state among 18 others with a dropout rate of 3% or less. This improvement was a positive indicator of the state's educational efforts and focus on retaining students.

2007: Mayfest festival attracts large crowd

In 2007, Tulsa's Mayfest festival attracted more than 375,000 attendees over four days, highlighting the city's ability to draw large crowds to its cultural events.

2007: Efforts to Connect Heartland Flyer to Tulsa

Lawmakers initiated efforts in early 2007 to secure funding for connecting the Heartland Flyer to Tulsa, but these efforts did not materialize.

2007: Oklahoma Universities Recognized in 2007

In 2007, six Oklahoma universities were listed among the best 122 regional colleges by the Princeton Review, with three recognized for best value. This recognition highlighted the quality of higher education in the state and its value for students.

2007: Oklahoma's economic rankings and business environment

In 2007, Oklahoma's economy was diverse, ranking third in natural gas production and fifth in wheat production. It housed four Fortune 500 and six Fortune 1000 companies and was recognized as one of the most business-friendly states, with the seventh-lowest tax burden in the U.S.

2007: Oklahoma health care performance ranking

In 2007, Oklahoma ranked last in a study by the Commonwealth Fund on health care performance, indicating significant challenges in the state's health care system.

June 30, 2008: End of Academic Year in 2008

By June 30, 2008, Oklahoma colleges had awarded degrees to 18,892 bachelor's, 5,386 master's, and 462 first-professional degree students. This year concluded with the state producing a substantial number of degree-holders, contributing to its educational output.

2008: Busiest Airport in Oklahoma by Traffic

R. L. Jones Jr. (Riverside) Airport in Tulsa recorded the highest number of takeoffs and landings in Oklahoma in 2008.

2008: Pew Research Center religious demographics report

In 2008, the Pew Research Center reported that a majority of Oklahoma's population, about 80%, were Christian. Notably, the percentage of Catholics was half the national average, while Evangelical Protestants were more than twice the national average, tying with Arkansas for the highest percentage among states.

2008: High School Dropout Rate in 2008

By 2008, Oklahoma's high school dropout rate had decreased to 2.5%, ranking it among states with a dropout rate of 3% or less. This success reflected ongoing efforts to improve student retention and educational outcomes.

2008: Busiest Highway in Oklahoma

In 2008, Interstate 44 in Oklahoma City held the title of Oklahoma's busiest highway, experiencing a daily traffic volume of 123,300 vehicles.

2008: Barack Obama's Performance in Oklahoma

Barack Obama failed to carry any counties in Oklahoma during the 2008 presidential election.

2008: Oklahoma Education System in 2008

By 2008, Oklahoma's education system consisted of 1,845 public primary, secondary, and vocational schools with an enrollment of 638,817 students across 533 districts. The state spent $7,755 per student, ranking 47th nationally in expenditures per student. This year was marked by a continued focus on public education and financial allocations per student.

2009: Native American Student Enrollment in 2009

During the 2009–2010 school year, Oklahoma had the highest enrollment of Native American students in the United States, totaling 126,078 students. This reflects the state's significant Native American population and its impact on educational demographics.

2009: 2009 Foreign-Born Data

From 2005 to 2009, Oklahoma's foreign-born population was about 5%, highlighting the state's demographic diversity compared to national figures.

2009: Energy consumption and costs in Oklahoma

In 2009, Oklahoma ranked 13th in energy consumption per capita, with its energy costs being the eighth-lowest in the nation, reflecting its reliance on non-renewable energy sources at the time.

2009: Oklahoma's oil and natural gas industry impact

In 2009, Oklahoma's oil industry contributed $35 billion to its GDP, with 83,700 oil wells producing millions of barrels of crude oil. The state held 8.5% of the U.S.'s natural gas supply, emphasizing its importance in the energy sector.

2010: Largest Commercial Airports in Oklahoma

In 2010, Will Rogers World Airport (Oklahoma City) and Tulsa International Airport were Oklahoma's largest commercial airports, serving millions of passengers annually.

2010: Oklahoma's Population in 2010

The 2010 U.S. Census reported Oklahoma's population as 3,751,675, reflecting significant growth over the decades.

