Tulsa history

The history of Tulsa is a vivid example of how a small settlement can transform into a dynamic metropolis due to a confluence of historical circumstances and abundant natural resources. The city, which grew on Native American lands, has witnessed an oil boom, a cultural flourishing, and tragic events that have shaped its unique character.

Foundation and Early Years

The territory where Tulsa is located today was settled by Native American tribes of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, specifically the Lochapoka clan, between 1828 and 1836. They were forced to relocate here from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. The settlement was named Tallasi, which means "old town" or "old place" in the Creek language. A mighty oak tree, under which the indigenous people held their councils, became the symbol of the city's founding. Tulsa officially received city status in 1898, remaining a small and unremarkable locality until the beginning of the 20th century.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's destiny changed radically in 1901 when large oil deposits were discovered in its vicinity. This event triggered rapid population growth and booming economic development, earning Tulsa the unofficial title of the "Oil Capital of the World". The city became a crucial centre for the American oil industry, allowing it to survive even the Great Depression of the 1930s relatively unscathed. Another important factor was its location on the famous Route 66, which connected Chicago and California, making Tulsa a vital transport hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

On the wave of oil prosperity, unique cultural and social phenomena formed in Tulsa. In the 1920s, the city experienced a construction boom, resulting in one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the USA. At the same time, the Greenwood district, known as "Black Wall Street", flourished in the city—one of the wealthiest and most successful African American neighbourhoods in the country at that time. However, the city's history is marred by the racial unrest of 1921, during which this prosperous district was almost completely destroyed.

Chronology of Tulsa's History

The history of Tulsa is a journey from a small Native American settlement to a thriving metropolis, marked by key events that formed its modern appearance.

1836

The Lochapoka people of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establish the settlement of Tallasi after forced relocation along the "Trail of Tears".

1882

Construction of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad through the territory of the future city, giving impetus to its development as a transport hub.

1898

Tulsa officially receives city status with a population of about 1,100 people.

1901

Discovery of the first major oil field, Red Fork, to the southwest of the city, marking the beginning of the oil boom.

1905

Discovery of the giant Glenn Pool oil field, which turned Tulsa into one of the most important oil centres in the world.

1907

Oklahoma becomes the 46th US state, and Tulsa continues to grow as the "Oil Capital of the World".

1921

Tragic racial riots occur, during which the prosperous African American district of Greenwood, known as "Black Wall Street", was destroyed.

1920s

The city experiences a construction boom, resulting in the appearance of one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in the USA.

1926

Cyrus Avery of Tulsa initiates the creation of the famous Route 66, which passed through the city and strengthened its transport significance.

1971

Opening of the Port of Catoosa on the Arkansas River, making Tulsa the furthest inland port city in the USA and an important logistics centre.

1982

A sharp drop in oil prices leads to an economic downturn and forces the city to diversify its economy, developing aerospace, financial, and technological sectors.

2018

The massive public park "Gathering Place" opens, becoming a symbol of the city's modern revival and urban improvement.

Key Stages of Tulsa's Development

From a humble settlement on Native American lands to a modern metropolis, Tulsa's development is marked by several turning points. These milestones not only defined the city's economic landscape but also shaped its unique cultural identity and urban environment.

• The Oil Boom of the Early 20th Century. The discovery of large oil fields in 1901 and 1905 completely transformed Tulsa, turning it into the "Oil Capital of the World". This influx of immense wealth caused rapid population growth, construction, and development of the financial sector, laying a solid foundation for the city's future prosperity.
• The Flourishing of Art Deco Architecture. In the 1920s and 1930s, at the peak of oil wealth, a construction boom began in the city. As a result, Tulsa acquired one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco buildings in the USA, which still defines the unique look of its centre today.
• Creation of Route 66. Thanks to the active efforts of Tulsa resident Cyrus Avery, the city became a key point on the famous Route 66. This strengthened Tulsa's status as an important transport and commercial hub connecting the east and west of the country.
• The Rise and Tragedy of Greenwood. In the early 20th century, the African American district of Greenwood, known as "Black Wall Street", flourished in Tulsa. Its economic success was a unique phenomenon for that time, and its tragic destruction during the racial unrest of 1921 became a turning point in the city's social history.
• Transformation into a Port City. The opening of the Port of Catoosa on the Arkansas River in 1971 was an important step towards economic diversification. Tulsa gained access to the US inland waterways, becoming the country's furthest inland port and a significant logistics hub.
• Economic Diversification after the 1980s. The sharp fall in oil prices in the 1980s caused a serious economic crisis. This forced city authorities to actively develop other industries, such as aerospace, finance, and technology, to reduce dependence on the oil and gas sector.
• Modern Urban Revival. Projects of the 21st century, primarily the opening of the massive "Gathering Place" public park in 2018, symbolize a new era in Tulsa's development. The main focus is now on improving the quality of life, creating modern public spaces, and attracting new talent and investment to the city.

