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About Oklahoma City
Born in an afternoon, built over a field of black gold, and redesigned by architect I.M. Pei, Oklahoma City has a history with few plateaus. Between noon and sundown on April 22, 1889, the unassigned prairie lands of the Oklahoma Territory were opened for settlement, and 10,000 land claims surrounding a Santa Fe Railroad station site were made in one afternoon. Oklahoma City literally blossomed overnight. Established as state capital in 1910, Oklahoma City welcomed thousands of government employees, whose arrival swelled its population to the largest in the state. Manufacturing concerns were established along with the development of natural resources. As it did with many cities, World War I boosted the economy. On Dec. 4, 1928, what would become a major force in Oklahoma City's economic future surfaced: The first oil well within the city limits struck a gusher. It changed not only the economy but the scenery. Oil derricks sprouted throughout town, adding a familiar silhouette to the city's rapidly changing skyline. The most renowned strike was the Mary Sudik, which blew in 1930 and lasted for 11 days, spreading oil as far as 15 miles. Producing wells still are found on the Capitol grounds, and more than 2,000 wells are either within or adjacent to the city limits. The pool on which Oklahoma City rests is considered among the richest ever developed in the United States. Along with the discovery of oil, drilling equipment and petroleum refining industries flourished. World War II and the postwar years contributed to this economic growth through the establishment of Douglas Aircraft Co. and Tinker Air Force Base, the largest supply and repair depot in the world. Aviation remains a major industry, with the FAA Aeronautical Center and the Civil Aeromedical Institute making their home at Will Rogers World Airport. "OKC," as the city is affectionately called by its residents, also is the state's leading wholesale and distribution point and ranks among the eight primary livestock markets in the country. More than 855 manufacturing concerns are in operation. Among Oklahoma City's main public buildings is the Civic Center, which covers six blocks in the heart of downtown. It includes the city hall, county building, police department and Civic Center Music Hall, which seats 3,200. Also a focus in the downtown area is Cox Business Services Convention Center, Broadway and Sheridan. The center includes an arena with a seating capacity of more than 15,000, an exhibition arena and a number of meeting rooms. The nearby Myriad Gardens holds such seasonal events as the Spring Festival of the Arts and Fourth of July activities. To complement the city's successful commercial growth, Oklahoma City's leaders recommended a new look for downtown. In 1964 well-known urban architect I.M. Pei created a master redevelopment plan. Inspired by Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, the rejuvenated area includes lakes, water concourses, landscaped hills, an amphitheater and a striking glass and steel botanical bridge containing a greenhouse with exotic plants. Another innovative addition was the Metro Concourse System of tunnels and skywalks, which connects major hotels, office buildings, conference areas, restaurants and retail establishments within the downtown area. Despite a sleek and sophisticated appearance, Oklahoma City has not forgotten its pervasive Western and American Indian heritage. It sprang from Indian Territory, and the 39 American Indian tribes still represented in the state hold regular tribal activities in and around the city. Their artwork decorates building interiors and is displayed in local galleries and museums. The skills of horses and cowboys are revered at many rodeos and horse shows as well as at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Cowboys still practice their trade at horse and cattle ranches in the surrounding region, and Western wear has withstood the capricious trends of fashion. Heritage has proven a stabilizing influence in a rapidly changing environment.
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