Oklahoma City was born in one afternoon, April 22, 1889, when the central portion of what is now Oklahoma was opened to settlement by presidential proclamation. Thousands crossed the borders of the "unassigned district" at the sound of gunfire at high noon. By the time the dust had settled on that historic day, many of these people had staked their claim at "Oklahoma Station," an area which was destined to become Downtown Oklahoma City!  Jumping from zero to 10,000 people in the space of a single afternoon is a growth feat hard to duplicate, but the city's recent renaissance is extending the dramatic and dynamic growth first started more than a century ago!

History From OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau

City of Oklahoma City History