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The iconic Golden Driller, built in 1953 for the 1966 International Petroleum Expo, now stands at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds.
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Tulsa is nestled in the northeastern quadrant of Oklahoma, right in the heart of “Green Country.” The rolling green hills and wooded terrain of the city lies at an elevation of 700 feet above sea level and offers a temperate climate. Tulsans enjoy 227 days of sunshine a year and an average daily temperature of 61 degrees. The rainfall average is approximately 40 inches, and continually changing conditions occur in the city during all four seasons. Our city boasts a widely diversified business base, including aerospace, telecommunications, manufacturing, construction, high technology, healthcare, education, transportation and energy. Tulsa, one of “America’s Most Livable Communities,” is known as the Mecca for arts in Oklahoma. Art deco masterpieces are prevalent in many of our downtown buildings and churches. Spectacular works of art dot the trails of our beautiful River Parks. From the Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Opera, to Broadway plays and musicals at the Performing Arts Center, to the Philbrook and the largest collection of Western American art at the Gilcrease, Tulsa’s rich cultural legacy greatly enhances our citizen’s quality of life. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is acclaimed as one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the United States. The Tulsa International Airport offers direct service to most major U.S. cities and is another important contributor to our economic growth. Ten higher education facilities serve the metropolitan Tulsa area. Options range from community college and vocational studies to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs at both public and private universities. About Tulsa: OTCTulsa’s first “town council” meeting in 1836, under an oak tree which still stands on a hill near the downtown area, was presided over by Archie Yahola, a full blooded Creek Indian and chief of the Tulsa Lochapokas. The name Tulsa was derived from “tallasi,” a contraction of the Creek “Tullahassee” or “tallahassee,” meaning “old town.” The town’s initial growth came as a center for ranchers, farmers, and traders. When the post office was established in 1879, the name Tulsa became official. Cattle ranching became a major business in the area and led to the extension of the Frisco Railroad into the city in 1882. Tulsa was incorporated as a municipality on January 8, 1898. With the discovery of oil in nearby Red Fork in 1901, the city grew quickly, reaching a population of 7,298 by the time of Oklahoma statehood in 1907. By 1920, the population had reached 72,075 and Tulsa soon earned the title, “Oil Capital of the World.” Although oil-related businesses remain an important part of the city’s economy, Tulsa has developed a widely diversified business base which includes nationally prominent companies in aviation and aerospace, telecommunications, data processing, manufacturing, and distribution. The community’s employment base is diverse and balanced among several job sectors including manufacturing, construction, services, high technology, health care, education, and transportation. Today, Tulsa has grown to become a thriving community with a well-earned reputation as simply a great place to live. The original Council Oak tree spreads its branches overlooking a city park against a backdrop of high-rise buildings and expressways. It is a reminder that, while the city has branched out in many directions, its roots have remained strong.
