Starting a travel business in Oklahoma is an exciting opportunity to turn your passion for travel into a thriving business. Partnering with a reputable travel host business like Travel Agent Pro not only simplifies the process but also provides you with essential tools and industry connections that are vital for success.
Travel Agent Pro offers a comprehensive platform tailored to both new and experienced travel agents, providing access to exclusive supplier relationships, advanced booking systems, and personalized business support. By leveraging their expertise, you can quickly establish credibility in Oklahoma’s travel market and focus on delivering exceptional client experiences.
In starting a travel agency, it's important to know travel trends for customers in your area. Click here to learn more about travel trends in Oklahoma.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a travel agent in Oklahoma.
Read the FAQThere are so many opportunities as a travel agent. Click here to see our preferred suppliers list that shows off what you can sell as a travel agent with Travel Agent Pro.
Launched by industry veterans, Travel Agent Pro is working to carve out a niche as a boutique, community-driven agency designed by advisors, for advisors.
Become a travel agent with no experience! We provide the education for you to learn and become successful at your own pace.Oklahoma’s diverse travel market offers unique niches such as cultural tours, family vacations, and luxury getaways. Travel Agent Pro’s marketing support and industry training help you identify and grow your niche, making it easier to attract and retain clients.
“Joining Travel Agent Pro gave me the confidence and resources to launch my travel business in Oklahoma without the usual startup headaches.” – Local Oklahoma Travel Agent
As a Travel Agent, What Would I Sell?
Check out our preferred suppliers list. From luxury to safaris to Hawaii, you can sell all our suppliers and their experiences to your clients in Oklahoma and anywhere in the US!
Our Suppliers List
Oklahoma’s travel market is vibrant and diverse, offering opportunities for agents who specialize in family vacations, adventure travel, and cultural experiences. From the bustling arts scene in Oklahoma City to the scenic beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, there’s a growing demand for personalized travel planning. Agents who understand local trends and build relationships with hotels, restaurants, and attractions can offer exclusive packages and unique experiences that set them apart.
By staying informed about new attractions and events, travel agents can tailor their offerings to meet the evolving preferences of Oklahoma’s travelers.
To operate legally as a travel business in Oklahoma, you must obtain an IATA number, which is essential for booking flights, hotels, and other travel services. Most agents achieve this by partnering with a host business, which provides the IATA number and handles the necessary legal and administrative requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to register your business name and obtain any required licenses and permits, such as a sales tax permit if applicable.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| IATA Number | Obtained through a host business |
| Business Registration | Register your business name and obtain necessary licenses |
| Compliance | Adhere to local and state regulations, including sales tax permits |
Partnering with a host business like Travel Agent Pro offers numerous advantages. Host agencies provide access to booking systems, partner programs, marketing support, and comprehensive training. They also handle the legal requirements, such as obtaining and maintaining the IATA number, allowing you to focus on providing excellent service to your clients.
“Partnering with a host business allowed me to focus on what I love—helping clients plan their dream vacations—while they handled the administrative and legal aspects.” – Oklahoma Travel Agent
Launched by industry veterans, Travel Agent Pro is working to carve out a niche as a boutique, community-driven agency designed by advisors, for advisors.
Become a travel agent with no experience! We provide the education for you to learn and become successful at your own pace.
Travel Agent Pro operates as a member-owned cooperative with a woman-owned business structure, headquartered in Oklahoma City. This unique organizational model means that supplier overrides and year-end profits are passed directly through to members, creating a transparent and equitable partnership. The cooperative approach reflects Travel Agent Pro's commitment to prioritizing the needs of its members over corporate profits.
Founded on the principle that independent travel advisors shouldn't have to operate alone, Travel Agent Pro serves as a bridge between individual agents and the broader travel supplier network. The organization understands the challenges faced by travel professionals and has built its infrastructure specifically to address those pain points.
Travel Agent Pro distinguishes itself through several exclusive offerings that set it apart in the host business landscape. The organization provides access to over 1,000 hotels, resorts, lodges, villas, and spas across 90 countries through its Signature Hotel & Resort Program, with benefits including suite and villa privileges worth up to $500 per stay.
Travel Agent with Travel Agent Pro
What started as a side gig has lead to a full-time career that I absolutely love! I truly believe there is nothing like travel and I love what I do. I am SO thankful for everyone that has supported me and trusted me to help plan their adventures. I have made some awesome lifelong friends and look forward to traveling together!