2010: Population Composition in 2010

The 2010 Census reported that Oklahoma's population was 72.2% White, with growing representation of Hispanic, Black, and Native American communities, reflecting increasing diversity.

2010: Major religious affiliations in Oklahoma

In 2010, the Southern Baptist Convention had the largest church membership in Oklahoma with 886,394 members, followed by the United Methodist Church, Roman Catholic Church, Assemblies of God, and the LDS Church. Other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam were also present in the state.

2010: Introduction of the Tulsa Shock WNBA team

The Tulsa Shock joined the Women's National Basketball Association in 2010, marking the introduction of a major women's sports franchise in Oklahoma.

2010: Oklahoma's Leading Cities in 2010

In 2010, Oklahoma's urban landscape was dominated by Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which were among the largest cities in the U.S. with significant population growth in cities like Blanchard, Elgin, Jenks, Piedmont, Bixby, and Owasso.

2010: Oklahoma companies on Forbes list

In 2010, Oklahoma City-based Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores ranked 18th on the Forbes list of largest private companies, with QuikTrip and Hobby Lobby also making the list at 37th and 198th, respectively.

2010: Structurally Deficient Bridges in Oklahoma

By 2010, Oklahoma had the third-highest number of structurally deficient bridges in the US, with almost 5,212 bridges requiring repair.

2010: Immigration Statistics 2010

Between 2010 and 2014, 125,989 residents in Oklahoma lived with at least one undocumented family member, reflecting the state's diverse demographics.

2010: Oklahoma Sooners' high football attendance ranking

In 2010, Oklahoma's football program was ranked 12th in attendance among American colleges, with an average of 84,738 attendees per home game, showcasing the state's strong college sports culture.

2011: Foreign-Born Population in 2011

By 2011, about 5% of Oklahoma's residents were foreign-born, indicating a lower percentage than the national average, yet showing growing diversity.

2011: 2011 Heat Wave and Drought

In 2011, Oklahoma experienced one of its hottest and driest summers, with temperatures consistently above 100°F and minimal rainfall, leading to severe drought conditions.

2011: Oklahoma labor force and employment statistics

In 2011, Oklahoma had a civilian labor force of 1.7 million, with the government sector employing the most people. The transportation, education, business, and manufacturing sectors also provided significant employment. The aerospace industry generated $11 billion annually.

2011: Oklahoma's energy production statistics

In 2011, Oklahoma was a leading producer of natural gas and crude oil, with notable drilling activity. Despite advancements, the state was at the bottom for renewable energy use in 2009, with 94% of electricity from non-renewable sources.

2011: Capital Punishment Statistics in Oklahoma

Up to mid-2011, Oklahoma had the highest per capita execution rate in the US since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976.

2012: Tulsa Talons relocate to San Antonio

The Tulsa Talons, a prominent Arena Football League team, moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2012, leaving a gap in Tulsa's professional indoor football scene.

2012: Oklahoma Farm Output in 2012

In 2012, Oklahoma had 85,500 farms that collectively generated $4.3 billion in animal products and less than a billion dollars in crop output. The state's agricultural industry added over $6.1 billion to its gross domestic product. Poultry and swine were the second and third largest agricultural sectors. The 2012 farm output significantly contributed to Oklahoma's economy.

2012: Proposed Change to State Motto

In 2012, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a resolution to change the state motto from "Labor Omnia Vincit" to "Oklahoma—In God We Trust!", based on claims that the original motto was never officially adopted.

2013: Previous All-Republican Delegation

Oklahoma previously had an all-Republican congressional delegation from 2013 to 2019.

2014: Pew Research Center religious demographics update

By 2014, the Pew Research Center noted that Christians accounted for 79% of Oklahoma's population, 9% above the national average. Evangelical Protestants, though declining, remained the most significant group at 47%. There was a notable growth of 6% in the unaffiliated population since 2008.

2014: Life expectancy statistics in 2014

In 2014, Oklahoma's life expectancy was below the national average, with males living an average of 73.7 years and females 78.5 years, highlighting ongoing health challenges.

