Oklahoma City – An Overnight Success
Oklahoma City, a vibrant metropolis in the heart of the United States, stands as a testament to rapid growth and remarkable transformation. Its history, however, is not one of gradual development, but rather a dramatic and almost instantaneous emergence from the prairie. From its humble beginnings as an uninhabited expanse to a bustling center of commerce, culture, and government, the story of Oklahoma City is truly one of an "overnight success."
The narrative begins long before the city’s official founding. In 1541, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the Spanish explorer, traversed the rolling grassy hills that would eventually become Oklahoma City. He found a vast and largely empty land, sparsely populated and seemingly untouched by significant human presence. For the next two centuries, this area remained a quiet frontier, its potential unrealized. Following the Louisiana Purchase, Oklahoma was incorporated into the Arkansas Territory in 1819, marking the initial stages of its integration into the expanding United States.
The early 19th century witnessed a surge of westward expansion, driven by settlers seeking new opportunities. This movement, however, came at a devastating cost to the indigenous population. The U.S. government, bowing to the demands of the pioneers, forcibly removed thousands of American Indians from their ancestral lands. Despite numerous treaties with the "Five Civilized Tribes" – the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole – the relentless pressure for land led to the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson. This act mandated the evacuation of these tribes to Indian Territory, a region that would later become the state of Oklahoma. This dark chapter in American history set the stage for the dramatic events that would lead to the founding of Oklahoma City.
The defining moment in Oklahoma City’s history arrived in 1889. The U.S. government, yielding to the relentless demand for land, opened portions of Oklahoma to white settlement, igniting the famed Oklahoma Land Rush. When the territory destined to become Oklahoma City was officially opened on April 22, 1889, an astounding 50,000 prospective homesteaders gathered at the designated boundaries, eager to claim their piece of the American dream.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Some, driven by ambition and a thirst for the best land, had already infiltrated the territory, sneaking across the line under the cover of darkness to stake their claims early. These individuals, defying the rules and risking capture by army patrols, became known as "Sooners," a term that would forever be associated with the spirit of ambition and the allure of the Oklahoma frontier.
At precisely noon, a cannon’s roar shattered the silence, signaling the start of the race. A massive wave of humanity surged forward, a chaotic mix of wagons, buckboards, horses, and even bicycles. People ran, rode, and drove, all driven by the same desire to secure a piece of the newly opened land. Where just the day before there had been only a railroad station and a handful of buildings, a city was instantly born. It is this dramatic inception that truly cements the notion of Oklahoma City as an "overnight success."
Within a single day, an estimated 10,000 people had staked claims, transforming the empty prairie into a sprawling, chaotic encampment. Tents sprung up haphazardly, and the landscape was transformed. The sudden influx of people led to inevitable disputes. Claim jumping became rampant, and boundary quarrels often escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in bloodshed in the early days of the settlement. The roughshod camp lacked any formal governance. Leaders quickly emerged from the throng, recognizing the need for order. A provisional government was established, and elections were held on May 1, 1889, just weeks after the Land Run. This quick establishment of structure proves how fast Oklahoma City was built.
One month after the Land Run, the Commercial Club was formed, later renamed the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. This organization played a vital role in shaping the future of the burgeoning city. One of the Chamber’s primary objectives was to attract railroads to Oklahoma City, a move that proved to be a pivotal factor in the settlement’s rapid growth and prosperity. With its central location and strategic importance, Oklahoma City quickly became a crossroads for the nation, connecting east and west, north and south. The Chamber also took the lead in providing essential utilities, including a water system, telephone exchange, electric light, and gas system, laying the foundation for a modern and thriving city.
By 1900, the population of Oklahoma City had doubled, a clear indication of its burgeoning appeal. On November 16, 1907, statehood was granted to Oklahoma, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development. By this time, Oklahoma City had transformed from a rough-and-tumble frontier camp into a more refined urban center. The streets were lined with brick buildings housing fashionable shops, stores, and restaurants, catering to the needs and desires of a growing and increasingly sophisticated population. The city’s extensive railroad network attracted new industries, including packing plants that clustered in an area known as Packing Town, now recognized as Stockyards City, solidifying the city’s place as a growing center for commerce.
