Oklahoma

Oklahoma!!!


| ˌōkləˈhōmə |

Find the following information...
State Capitol: _______________________________
Population: _________________________________
When did it become a state? ___________________

Go to this state’s website and find three more facts about the state.
http://www.travelok.com/

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What is the state’s motto? ______________________________________________________

Oklahoma is a state of diverse Native American culture, the old roots of Route 66, and various state parks that are waiting for people that love the road less travelled. It is located centrally in the United States. Texas is to the south, Kansas is to the north, Arkansas and a small part of Missouri are to the east, and Oklahoma’s ‘panhandle’, touches New Mexico to the west.

The rich cultures of many different Native American tribes are interesting, but the story of how many of them got to Oklahoma is a sad story. Starting in 1830, US President Andrew Jackson signed the ‘Indian Removal Act’, which caused the forced removal of about 46,000 Native Americans from US southern states. Many of them were ordered west to Oklahoma on what is now called ‘The Trail of Tears’. Many native people died of starvation, thirst, fatigue, or disease on the way there.

Today, Native American tribes celebrate their many different cultures by having powwows. Many people think that the word powwow is a word for the festival. In fact, it actually means elder or spiritual leader. There are dozens of major ‘Powwows’ held each year in Oklahoma. The Sac and Fox Nation Powwow is an event in Stroud, Oklahoma that takes place every year. The event expects to gather 10,000 people this year to experience traditional dancing, music, food, singing, and much more!

Another Oklahoma attraction is the famous Route 66. This road used to be America’s road trip wonder and stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, the road is no longer an official national road. However, there are still over 400 drivable miles of Route 66 in Oklahoma. Drive on the old road and experience many attractions, diners, and museums.

Last but not least, are the beautiful state parks of Oklahoma. There are 60 of them and Natural Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful ones. The park features a 77-foot (23.5 meter) waterfall! It’s a great place to camp, hike, and see wildlife. Another great attraction is Crater of Diamonds State Park. There, you can look for diamonds and even keep the ones you find!

1. The Trail of Tears ______.
a) is an old US Highway
b) is the main road through Oklahoma
c) was used to move native people from their homes

2. A powwow is ______.
a) a word for Native Americans
b) a word for a Native American gathering
c) a word for a state park

3. Route 66 is more than ______ miles long and _____. 
a) 400; no longer in use
b) 400; no longer an official highway
c) 66; does not exist

Find a famous person from this state and answer the following questions. The number of sentences you should have for each answer is in parenthesis. Use paragraph form.

Tell us the person’s name, the city in which they were born, and when they were born. (3) 
What did this famous person do? (3)
Would you like to meet this person? Why or why not? (3)
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Oklahoma.svg