The organization also emphasizes personal branding and business identity, encouraging agents to develop their unique business models while leveraging Travel Agent Pro's resources. This balance between independence and support creates an environment where agents maintain control over their schedules and operations while benefiting from collective purchasing power.
"Travel Agent Pro is the perfect business partner for entrepreneurs who understand the power of partnerships. Whether you're a company of one or building a team, you don't have to be alone." – Travel Agent Pro Philosophy
Travel Agent Pro welcomes both newcomers to the travel industry and seasoned professionals, recognizing that each group has distinct needs and opportunities. The organization's flexible approach ensures that agents at any career stage can find value in their membership.
New agents benefit from comprehensive mentorship programs that pair them with experienced professionals. Travel Agent Pro provides structured training, professional development resources, and niche-specific education designed to accelerate learning and build confidence. For newcomers, the lower startup costs associated with joining a host business—compared to establishing an independent travel business—make Travel Agent Pro an attractive entry point into the industry.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Mentorship Programs | Pairing with experienced agents for guidance and development |
| Structured Training | Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing education |
| Lower Startup Costs | Reduced initial investment compared to independent agencies |
| Professional Development | Access to niche training and industry certifications |
Experienced professionals are attracted to Travel Agent Pro for its higher commission structures driven by collective sales volume and its focus on agents seeking to work within a specific travel niche. Seasoned agents appreciate the streamlined administrative processes, advanced technology platforms, and access to exclusive supplier relationships that allow them to focus their time on sales and client relationships rather than backend operations.
The organization also offers networking opportunities through webinars, conferences, and local events, enabling experienced agents to expand their professional contacts and stay current with industry trends. For established professionals, Travel Agent Pro provides the infrastructure to scale their business efficiently without the overhead of managing their own host business operations.
Travel Agent with Travel Agent Pro
I'm so thankful I took the leap and joined the Travel Agent Pro Team! Fantastic company, fantastic training, fellow agents and so much fun! Looking forward to 2025!
Regardless of experience level, all Travel Agent Pro members enjoy flexible membership options with month-to-month commitments, allowing agents to choose the membership level that best fits their business needs without long-term contracts.
The journey to becoming a Travel Agent Pro member begins with a straightforward online application. Travel Agent Pro accepts both newcomers to the travel industry and experienced professionals, so don't hesitate to apply regardless of your background. The application process is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with the team reaching out to discuss your goals and how Travel Agent Pro can support your unique business vision.
Once your application is accepted, the onboarding process kicks into gear. Travel Agent Pro takes a personalized approach, recognizing that each entrepreneur has different focus areas and business models. During onboarding, you'll be guided through account setup, introduced to the platform's key features, and connected with resources tailored to your needs—whether you're building a solo operation or planning to grow a team.
One of the most critical components of launching your travel business is obtaining an IATA number, a unique identifier that allows you to conduct business as a travel agent. Rather than navigating this complex process independently, Travel Agent Pro handles the heavy lifting by providing access to the IATA number through their host business infrastructure. This eliminates significant administrative burden and ensures you can start booking immediately.
Travel Agent with Travel Agent Pro
At this time last year this was a dream job. Now this once dream job is a successful reality! This was the best way to kickoff 2025 with an invite to the top 50 agents! I am so excited for 2025 travel! I love seeing your smiling faces traveling and enjoying this beautiful earth!
Travel Agent Pro grants you access to advanced booking systems that connect you to a vast network of suppliers. These systems enable seamless reservations across hotels, airlines, cruises, tours, and more. The technology is intuitive yet powerful, allowing you to process bookings efficiently while maintaining professional service standards.
| Resource | Benefit |
|---|---|
| IATA Number | Provided through Travel Agent Pro's host business structure |
| Hotel & Resort Program | Access to 1,000+ properties with Signature privileges |
| Cruise Program | Hosted and exclusive cruise line relationships |
| Land & Tour Program | Value-added promotions and destination experiences |
| Specialty Suppliers | Comprehensive coverage across niche travel markets |
Launched by industry veterans, Travel Agent Pro is working to carve out a niche as a boutique, community-driven agency designed by advisors, for advisors.
Become a travel agent with no experience! We provide the education for you to learn and become successful at your own pace.With these systems in place, you'll have everything needed to process bookings professionally and access competitive rates that benefit your clients.