By 1910, Oklahoma City boasted a population of 64,000, a testament to its remarkable growth in a relatively short period. The city launched a campaign to move the state capital from Guthrie, a move that reflected its growing political and economic influence. Oklahoma City won the popular vote, and the Lee-Huckins Hotel was designated as the temporary capitol building, a symbolic victory for the ambitious city. The permanent capitol building, located at Lincoln and 23rd Avenues, was dedicated in 1917, solidifying Oklahoma City’s position as the political heart of the state.
The discovery of oil on December 4, 1928, on the corner of SE 59th and Bryant, further fueled Oklahoma City’s rapid growth. The "great gusher" spewed an astounding 110,496 barrels of oil in the 27 days before it could be capped, transforming the city into a boomtown. The Oklahoma City Field became the city’s most important financial source, injecting vast amounts of wealth into the local economy.
When Route 66, the iconic "Mother Road," made its way through Oklahoma City, the city embraced it with open arms. Hundreds of motels, hotels, cafes, and service stations sprang up along the route, catering to the needs of travelers and further stimulating the local economy. Oklahoma City’s embrace of Route 66 further cemented its place in the American imagination.
In the 1930s, Oklahoma City began aggressively promoting the aviation industry, a strategic move that would have lasting consequences. When the U.S. Government sought to establish the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) in the 1940s, Oklahoma City was well-positioned to become a major hub for aviation. Today, the CAA has evolved into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a testament to Oklahoma City’s early vision and commitment to the aviation sector.
Today, Oklahoma City’s metropolitan population exceeds one million, representing approximately one-third of the entire state’s population. Oil and aviation remain the cornerstones of the city’s economy, driving innovation and growth. The city has transformed from a frontier outpost into a modern, diversified economic powerhouse.
For those traveling Route 66 through Oklahoma City, the journey offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant present. As you approach downtown along Lincoln Boulevard, the Capitol Building looms in the distance, a majestic landmark that provides a perfect photo opportunity. Heading west on 23rd Street, travelers can explore various alignments before reaching OK-66, also known as 39th Street in western Oklahoma City. Along the Classen Alignment, the vintage triangular building topped with a giant milk bottle is a nostalgic reminder of the city’s past.
Along 39th Street, before entering Warr Acres, glimpses of the past can be seen in the vintage hotels and eateries that line the highway. One must-see destination is Ann’s Chicken Fry House, a restaurant housed in a former 1948 Cities Service gas station. The building was transformed into a restaurant in 1966, initially known as the Three Bulls Steak House. In 1971, Al Burchett and his brother purchased the restaurant and renamed it in honor of Al’s sister-in-law, Ann. Ann’s Chicken Fry House showcases vintage memorabilia, including a classic 1950s police car, a pink Cadillac, gas pumps, and other relics of the past. While Ann’s Chicken Fry House sadly closed its doors in January 2021, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique charm.
West of Bethany, an old steel bridge spans the northern end of Lake Overholser, one of Oklahoma’s oldest reservoirs. Developed in 1916, the 1,700-acre lake is affectionately known as "Lake Hold Her Closer" by locals. In 1941, the lake was designated as a seaplane base, becoming the first of its kind in Oklahoma. Today, Lake Overholser offers hiking trails, picnic spots, boat ramps, and fishing opportunities, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
A few miles further along Route 66 lies Yukon, Oklahoma, proudly proclaiming its status as the hometown of country music superstar Garth Brooks. Established in 1891 by the Spencer Brothers, Yukon is located on the site where the Chisholm Trail once ran. The town quickly developed into an agricultural and milling center.
Even today, Yukon is dominated by a large grain elevator, emblazoned with the words "Yukon’s Best Flour." While in Yukon, visitors can explore Sid’s Diner, a classic diner serving up hamburgers and fries, and the old Mulvey Mercantile at 425 W. Main Street.
Continuing along Route 66 for just 13 miles leads to El Reno, Oklahoma, the site of the first Oklahoma Land Rush. El Reno offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past, with its historic buildings and museums.
The story of Oklahoma City is a remarkable tale of rapid growth and transformation. From its humble beginnings as an uninhabited prairie to a bustling metropolis, Oklahoma City has defied expectations and achieved an "overnight success" through ambition, innovation, and a spirit of unwavering determination.