City of Oklahoma city

Oklahoma City is the capital of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city is the 31st largest in the United States and covers an area of 606.99 square miles. Surrounded by gently rolling prairie and plains along the North Canadian River, Oklahoma City is at the geographic center of the state. It is one of the sunniest, windiest cities in the country. Summers are long and hot; winters, short and mild.Annual average temperature is around 60.1 F and ranges from 45.9 F during January to 80.7 F in July. The city's estimated population as of 2006 was 537,734.


Oklahoma City was settled on April 22, 1889, when the area known as the "unassigned lands" was opened for settlement in "The Oklahoma Land Run". Some 10,000 homesteaders settled what is now downtown Oklahoma City and created a tent city in a single day. The city was incorporated officially in 1890. The capital city was flourishing as a financial and manufacturing center when in 1928 an oil field beneath the city proved to be what was then the largest oil strike ever made. Oklahoma City joined neighboring regions in the petroleum industry with vast economic benefits.


Oklahoma City offers the visitor a full range of sights and activities. Frontier City Theme Park offers more than 50 acres of rides and western shows. The Oklahoma City Zoo, one of the top zoos in the nation, features more than 2,100 exotic species on 110 lushly-planted acres, including a children's zoo, and state-of-the-art primate and lion exhibits. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Oklahoma City's Metro Concourse offers a unique way to see downtown. The concourse, an underground tunnel system connecting most of the downtown buildings, is lined with offices, restaurants, and shops. While Will Rogers Horticultural Gardens gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy one of the most enchanting parks in Oklahoma, Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park provide with a thrilling adventure. City restaurants offer menus ranging from the city specialty-Oklahoma-raised beef-to French and Vietnamese cuisine. The specialty of the house at the cities oldest restaurant, Cattlemen's Cafe, is calves brains and eggs. Steaks and barbecue lead the way at Cimarron Steak House, Earl's Rib Palace, Murphy's Chop House, and Nikz high atop the United Founders Tower.