Travel Agent Pro recognizes that continuous education is essential to success in the travel industry. The organization provides comprehensive training designed to equip you with both foundational knowledge and advanced expertise.
Travel Agent Pro's mentorship model pairs new agents with experienced professionals who provide guidance, answer questions, and help navigate real-world scenarios. This peer-to-peer learning environment accelerates your development and builds confidence as you establish your practice.
"Training isn't just about learning facts—it's about building the confidence and expertise to serve your clients exceptionally well. Travel Agent Pro's approach ensures you're never left wondering how to handle a situation." – Travel Professional
Building a client base is one of the most critical aspects of launching your travel business. Travel Agent Pro provides comprehensive marketing support designed to help you attract and retain clients without requiring extensive marketing expertise or budget.
The organization offers pre-designed marketing materials including social media templates, email campaign frameworks, and promotional resources that you can customize to reflect your brand. These tools eliminate the need to start from scratch, allowing you to launch professional marketing initiatives quickly.
Travel Agent Pro also facilitates community networking through webinars, conferences, and local events where you can connect with other agents, share strategies, and build relationships with potential referral partners. These connections often lead to collaborative opportunities and expanded client bases.
Running a successful travel business requires more than just booking capabilities. Travel Agent Pro provides an integrated suite of operational tools designed to streamline your business processes and enhance productivity.
| Tool Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Organize client information, track interactions, and manage follow-ups |
| Booking Systems | Process reservations across multiple suppliers seamlessly |
| Commission Tracking | Monitor earnings and receive transparent commission statements |
| Communication Platforms | Professional email and client communication infrastructure |
| Community App | Connect with other Travel Agent Pro members for support and collaboration |
The monthly membership fee includes access to all these technology platforms, ensuring you have enterprise-level tools at your fingertips. This comprehensive technology ecosystem allows you to focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional travel experiences to your clients—rather than juggling multiple disconnected systems.
Travel Agent Pro's commitment to seamless integration means your various business tools work together harmoniously, reducing administrative overhead and allowing you to scale your operations efficiently as your client base grows.
Specializing in a travel niche can set your business apart in Oklahoma’s competitive market. Luxury travel offers opportunities to craft bespoke experiences with exclusive amenities, while adventure travel caters to clients seeking thrills from hiking to kayaking. Group travel, including destination weddings and corporate retreats, opens doors to higher-volume bookings and repeat business.
Travel Agent Pro offers tailored training and supplier connections for these niches, empowering you to deliver specialized experiences that command premium pricing.
Travel Agent Pro’s extensive network includes partnerships with over 380 preferred suppliers spanning cruises, land tours, airlines, and all-inclusive resorts. These relationships enable you to access exclusive rates, special amenities, and hosted events that enrich your client offerings.
The community-driven culture fosters collaboration among agents, encouraging sharing of best practices and joint ventures that can accelerate growth.
Building lasting client relationships is essential for sustainable success. Utilizing CRM tools provided by Travel Agent Pro helps you organize client preferences, track communications, and personalize follow-ups—key factors in client satisfaction and repeat bookings.
“Clients remember the personal touches—custom itineraries, timely updates, and thoughtful recommendations. These moments turn one-time travelers into lifelong clients.” – Experienced Travel Agent
Implementing loyalty programs, regular check-ins, and exclusive offers can deepen client engagement. Travel Agent Pro supports you by providing templates and automated workflows that make client retention manageable and effective.
An active and authentic online presence is critical to attract Oklahoma travelers. Travel Agent Pro equips you with customizable social media templates, email marketing frameworks, and SEO strategies that help you connect with your audience while maintaining your unique brand voice.
Combining Travel Agent Pro’s marketing resources with authentic engagement builds trust and drives bookings, helping you grow a loyal client base in Oklahoma and beyond.
Travel Agent Pro offers a flexible commission structure designed to adapt to the needs of both solo agents and those growing a team. Commission splits range from 70% to 100%, with a sliding scale for monthly fees that can be paid annually at a discount, maximizing your earnings potential.
Launched by industry veterans, Travel Agent Pro is working to carve out a niche as a boutique, community-driven agency designed by advisors, for advisors.
Become a travel agent with no experience! We provide the education for you to learn and become successful at your own pace.This model empowers agents to choose the balance between monthly fees and commission splits that best supports their business goals. The collective buying power of Travel Agent Pro’s network also often results in higher commission rates than those available to independent agents.
