Fast Growing Oklahoma City

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After the state of Oklahoma was admitted to the Union in 1907, Oklahoma City became the capital. It was a major stop on Route 66 and it was mentioned in the 1946 jazz classic “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66”. The song was later made popular by Nat King Cole. After oil was discovered within city limits in 1928 Oklahoma City became the center of oil production. The development of the city was helped along when the Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge, a botanical garden, and modernistic conservatory were built in the heart of the city. In 1995 Oklahoma City suffered tragedy and loss when a bomb was set off in front of the Murrah Building. The building was destroyed as well as over 100 nearby buildings were damaged and 168 people were killed. Today the site is home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum which opened in 2000. More than 3 million people have visited since. Every year on April 19, survivors, friends and family come to the memorial to read the names of every victim lost. An interesting part of this site is the Survivor Tree, an American elm that survived the attack. Have you been to Oklahoma City? Photo of the memorial