Oklahoma is called "The Sooner State." All State Nicknames
The unassigned lands of the Oklahoma Territory were opened up to settler claims on April 22, 1889. Thousands of people were in line on the border waiting for the signal to be given so they could race into the territory to claim a stake of land. Some people went in early to stake claims and they became known as "Sooners."
Oklahoma designated Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) as the official state grass in 1972 (also a symbol of South Carolina). All State Grasses
Indiangrass is a North American prairie grass of central and eastern United States and Canada (found particularly in the Great Plains and tallgrass prairie regions). Present in all 77 counties of Oklahoma, this grass typically grows 3-5' tall in upright clumps of slender, blue-green leaves (foliage turns orange-yellow in the fall).
Oklahoma designated the strawberry as official state fruit in 2005. The town of Stilwell, Oklahoma has held an annual strawberry festival for 60 years to celebrate this delicious fruit and the farmers who grow it. Delaware, Louisiana, and North Carolina also recognize the strawberry as a state symbol. All State Fruits & Vegetables
Oklahoma designated the Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) as the official state wildflower in 1986. Oklahoma also recognizes a state floral emblem (adopted 1893) and a state flower (adopted in 2004). All State Flowers
Oklahoma designated the wild turkey as the official state game bird in 1990 (the state bird is the scissor-tailed flycatcher, adopted in 1951).
The name Oklahoma is based on Native American (Choctaw) words "okla humma" which translates as "red people." All State Name Origins
Recorded history for the name "Oklahoma" began with Spanish explorer Coronado in 1541 on his quest for the "Lost City of Gold." Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907.
Oklahoma designated Acrocanthosaurus atokensis as the official state dinosaur in 2006 (Oklahoma recognized another dinosaur as the state fossil in 2000). All State Dinosaurs & Fossils
The Oklahoma rose was designated the official state flower of Oklahoma in 2004. Oklahoma also recognizes an official floral emblem (adopted in 1893) and a state wildflower (recognized in 1986), and even a state rock shaped like a rose.
Oklahoma designated rose rock (barite rose) as the official state rock in 1968. Rose rocks are found in only a few rare places around the globe. All State Rocks
These rocks were formed by barite rock crystals and resemble blooming roses. Barite rose rocks can be found in clusters with only two roses to as many as hundreds of roses (some clusters weigh hundreds of pounds).