Starting your travel business with Travel Agent Pro significantly lowers traditional startup costs by removing the need for a physical storefront and reducing overhead. Typical initial investments include membership fees, marketing expenses, and technology tools.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Agent Pro Membership Fee | $50 - $150 monthly | Varies by plan and payment frequency |
| Marketing and Advertising | $100 - $500 initially | Includes social media ads, website setup, and branding |
| Technology & Tools | $0 - $100 monthly | CRM and communication platforms (often included) |
| Professional Development | $0 - $300 annually | Training, certifications, and industry memberships |
Budgeting carefully for these expenses helps ensure smooth operations and positions your business for growth. Travel Agent Pro’s all-in-one platform reduces hidden costs by bundling many services into your membership.
Travel Agent with Travel Agent Pro
It's been over a year now since I fully switched careers to travel and I couldn't be happier. I am thankful for those who have helped me grow this dream job into a reality and the support my Travel Agent Pro family has given me! Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to help with their vacations, it truly is my passion!
As an Oklahoma-based travel agent, understanding your tax obligations and insurance needs is critical. You are responsible for collecting and remitting state sales tax on applicable travel services, which varies depending on the product and client location.
Travel Agent Pro provides agents with guidance and resources to help navigate these requirements confidently, and many members utilize trusted local accountants for tax filing and compliance.
“Proper financial management is the foundation of a sustainable travel business — knowing your tax and insurance responsibilities protects both your clients and your business.”
New travel agents often face challenges such as navigating industry complexities, building a client base, and managing operational tasks. Oklahoma’s unique market and economic environment can add layers of difficulty, including reaching clients in rural areas and standing out in a competitive landscape.
Travel Agent Pro supports new agents by providing comprehensive onboarding, mentorship, and access to proven systems. Their cooperative model reduces financial risk and offers collective buying power, making it easier to compete and succeed.
The travel industry is rapidly evolving with growing demand for personalized and authentic experiences. Oklahoma travelers increasingly seek eco-friendly options, cultural immersion, and tailored itineraries that reflect their unique interests.
Staying ahead means embracing new technologies, offering diverse travel niches, and maintaining open communication with clients. Travel Agent Pro equips agents with education and tools to anticipate changes and tailor services accordingly.
Maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations is essential for protecting your business and clients. Oklahoma currently has minimal licensing requirements for travel agents, but adherence to ethical standards and industry best practices is critical.
| Area | Requirement or Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Licensing | No state license required, but registration and permits may apply |
| Consumer Protection | Clear communication of terms, cancellation policies, and travel insurance options |
| Data Privacy | Secure handling of client information and compliance with data protection laws |
| Professional Conduct | Honesty, transparency, and respect in all client interactions |
Travel Agent Pro provides agents with resources and updates related to compliance, helping you stay informed and uphold the highest ethical standards.
“Trust and integrity form the foundation of every successful travel business. Clients rely on you not just for bookings, but for guidance and peace of mind.”
Real-world success stories demonstrate the transformative potential of partnering with Travel Agent Pro. Agents across Oklahoma have built thriving businesses by leveraging the platform's resources, training, and supportive community.
One Oklahoma agent began by booking trips for family and friends as a casual hobby. What started as weekend work gradually evolved into a recognized travel planning service within their community. Through Travel Agent Pro's mentorship and training programs, this agent developed professional expertise, established a formal business structure, and transitioned to full-time travel planning. Today, they manage a steady stream of repeat clients and referrals, proving that persistence and commitment to excellence can transform a passion into a sustainable career.
Another Oklahoma agent discovered their niche by focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable travel. By emphasizing environmentally conscious destinations and responsible travel practices, this agent carved out a unique market position. Travel Agent Pro's niche-specific training and supplier partnerships enabled them to confidently serve environmentally aware travelers seeking authentic, low-impact experiences. This specialization not only differentiated their services but also built a loyal customer base willing to pay premium rates for curated, values-aligned itineraries.
"Finding your niche allows you to stand out in a crowded market and attract clients who genuinely appreciate your expertise." – Oklahoma Travel Professional
Seasoned travel professionals who have partnered with Travel Agent Pro offer invaluable insights for newcomers launching their Oklahoma agencies.
