Oklahoma

Brief timeline of the history of the state of Oklahoma:

• 1541: Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado and his expedition pass through present-day Oklahoma in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold.
• 1803: As part of the Louisiana Purchase, the land that would become Oklahoma is acquired by the United States from France.
• 1828: The federal government establishes the "permanent Indian frontier" in what is now Oklahoma, designated as Indian Territory.
• 1830: The Indian Removal Act is passed, leading to the forced removal of Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee, from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory.
• 1834: The U.S. government establishes the Indian Territory as a distinct political entity, separate from other territories.
• 1889: The Unassigned Lands in Indian Territory are opened for settlement in the Land Run of 1889, resulting in the rapid influx of settlers, creating the cities of Oklahoma City and Guthrie.
• 1907: Indian Territory and the Oklahoma Territory are combined to form the state of Oklahoma, making it the 46th state of the United States.
• 1921: The Tulsa Race Massacre occurs in Tulsa, resulting in the destruction of the prosperous African-American community of Greenwood and the deaths of many residents.
• 1930s: The Dust Bowl, a severe drought and ecological disaster, affects Oklahoma and other Great Plains states, leading to widespread crop failure and economic hardship.
• 1948: The University of Oklahoma becomes the first public institution to admit an African-American student without a court order, marking an important step in the desegregation of higher education in the United States.
• 1950s: The establishment of aerospace industries, including the American Airlines Maintenance Base and Tinker Air Force Base, contributes to Oklahoma's economic development.
• 1995: The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City is targeted in a domestic terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of 168 people and leading to increased awareness of domestic terrorism in the United States.
• Today, Oklahoma is known for its rich Native American heritage, with over 39 federally recognized tribes, as well as its oil and natural gas industry. The state is also home to vibrant arts and cultural scenes, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Woody Guthrie Center.