With its rich plains, cowboy heritage and friendly residents, Oklahoma is more than an O.K. place to live. The second most affordable state in the country (only Arkansas has a lower cost of living), Oklahoma's overall cost of living is 11% below the national average.
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A highly developed culture left temple mounds in the Missouri River Valley in 850 AD. However, mankind was present at least 10,000 years earlier. Modern Oklahoma’s roots were formed in 1830 when Congress decreed that all five Native American Tribe were to be relocated to the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Battles ensued as this took place and practically decimated the Cherokee, Choctaw and Quapaw nations. The granting of railroad rights and the carving of the Indian Territory into reservations were very important to the state’s development.
The government tried to stave off the tide of homesteaders, who became known as "sooners", until the land was officially opened. The most renowned rush began on April 22, 1889 when thousands of land seekers poured into an empty prairie and set up tent cities.
Two 20th century events rivaled the land rushes of the 1800s. First, the oil boom provided instant wealth, then went bust when the fields went dry. Second was erosion, crippling the state’s agriculture foundation. Unfortunately, few people heeded the advice that their broad grasslands were ill suited for crops. Then prolonged droughts sucked the last drops of moisture from the land and the winds stirred heavily, causing what is now known as the Dust Bowl. The Great Depression hit and some of the scars from this era still remain today. With those days past, flood control, environmental concerns and the growth of diversified industry have led to an economic rebound for the state, which was once on the brink of disaster.
Oklahoma was primarily known as an energy producing state until manufacturing and services have taken over the economic top spot recently. It still ranks third in the production of natural gas and fifth in petroleum. These two account for 5 percent of the gross economic revenue, while manufacturing and services account for more than 16 percent. The aerospace/aviation industry employ 50,000 workers and the state is home to five of the largest reservation centers in the nation. Livestock, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry bring in a sizable income and farming of wheat, sorghum, alfalfa, cotton and peanuts are the leading crops.
The statewide sales tax is 4.5 percent, with local options for additional increments. A Tourism Promotion Tax of 0.1 percent is levied on lodgings, restaurants, tour vehicles and amusement admissions.
More than a million surface acres of freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, and streams dot the landscape of Oklahoma. These allow many opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, camping and picnicking. Hunting and fishing are very popular in the woodland regions that are found in all areas of the state.