Experienced agents consistently emphasize the value of Travel Agent Pro's collaborative environment. The community of 200+ travel advisors creates opportunities for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and genuine support. Newer agents benefit from the willingness of established professionals to answer questions, share strategies, and provide encouragement during challenging periods. This supportive culture accelerates learning curves and prevents the isolation many independent agents experience.
Many experienced agents report that switching to Travel Agent Pro or choosing it as their initial host business was a pivotal strategic decision. These professionals highlight the competitive commission structure and personalized business approach as key factors in their decision. Agents appreciate that Travel Agent Pro respects their unique business models rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing them to maintain their brand identity while accessing enterprise-level resources.
"Travel Agent Pro operates as a true boutique business that understands the challenges we face as travel advisors. The leadership brings real experience from their own careers, and that insight translates into genuinely helpful support." – Experienced Travel Agent
Veteran agents emphasize that ongoing education is essential to staying competitive. Travel Agent Pro's training programs and networking opportunities enable agents to continuously sharpen their skills, learn about emerging travel trends, and expand their service offerings. Agents who invest in professional development through Travel Agent Pro's resources report higher client satisfaction and increased booking volumes.
Experienced agents stress the importance of exceptional customer service as the foundation of sustainable success. Travel Agent Pro's CRM tools and operational support systems enable agents to maintain detailed client preferences, provide personalized follow-ups, and deliver consistent, memorable experiences. These practices generate repeat business and referrals that compound over time, creating a self-sustaining growth engine.
Several experienced agents have made the strategic decision to transition from other host agencies to Travel Agent Pro, citing superior support and community culture as primary motivators. These agents report that the transition was seamless, with Travel Agent Pro's team providing guidance and support throughout the process. Their testimonials consistently highlight the refreshing, hands-on approach of leadership and the genuine commitment to agent success, contrasting favorably with less supportive host business experiences.
"After years with another host business that left us to figure things out on our own, Travel Agent Pro's accessible, supportive approach felt like a breath of fresh air. The difference in member care is night and day." – Agent Who Switched to Travel Agent Pro
Once you've established a successful travel business in Oklahoma, Travel Agent Pro's national network opens doors to exponential growth. The platform connects you with over 200 travel advisors across the country, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and geographic expansion.
Travel Agent Pro's boutique approach means the organization prioritizes meaningful relationships over massive scale, ensuring that as you grow, you maintain access to personalized support and industry expertise. This intimate community culture enables agents to scale thoughtfully rather than chase unsustainable growth metrics.
By leveraging Travel Agent Pro's network, you can expand your client base beyond Oklahoma's borders, tap into regional tourism trends, and develop relationships with travel professionals who can refer clients to your specialized services.
As your business matures, diversifying your service offerings becomes essential for sustained growth. Travel Agent Pro supports expansion into specialized travel markets including luxury escapes, adventure tours, eco-friendly trips, and corporate travel solutions.
| Travel Niche | Target Market | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury and Bespoke Travel | High-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive experiences | Premium pricing and repeat bookings |
| Adventure and Active Travel | Younger demographics and experience-focused travelers | Growing market segment with strong margins |
| Eco-Tourism | Environmentally conscious travelers | Rapidly expanding with values-aligned clientele |
| Corporate and Incentive Travel | Businesses planning team events and retreats | Consistent high-value bookings |
| Food and Wine Experiences | Culinary enthusiasts and cultural explorers | Premium niche with loyal repeat customers |
Expanding your service offerings creates multiple revenue streams and positions your business as a comprehensive travel solution. Travel Agent Pro's supplier partnerships and training resources enable you to confidently enter new niches and deliver specialized expertise that commands premium pricing.
Technology is transforming how travel agencies operate and scale. Travel Agent Pro equips agents with tools to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and maximize efficiency as client volumes increase.
"The future of travel agencies belongs to those who embrace technology while maintaining the human touch that makes travel planning special." – Travel Industry Expert
AI-driven personalization allows you to create customized trip suggestions based on client preferences and booking history, delivering the personalized service that sets human advisors apart from online booking platforms. Automation tools handle routine administrative tasks, freeing your time for high-value client interactions and strategic business development.
Implementing loyalty programs with tiered rewards encourages repeat bookings and increases customer lifetime value. Digital marketing channels—including emerging platforms like TikTok and Pinterest—enable you to reach younger demographics and expand your market reach beyond traditional methods.
