The Oklahoma state capitol building is the only capitol in the world with an oil well under it and is referred to as Petunia #1 because it was originally drilled in the middle of a flower bed. The state's recorded history began in 1541 when Spanish explorer Coronado carved his name and the date on a rock near the Cimarron River. There are more man-made lakes (200) than any other state and boasts 43 colleges and universities.

Oklahoma offers riding the sand dunes in the northwest, floating the currents of the Illinois River in the northeast, lush forested hills and clear lakes of the southeast, or rock climbing adventures in the ancient Wichita Mountains to the southwest. The state is filled with outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, golf, amusement parks, botanical gardens, casinos and wineries.

Tulsa was first settled in the 1830s by the Creek Native American tribe. Take a short drive to Jenks, a suburb of Tulsa, and find the Antique and Craft Capital of Oklahoma. The downtown district of Jenks features antique shops and tea rooms. Visit the Oklahoma Aquarium featuring eight major galleries containing more than 4,000 creatures from the world's waters. In 1927, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery, known as the "Father of Route 66", began his campaign to create a road linking Chicago to California by establishing the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa, earning the city the nickname the "Birthplace of Route 66."

Oklahoma City's hip and spirited environment blends with its deep western heritage to create a place where culture and commerce thrive. With renowned festivals, national sporting events, treasure-filled museums and a variety of districts highlighting arts and entertainment, the possibilities for adventure and fun are endless.

Norman is the nation's center for the study of severe weather and is home of the National Storm Prediction Center, National Severe Storms Laboratory, and the National Weather Center. It is also home to the University of Oklahoma and its OU Sooners football team.

Other notable cities in Kansas: Tupelo, Bartlesville, Lawton, Muskogee, Enid, and Edmond.

Notable actors and musicians that called Oklahoma home are James Garner, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Ed Harris and Reba McEntire.

Top industries include Keepsake Candle Factory, Red Dirt Soap Co., Southwest Nano Technologies, Hitachi, Sysco Foods, AT&T, Albon Engineering, Xyant Technology, and GT Industries of Oklahoma.

Union Member since November 16, 1907 (46th State)