Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Tulsa History, Oklahoma

People residing in the city are nicknamed as ‘Tulsans”. The city of Tulsa was a part of the Indian Territory and the first humans to settle in the area were the Creek and the Lochapoka tribes in 1836. These tribes established their home under an oak tree, which is presently located at the intersection of 18th Street and Cheyenne Avenue.

They gave the name of their new settlement as “Tallasi”, which means old town. The name was later changed to “Tulsa.” The city of Tulsa was officially incorporated on January 18, 1898 and Edward Calkins was its first elected mayor. Until 1901, Tulsa was a small town on the banks of River Arkansas. Sue Bland No.1 was the name of the first oil well established of the city in 1901. The large Glenn Pool was discovered by 1905 and it prompted a rush of a large number of entrepreneurs due to the growing number of oil fields in the area.

The population of the city swelled to nearly 140,000 between the periods of 1901 to 1930. The economic condition of the city gradually improved from the profits made from the oil industry. Tulsa was the home to one of the most prosperous communities of America named “Black Wall Street” in the early 20th century.

During this period, the city was the site of the Tulsa Race Riot, which is considered to be the worst acts of civil disorder and racial violence in America. Cyrus Avery, a famous businessman, started his campaign for the road linking between California and Chicago by establishing the U.S Highway 66 Association.

After the completion of the U.S Route 66, Tulsa’s development got a boost as the city became a popular rest stop for many travellers. Presently, the city of Tulsa is a cultural and arts centre of Oklahoma, as it is the home to popular ballet companies and world renowned art museums. Tulsa even got selected in the list of “America’s most liveable large cities” due to superb living facilities.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Tulsa

Things about Tulsa you may be interested in

Tulsa Travel tips

+ list your site

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a review Write a travel tip

Read our members' reviews about Tulsa

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

Read our members' travel tips about Tulsa

The Sherwin Miller Museum
travel tip by Elza posted more then 30 days ago
For a deeper and better understanding of the Jewish religion, art, history and culture, (if you are interested), than a visit to The Sherwin Miller Museum is the best destination in Tulsa. The building is quite impressive in itself with...
Gilcrease Museum
travel tip by ainoChan posted more then 30 days ago
Housing one of the most vast collection of Native American artifacts, not to mention the various sculptures, paintings and canvases of the American West, the Gilcrease Museum is must while in Tulsa. The only drawback on the visit is that...
Philbrook Museum of Art
travel tip by asterix posted more then 30 days ago
Starting from the mansion the Philbrook Museum of Art is located in, which in itself can be considered as a work or art, the place has quite much to offer. The various collections of paintings from European, American and Japanese artists...