Historic Markham Building

Historical marker location:
512 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
( Marker is on North Broadway Avenue north of Northwest 4th Street, on the right when traveling north.)

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The state song of Oklahoma, "Oklahoma!", was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for their Broadway musical of the same name. The musical, which premiered in 1943, was set in Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s and tells the story of a young farm girl and her romance with a cowboy.
Oklahoma County, located in central Oklahoma, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddos, Osages, and Wichitas. These tribes relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife of the area for sustenance and trade.

In the 19th century, Oklahoma County became a part of the Indian Territory, a designated land for Native American tribes that had been forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. The arrival of European settlers during the Land Run of 1889 and the subsequent creation of the Oklahoma Territory marked a significant turning point in the history of the county.

During the early 20th century, Oklahoma County experienced rapid growth and development. The discovery of oil in the region during the 1920s led to an economic boom, attracting thousands of people to the area in search of employment opportunities. The county's population increased rapidly, and urbanization became more prevalent. The city of Oklahoma City, which is located within Oklahoma County, emerged as the capital of the state.

Despite the economic prosperity of the 1920s, Oklahoma County, like the rest of the country, was severely affected by the Great Depression. The oil industry suffered, leading to widespread unemployment and financial hardship. However, the county slowly recovered, and in the post-World War II era, it experienced a period of steady growth and modernization.

Today, Oklahoma County continues to be a dynamic and diverse region, both economically and culturally. It is home to a variety of industries, including energy, aerospace, and healthcare. The county also boasts numerous cultural and recreational attractions, such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the vibrant Bricktown district, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. As the most populous county in the state, Oklahoma County remains an important center for commerce, education, and entertainment in Oklahoma.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

  • 1830s - Oklahoma County originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Plains Apache and Caddo
  • 1889 - Land Run of 1889 opens Oklahoma Territory for settlement, prompting the establishment of Oklahoma County
  • 1893 - First courthouse constructed in Oklahoma County
  • 1904 - Statehood for Oklahoma, making Oklahoma County an official county within the state
  • 1930s - During the Great Depression, Oklahoma County experiences economic challenges
  • 1950s - Suburban growth and expansion in Oklahoma County
  • 1995 - Oklahoma City bombing, a terrorist attack in downtown Oklahoma City, affects the county and the nation
  • 2000s - Ongoing development, population growth, and urbanization in Oklahoma County