This is a map of our state (image provided by MapQuest) and some of the larger cities in our state. The city that our school (Hoover Elementary) is located in is Tulsa, which is in the northeastern quadrant of the map.

Oklahoma’s state flag has an Osage Indian Warrior’s shield in the center of it, representing Oklahoma’s historical ties to the Native Americans who have lived here. Oklahoma has the second largest Native American population in the United States. Additionally, there is a Native American calumet and an olive branch, both symbols of peace. Our flag was adopted as a state symbol in 1925.

Oklahoma became a state in 1907, almost a decade after the “Land Rushes” that allowed settlers to claim land in the area that originally was Indian Territory. This land had originally been the location where tribes of Native Americans who lived east of the Mississippi River were forced to relocate to under the Indian Relocation Act of 1830.

Urban cities began to spring up during the “oil boom” because of the great amount of the natural resource in the state. At one time, Tulsa was known as “the Oil Capital of the World” because of the amount of oil that was being drawn from inside the ground in and around Tulsa.

Today, our capital city of Oklahoma City has a population of nearly 580,000. Tulsa has a population of more than 391,000. The economy of our state is very diverse. Most of our state is employed in the general service industry. We have been leaders in oil, natural gas, beef production, and aerospace.

One of the most tragic events in our state’s history was on April 19, 1995. A terrorist attack in Oklahoma City destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah building. The attack caused injuries to more than 680 people and claimed the lives of 168.

After many suggestions, a fitting memorial was chosen After many suggestions, a fitting memorial was chosen. The Oklahoma City National Memorial is part of the National Park Service and was dedicated by President Clinton on April 19, 2000. There are 168 chairs on the far side of the reflecting pool to represent those who lost their lives in this act of terrorism.

At either end of the reflecting pool are gates At either end of the reflecting pool are gates. One has the time before the bombing occurred (9:01), and the other has the time after the explosion (9:03). Rather than focus on those responsible, the memorial speaks volumes about the struggle of the survivors, the courage of the rescue workers, and the empathy and generosity of Oklahomans.

All states have natural disasters for which they are at risk All states have natural disasters for which they are at risk. Oklahoma’s climate is mild and varied, but our spring storms can be especially dangerous. Tornadoes are a part of our lives in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is second only to the state of Texas for the number of tornadoes sighted. We prepare for these dangerous forces of nature with advanced weather technology and warning systems.

Oklahoma is home to many fine universities, including Oklahoma University in Norman. While earning a great education, students enjoy watching their college football teams play. Oklahoma University had a record of 12-2 in 2010 and won the Fiesta Bowl.

Fishing is an enjoyable pastime in most parts of Oklahoma Fishing is an enjoyable pastime in most parts of Oklahoma. The state has many lakes, most of which were created with reservoirs. The picture shows a large spoonbill fish that was caught, but Oklahoma lakes have abundant catfish, bass, and many others. The largest fish caught in Oklahoma was an Alligator Gar that was more than 192 pounds!

This is our favorite picture. This is downtown Tulsa, our home This is our favorite picture. This is downtown Tulsa, our home. Hoover Elementary is proud to have taken part in the Great Mail Race and we appreciate that you have taken the time to look us up on our website so that we can show you some of our state!

Hoover Elementary Tulsa, Oklahoma