As you scale, maintaining operational excellence requires balancing automation with personalization. Travel Agent Pro's technology infrastructure supports this balance, allowing you to efficiently manage increased volume while delivering the customized, relationship-based service that builds lasting client loyalty and drives referrals.
Starting a travel business in Oklahoma is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to turn your passion for travel into a thriving business. Partnering with Travel Agent Pro provides the support, resources, and community you need to succeed, whether you're just beginning or looking to expand your existing business.
Travel Agent Pro’s commitment to agent success is evident in their hands-on approach, personalized support, and focus on continuous learning. Their leadership, led by industry veterans, ensures that agents receive the guidance and tools necessary to navigate the evolving travel landscape.
“Travel Agent Pro isn’t just a host business; it’s a partner in your journey to building a successful travel business. Their support and resources make all the difference.” – Satisfied Travel Agent
As you embark on this adventure, remember that every successful travel business starts with a single step. By leveraging the expertise and network of Travel Agent Pro, you can confidently grow your business, deliver exceptional client experiences, and achieve your professional goals.
The future of travel is bright, and with Travel Agent Pro by your side, you’re well-equipped to make your mark in Oklahoma’s vibrant travel market.
It’s hard to imagine the serene fields and forests of today's Oklahoma as places of frantic, even desperate, activity: Native American tribes forced to relocate; land-crazed settlers rushing to claim a piece of ground; Dust Bowl farmers escaping a state that was blowing away. Perhaps all that agitation made Oklahomans long for some quiet and relaxation, because that's what we find there today. Even the large cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City seem uncrowded and unhurried, and Oklahomans everywhere in the state seem more than happy to engage visitors in some leisurely conversation.
The state has plenty of attractions for tranquil sightseeing, many of them related to the state's past, turbulent and otherwise. There are museums about cowboys, about cowboy philosophers (Will Rogers) and about the white settlers who moved into the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are majestic tallgrass prairies that show the way the region looked before the cowboys and pioneers got there. Where Oklahoma really stands out, though, is in its wealth of Native American museums, historic sites and cultural gatherings. Once known as the Indian Territory, it still has the largest Native American population of any U.S. state, numbering more than 500,000.
Oklahoma's countryside varies from rolling hills, plains, lakes and rich farmland on the eastern end to the pine forests that cover a large part of western Oklahoma to the 4,973-ft/1,516-m Black Mesa in Cimarron County—the highest point in the state—in the Oklahoma panhandle, which marks the boundary between the prairie and the New Mexico desert.
Oklahoma Rivers are generally shallow and even run dry during the summer, but can flood their banks during heavy rainstorms. Much of the water that previously flowed across the state was impounded in a series of artificial lakes after the dustbowl days of the 1930s, when drought and unwise farming practices created an ecological catastrophe. Oklahoma now has as much shoreline as many coastal states.
The mountain ranges of Oklahoma more closely resemble the gently rolling hills of the eastern U.S. than the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, but they are actually the worn-down roots of what were once the highest mountains on the continent.
Plains groups such as the Wichita, Kiowa, Apache and Comanche lived in Oklahoma long before the Europeans arrived. But a significant portion of Oklahoma's Native American population are descendants of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole), which were forcibly moved there by the U.S. government between 1817 and 1840. The relocation of Cherokee from Georgia in the winter of 1838-39 became known as the Trail of Tears because some 4,000 of the 16,000 who began the long march died before they reached the end. For a time, Oklahoma was known as the Indian Territory, but the various groups who lived there were far from unified, especially during the Civil War. Some Five Tribes members who were slaveholders favored the Confederacy, while members of other nations urged neutrality, and this division led to violent conflict.
The discord left the nations defenseless against further U.S. encroachment, which came in the form of the railroads and government allocation of reservations. Then, in 1889, the U.S. government held a land rush, specifying a time when white settlers could enter a designated territory, claim a piece of land and set up a homestead. Because many of the 50,000 who participated in this land rush jumped the starting gun, they were called "Sooners." Other land rushes were held in 1891, 1892, 1893, 1895 and 1901. Oklahoma entered the union in 1907.
Oklahoma suffered badly during the Great Depression, when the western part of the state became the center of the Dust Bowl—thousands of acres of topsoil blew away as a result of drought and poor farming practices. Many of the "Okie" Dust Bowl farmers fled west—an exodus John Steinbeck documented in his novel The Grapes of Wrath. The discovery of oil in the late 1800s and early 1900s also had, and continues to have, a dramatic impact on the state.
