From the Inside Flap
Historic Oklahoma examines the geology and pre-historic animals and people that occupied the region. Later the area was caught up in the struggle for empire between England, France, and Spain, while vast herds of bison and various tribes of Native Americans roamed across the land. With the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the region became part of the United States, and a great drama of exploration, forced settlement of numerous Indian tribes, the establishment of the Indian Nations and Oklahoma Territory, a Civil War, the range cattle industry, land runs and land lotteries, coal mining, railroad building, oil and gas exploration, and statehood movements took place.
Throughout the 20th century, Oklahoma's history has been no less dramatic. Drawing on a deep well of pride, optimism and determination, Oklahomans have overcome both natural and man- made disasters, rebounding in each instance to build a better state and quality of life. The people of Oklahoma have been prepared well by their heritage, if they choose to study and preserve it, to meet the challenges of the new millennium.