2014: Undocumented Immigrants in 2014

In 2014, an estimated 85,000 immigrants in Oklahoma were undocumented, highlighting challenges in immigration policy and demographics.

2014: NBA G League team Oklahoma City Blue relocates

In 2014, the Oklahoma City Blue, part of the NBA G League, moved from Tulsa to Oklahoma City, previously known as the Tulsa 66ers, reflecting a shift in the city's sports landscape.

2015: Relocation of the Tulsa Shock to Dallas-Fort Worth

In 2015, the Tulsa Shock relocated to Dallas-Fort Worth, becoming the Dallas Wings, which marked the end of the team's presence in Oklahoma.

2015: Republicans Become Majority in Oklahoma

Registered Republicans became the majority in Oklahoma in 2015.

May 31, 2016: Record Flooding in Oklahoma

Several Oklahoma cities experienced record-breaking floods on May 31, 2016.

2016: Donald Trump's Victory in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City was the largest US city carried by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

2016: Teacher Pay Ranking in 2016

In 2016, Oklahoma teachers ranked 49th out of 50 states in terms of pay, according to the National Education Association. This low ranking was a key issue leading to the 2018 teacher strike as educators sought better compensation for their work.

2016: Life expectancy in Oklahoma counties

Using data from 2016, life expectancy in Oklahoma counties varied from 71.2 years in Okfuskee County to 79.7 years in Cimarron and Logan counties, reflecting disparities in health outcomes.

April 2, 2018: Oklahoma Teacher Strike Begins in 2018

On April 2, 2018, K–12 public school teachers in Oklahoma went on strike due to inadequate funding and low pay, demanding higher salaries and increased education funding. Despite a legislative measure to raise teacher salaries, the strike highlighted the ongoing struggle for better compensation and educational resources.

June 26, 2018: Medical marijuana legalization in Oklahoma

On June 26, 2018, Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana, becoming one of the most conservative states to do so, marking a significant shift in drug policy.

2018: Oklahoma's high incarceration rate

In 2018, Oklahoma was described as "the world's prison capital", with an incarceration rate of 1,079 per 100,000 residents, the fourth-highest in the U.S. and higher than any country globally.

2018: Immigrant Contribution in 2018

In 2018, immigrants in Oklahoma comprised 6% of the population, with significant contributions to the economy, including over a billion dollars in taxes.

2018: Oklahoma's state life expectancy

In 2018, the life expectancy for Oklahoma was 76.0 years, highlighting ongoing health challenges in the state compared to national averages.

2019: Improved Teacher Pay Ranking in 2019

A 2019 survey found that the pay raise achieved through the 2018 teacher strike improved Oklahoma's teacher pay ranking to 34th nationally. This change demonstrated the impact of the strike and efforts to secure better compensation for educators.

2019: Shift in Oklahoma's electricity production

By 2019, Oklahoma significantly shifted its electricity production, with 53.5% generated from natural gas and 34.6% from wind power. This change marks a significant move towards renewable energy compared to earlier years.

2019: End of Previous All-Republican Delegation

In 2019, the period of all-Republican congressional delegation in Oklahoma ended.

May 2020: Oklahoma Enacts Anti-Red Flag Law

In May 2020, Oklahoma became the first state to implement an anti-red flag law, prohibiting the acceptance of grants or funds for enacting red flag laws.

July 9, 2020: McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court Decision

On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McGirt v. Oklahoma that the reservations of the Five Tribes in Eastern Oklahoma were never officially dissolved by Congress and therefore retain their status as "Indian Country" for criminal law purposes.

September 2020: Oklahoma's unemployment rate

As of September 2020, Oklahoma's unemployment rate stood at 5.3%, reflecting the state's economic recovery challenges following earlier industry collapses, such as the 1980s energy sector downturn.

2020: Oklahoma's Diverse Population in 2020

The 2020 Census revealed a diverse Oklahoma population, with 75.5% White, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16% American Indian and Alaska Native, and other racial groups, indicating a shift from previous decades.

2020: Start of COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Oklahoma

The year 2020 marked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic's significant impact on Oklahoma.

