Tulsa

by The Linguist

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa is the second largest city in the state of Oklahoma with a population of 401,190 as of 2020 according to Wikipedia. It is located in northeast Oklahoma along the Arkansas River and has a rich history as an oil boom town in the early 20th century.

History

Tulsa was first settled in 1836 and incorporated as a city in 1898. The discovery of oil nearby in 1901 led to rapid growth and economic prosperity. By 1920, Tulsa was known as the “Oil Capital of the World” and the wealthiest city in the United States.

Some key moments in Tulsa’s history include:

  • The Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in US history
  • Completion of the 11-story Philtower Building in 1928, an Art Deco skyscraper that remains an iconic part of Tulsa’s skyline
  • Hosting the first indoor rodeo at the Tulsa State Fair in 1940
  • Serving as a major manufacturing center during World War II

To learn more about Tulsa’s history, visit the Tulsa City-County Library at 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103, (918) 549-7323 or the Gilcrease Museum at 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa, OK 74127, (918) 596-2700.

Economy

While oil and gas continues to play a major role, Tulsa has diversified its economy in recent decades. Major employers today include:

  • AAMC – 1200 Corporate Court, Suite N100, Tulsa, OK 74127, (918) 307-2777 (Aerospace & Defense)
  • QuikTrip – 4705 S 129th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74134, (918) 960-3958 (Convenience Stores)
  • ONE Gas – 15 E 5th St #1405, Tulsa, OK 74103, (918) 947-7000 (Natural Gas Distribution)
  • Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group – 5330 E 31st St, Tulsa, OK 74135, (918) 660-7700 (Rental Cars)
  • BOK Financial Corporation – Bank of Oklahoma Tower,One Williams Center, Tulsa, OK 74172, (888) 290-5271 (Financial Services)

For more on Tulsa’s economy, visit the Tulsa Regional Chamber at 2 W 2nd St #100, Tulsa, OK 74103, (918) 585-1201.

Museums & Landmarks

Top museums and landmarks in Tulsa include:

  • Gilcrease Museum – Expansive museum housing an unparalleled collection of American Western art, historical artifacts and documents.
  • Philbrook Museum of Art – Beautiful art museum housed in an 1920s Italian Renaissance villa with gardens.
  • Gathering Place – 66-acre riverside park featuring playgrounds, sports courts, gardens and more. One of the largest public parks projects in the US.
  • BOK Tower – Signature Tulsa skyscraper built in 1975, home to BOK Financial Corp. Downtown landmark with an observation deck on the 52nd floor.
  • Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza – Downtown plaza and memorial to Cyrus Avery, known as the “Father of Route 66.” GPS coordinates: 36.156462, -95.992879
  • Boston Avenue United Methodist Church – Landmark church featuring 230-foot towers and ornate stained glass, completed in 1929. GPS coordinates: 36.154581, -95.992506
  • Cain’s Ballroom – Historic music venue that hosted legends like Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb and The Sex Pistols. GPS coordinates: 36.157950, -95.993610

Transportation

The Tulsa International Airport (TUL) provides flights to destinations worldwide. Public transit is provided by Tulsa Transit, with a network of bus routes covering the metro area. Plans are underway for a Bus Rapid Transit system to improve public transportation.

Major highways serving Tulsa include:

  • Interstate 44
  • U.S. Route 64
  • U.S. Route 75
  • Oklahoma State Highway 11
  • Creek Turnpike

Education

Public education in Tulsa is provided by Tulsa Public Schools, the state’s second-largest school district. TPS has over 40,000 students in 81 schools, including:

In addition, Tulsa has many excellent private schools and several universities including the University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, and Tulsa Community College.

Local Resources

Map of Tulsa