The City of Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, OK is located in the northeast corner of the state, approximately 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River, the region was settled by the Lochapoka and Creek tribes when pioneers began arriving from the eastern states in the early 1800s. Tulsa, incorporated in 1898, received its name from the Creek word “Tallasi,” meaning “old town.” It remained a small settlement until 1901, the year oil was discovered in the area and several wells were established. Tulsa came to be known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” and the increase in industry brought the city’s population to over 140,000 by 1930. During this time of prosperity, many of Tulsa’s prominent art deco buildings that are now cherished pieces of Tulsa history were constructed, including the Mid-Continent Tower, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, and the Philtower. In addition to the oil industry, another development that contributed greatly to Tulsa’s success at this time was the construction of Route 66, led by Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery. The completed road, stretching from Chicago to California, boosted Tulsa’s tourism industry, brought new residents, and helped to shape the city throughout the 20th century. Tulsa has been frequently ranked as one of America’s most beautiful cities and most livable communities.
Currently Tulsa has a city population of over 380,000 people, and a metropolitan population of over 900,000. In addition to oil, the city has expanded its industry to include aerospace, technology, finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with the American Airlines maintenance base being its current largest employer. Tulsa is also a highly acclaimed educational center for northeast Oklahoma, with three public school districts, a selection of private schools, and more than ten institutions of higher education that range from community colleges and vocational schools to public and private universities. The largest schools in the city are the University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, Rogers State University, Tulsa Community College, and Oklahoma State University, which has three remote campuses in Tulsa.
© 2008 Reliance Relocation Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