2020: 2020 US Census Shows High Indigenous Population in Oklahoma

The 2020 U.S. census revealed that 14.2 percent of Oklahomans identify as American Indian, making it the state with the highest percentage of Indigenous people.

2020: Public Religion Research Institute survey results

In 2020, a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 73% of Oklahoma's population identified as Christian. Evangelicals made up 29%, and Mainline Protestants 19%. Roman Catholics were 13%, while 22% of the population identified as having no religious affiliation.

2020: Oklahoma City recognized as softball hub

In 2020, ESPN referred to Oklahoma City as the "center of the softball universe," highlighting its importance in the sport, particularly in fast-pitch softball.

2020: Donald Trump's Second Victory in Oklahoma City

Donald Trump again won Oklahoma City, the largest US city he carried, in the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Oklahoma's Population Growth in 2020

By the 2020 Census, Oklahoma's population had increased to 3,959,353, a 5.5% rise since 2010, highlighting continued demographic expansion.

2020: Oklahoma City Metropolitan Growth 2020

By 2020, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area had grown to 1,425,695 residents, making it the largest in the state, with Tulsa's metro area close behind with 1,015,331 people.

2020: Native American Voters in Oklahoma

As of the 2020 election, Native American voters in Oklahoma, representing 16% of the state's population, were divided in their political affiliations, with urban populations leaning towards Democrats and rural reservation populations favoring Republicans.

March 2021: Status of nuclear power in Oklahoma

As of March 2021, Oklahoma had no operational nuclear power plants, reflecting the state's energy profile that heavily relies on other energy sources.

2021: All-Republican Congressional Delegation

Starting in 2021, Oklahoma had an all-Republican congressional delegation.

December 22, 2022: Oklahoma's COVID-19 Impact

As of December 22, 2022, Oklahoma had been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the national average, with higher death rates and lower vaccination rates. Greer County experienced the highest death rate, while Payne County had the lowest.

2022: Southern Hills hosts PGA Championship

Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa hosted the PGA Championship in 2022, adding to its reputation as a top golf course in the nation.

2022: Oklahoma's Population Surpasses 4 Million in 2022

In 2022, estimates indicated Oklahoma's population surpassed 4 million for the first time, demonstrating ongoing growth trends.

2022: Homelessness in Oklahoma in 2022

According to the 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Oklahoma had an estimated 3,754 homeless individuals, underscoring ongoing social challenges in addressing housing insecurity.

April 2023: Report on Oklahoma's "Failure to Protect" law and LGBTQ issues

An April 2023 report by The Sentencing Project criticized Oklahoma's "Failure to Protect" law, highlighting its disproportionate impact on women. Since 2009, 139 women were imprisoned under this law, often receiving harsher sentences than the abuser. Additionally, the report noted legislative actions against the LGBTQ community and a censure of a nonbinary lawmaker.

June 2023: Heartland Flyer Expansion Proposal

In June 2023, officials from Oklahoma and Kansas sought federal approval and funding to extend the Heartland Flyer passenger rail line from Oklahoma City to Newton, Kansas.

November 2023: Potential Start Date for Heartland Flyer Extension

In November 2023, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced that the proposed Heartland Flyer extension could start operating in 2029 if approved, with the possibility of an earlier launch if expedited.

2023: End of COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Oklahoma

By 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic's direct impact on Oklahoma had largely subsided.

2023: Oklahoma's economic indicators

In 2023, Oklahoma's GDP was $254.13 billion, with a per capita income of $58,499, ranking 43rd in the U.S. The state's median household income was $59,673, ranking 46th, though it consistently ranked low in the cost of living index.

2024: Teqball competition held in Tulsa

Tulsa hosted a teqball competition from June 14-16, 2024, highlighting its role in promoting diverse sports events in the region.

2028: Devon Park to host softball at 2028 Olympics

Devon Park in Oklahoma City is set to host the softball events for the 2028 Summer Olympics, showcasing the city's international sports significance.

2029: Projected Start Date for Heartland Flyer Extension

The year 2029 was projected as the potential start date for the Heartland Flyer extension to Newton, Kansas, subject to approval and funding.

History of Oklahoma in Timeline