Oklahoma's capital and a vibrant city founded during the 1889 Land Run. Home to world-class museums, cultural attractions, and a thriving business community.
681,054
2020 census1910
Moved from Guthrie1889
Land Run1.49M
Metropolitan areaOklahoma City is Oklahoma's capital and the state's largest city, with a population of 681,054 (2020 census). The city was founded during the famous 1889 Land Run when over 10,000 settlers rushed to claim land in a single day. By 1910, Oklahoma City was selected as the state capital via majority vote, with the state seal moved from Guthrie. The metropolitan area has 1.49 million residents.
The city is notable for the 1928 discovery of oil within its city limits, including under the State Capitol grounds. Oklahoma City was also the site of the devastating 1995 bombing and has rebuilt as a symbol of resilience and recovery. Today, it's a modern hub of culture, museums, and business innovation.
The Oklahoma State Capitol was constructed between 1914-1917 in classic Greco-Roman (neoclassical) style with white limestone walls and a base of Oklahoma pink granite. Uniquely, the Capitol was one of the few in the United States without a dome until 2002 when one was completed as part of a renovation project. All tours are FREE and walk-up tours are available weekdays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM without reservations.
Oklahoma City's economy benefits from both traditional and modern industries. Oil production remains significant with the famous Petunia #1 oil well that operated on State Capitol grounds until 2021, the only working oil well on a capitol in the nation. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure and development through MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects), bringing over $7 billion in private and public investment since 1993.
Oklahoma City hosts multiple colleges and universities serving thousands of students. The city's educational institutions support workforce development and innovation across various fields.
The city offers diverse parks and recreational facilities integrated with transportation networks. Parks are connected by roadways, transit systems, trails, bicycle facilities, and sidewalks. Citizens highly value parks and recreation as destinations for outdoor activities with safe pedestrian and bicycle access.
Oklahoma City was founded during the famous Land Run of 1889. In a single day, over 10,000 settlers rushed to claim land, establishing the city virtually overnight. By 1910, it became the state capital.
Yes, Oklahoma City is unique as the only state capital that had a working oil well on its grounds. Discovered in 1928, the Petunia #1 rig operated until 2021, making Oklahoma City a center of oil production.
Major museums include Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Oklahoma City Museum of Art (featuring Dale Chihuly glass sculptures), Science Museum Oklahoma, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and the new First Americans Museum (opened 2021).
Built 1914-1917 in Greco-Roman style with white limestone and Oklahoma pink granite, the Capitol was one of the few without a dome until 2002. Free walk-up tours available weekdays at 11 AM and 1 PM without reservations.
Bricktown is Oklahoma City's revitalized entertainment district in downtown, featuring shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. It's a hub for cultural and recreational activities.
MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) is Oklahoma City's initiative to invest in infrastructure and development. Since 1993, it has brought over $7 billion in both private and public investment to the city.
Yes! Oklahoma City offers numerous kid-friendly attractions including Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden, Science Museum Oklahoma, Frontier City Theme Park, and Hurricane Harbor water park.
The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing was a tragedy that claimed 168 lives. The city rebuilt and today the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of hope, recovery, and resilience. The city has become a modern hub of culture and business.
Last updated on November 24, 2025