The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995 marked one of Okalahoma's most memorable events. Though in the past whole towns have been destroyed by tornados, this event indicated the worst damage and highest casualty rate in the state caused by human malice. Yet in the middle of the shock and horror, citizens of Oklahoma rallied to form rescue and recovery teams within minutes of the bombing. Hotels donated room space to accommodate the volunteers from around the state and out of state. Restaurants delivered free meals to volunteers, and enough blood was donated to create a large surplus. This will always be a time remembered in Oklahoma with both grief and pride.
Among Oklahoma's main attractions are Native American culture, history, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Gilcrease Museum, Bricktown in Oklahoma City, Thoroughbred and quarterhorse racing and outdoor activities (fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, camping and golf).
Travelers who are looking for a vacation focused on Native American heritage, Old West history, acres of cattle and horse ranches and a variety of outdoor activities will enjoy their visit to Oklahoma. Travelers looking for lots of dramatic scenery or big-city attractions may find the state less to their liking.
Some Sooners jokingly refer to the ubiquitous oil well as the Oklahoma state tree.
For years Oklahoma had the only state Capitol building without a dome, until one was finally completed in 2002, with a statue of an Indian warrior, The Guardian—sculpted by Enoch Kelley Haney, state senator and member of the Seminole Nation—on the top. It is still the only state Capitol with an oil well in front of the building.
At the time of his death in a plane crash in 1935, humorist Will Rogers was perhaps the most popular man in the U.S. His newspaper column was syndicated in more than 500 publications, and it's estimated that several million people tuned in to his weekly radio program.
While Rogers is Oklahoma's best-known folk humorist, the state's most famous folk singer is Woody Guthrie, who was born in Okemah. Guthrie went west with other Oklahoma Dust Bowl refugees in the 1930s and immortalized their struggles in his songs. In addition to penning many folk standards, he was an important influence on later songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
Oklahoma has also bred many country-music stars, including Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Toby Keith and Garth Brooks. Other famous Sooners: Olympic champion Jim Thorpe, author Ralph Ellison, astronaut Thomas Stafford, jazz musicians Charlie Christian and Chet Baker and bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd.
Some of the dust storms that enveloped Oklahoma in the 1930s were calculated to be up to 2 mi/3 km high, 100 mi/160 km wide and moving at speeds greater than 50 mph/80 kph.
The Creek and Cherokee Nations have opened bingo gambling halls in several locations throughout the state, including Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa.
A Tulsa businessman, Cyrus Avery, was instrumental in the design of U.S. 66, the famous Main Street of America that ran from Chicago through Oklahoma and to California. He headed up a grassroots effort that led to the National Highway System Plan in 1925 and, ultimately, to the paving of Route 66.
Oklahoman Carl Magee invented the parking meter in 1933, and Oklahoma City was the first to install them in 1935.
Oklahoma means "red people" in the Choctaw language.
At Har-Ber Village (near Grove), about 100 old buildings have been relocated and restored to create an authentic frontier town.
Cheyenne was the site of the Battle of Washita, a massacre of 200 Cheyenne men, women and children led by Gen. George Armstrong Custer. There's a museum nearby with relics of the battle.
Heavener Runestone State Park (Heavener) preserves a stone monolith covered with carvings reputedly put there by Vikings hundreds of years before Columbus landed in America. Talk about Sooners.
Most of the world has only one horrible image of Oklahoma City: the rubble of the Federal Building after the terrorist bombing that killed 168 people in April 1995. The Oklahoma City National Memorial now graces the downtown site where the building stood. It includes rows of empty bronze-backed chairs, one for each victim, and two large bronze-colored gates. A tree that survived the blast has an honored place on the grounds. The memorial's museum details the rescue and recovery efforts and exhibits artifacts from the building and pictures of the victims.
As striking as the memorial is, there's a lot more to this town. As you tour, you'll notice some of the 2,000 oil wells in and around town—there are even working wells on the Capitol grounds. You'll see almost as many churches: This is the heart of the Bible Belt.
Travel Agent Pro is an award winning host travel agency. We have members all over the USA who serve clients all over the US.
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11/12Hi, I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations based in Oklahoma, and I specialize in Disney and Universal vacations for families who want to make the most of their time in the parks. I love s...
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