Oklahoma Facts

• Nickname: The Sooner State

• Oklahoma means "land of the red people" in the Choctaw language.

• Oklahoma is bordered by 6 states; Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

• Oklahoma's state tree is the redbud.

• Oklahoma's governor is Frank Keating. The lieutenant governor is Mary Fallin.

• Oklahoma was part of the 1803 Louisiana purchase and was organized as a Territory May 2, 1890. In 1889, the territory was opened for settlement. Pioneers claimed land by lining up and running by foot, by horse, and by covered wagon at the sound of a gun shot. Between 1889 and 1895, a total of 6 land runs were held.

  Some staked land before the shot was fired, sneaking past the army patrol. These settlers were dubbed "sooners".

• Every state is allowed two statues in the Capitol. Representing Oklahoma are Sequoyah and Will Rogers.

• Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 6, 1907.