The architectural appearance of Tulsa is a visual history of its rises and falls, from a modest settlement to the brilliant "Oil Capital of the World". The wealth that came to the city in the early 20th century left a unique legacy that continues to define its urban landscape today.

The Art Deco Era: Tulsa's "Golden Age"

Tulsa's urban development is inextricably linked to the oil boom of the 1920s and 1930s. During this period, the city experienced a true construction flourishing, with Art Deco becoming the dominant style. Oil tycoons spared no expense in erecting luxurious office buildings, hotels, and places of worship, striving to emphasize their status and the city's prosperity. Thanks to this, Tulsa today possesses one of the most significant and cohesive collections of Art Deco architecture in the USA. This style is characterized by strict geometric forms, zigzag patterns, expensive finishing materials, and rich decoration.

Iconic buildings of this era that formed the look of the city centre:

• Philtower Building (1928) — A Neo-Gothic skyscraper with Art Deco elements that became one of the city's symbols. Its richly decorated lobby and Gothic spires are a vivid example of the luxury of that time.
• Philcade Building (1931) — Another creation of oil magnate Waite Phillips. The building is known for its opulent lobby with painted ceilings and ornaments, connected by an underground tunnel to the Philtower.
• Boston Avenue Methodist Church (1929) — One of the finest examples of ecclesiastical Art Deco architecture in the country. Its soaring tower and sculptural details distinguish it from traditional religious structures.
• Mid-Continent Tower (1918/1984) — A unique example of combining historical architecture and postmodernism. Originally a 16-storey building, it was topped with a new 20-storey volume in 1984, which seems to hover over the old one, completely copying its style.

Other Architectural Influences

Although Art Deco is Tulsa's calling card, other styles are also represented in the city. In residential areas built in the first half of the 20th century, one can find beautiful examples of Renaissance and Tudor styles. A striking example is the Philbrook Museum of Art, located in the former villa of Waite Phillips, built in the Italian Renaissance style. The post-war period brought the conciseness of Modernism, which was reflected in some office and public buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Modern Development

In the 21st century, Tulsa continues to develop, paying great attention to the creation of modern public spaces. One of the most ambitious projects was the "Gathering Place" park, opened in 2018. This massive facility with futuristic architecture, playgrounds, and world-class landscape design has become a new centre of attraction for residents and a symbol of the city's modern revival.

Notable Personalities Associated with Tulsa

Tulsa has become home or a starting point for many talented and influential people who have left a noticeable mark on history, culture, and business. From industry pioneers to world-class stars, here are just a few of them.

Cyrus Avery (1871–1962)

Role: Businessman, civic leader.
Significance: Known as the "Father of Route 66". It was Avery, being an influential resident of Tulsa, who played a key role in ensuring that the famous "Main Street of America" passed through the city. He also actively participated in creating the US federal highway numbering system, which forever changed automotive travel across the country.

Waite Phillips (1883–1964)

Role: Oil magnate, philanthropist.
Significance: One of the key figures of the oil boom era. His generosity transformed the cultural and architectural appearance of Tulsa. He gifted the city his luxurious villa, which became the Philbrook Museum of Art, and built iconic Art Deco skyscrapers — the Philtower and Philcade. His contribution to the development of the University of Tulsa was also immense.

S.E. Hinton (born 1948)

Role: Writer.
Significance: Author of the cult young adult novel "The Outsiders", which she began writing while still a schoolgirl in Tulsa. The book is set in 1960s Tulsa, and it largely defined the development of the young adult literature genre. Hinton still lives in the city today.

J.J. Cale (1938–2013)

Role: Musician, songwriter, guitarist.
Significance: One of the founders of the unique musical style "The Tulsa Sound" — a relaxed blend of blues, rockabilly, and country. Although Cale himself avoided publicity, his songs, such as "After Midnight" and "Cocaine", became global hits performed by Eric Clapton, and his guitar style influenced countless musicians.

Garth Brooks (born 1962)

Role: Singer, songwriter.
Significance: One of the most commercially successful solo artists in the history of US music. Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa and grew up in Oklahoma. He revolutionized country music by introducing elements of rock and grand stage shows, winning the love of millions of fans around the world.

Alfre Woodard (born 1952)

Role: Actress, producer.
Significance: Born in Tulsa, Alfre Woodard is one of the most respected and awarded actresses of her generation. She is a winner of four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award nominee. Besides a brilliant career in film and television, Woodard is known for her active civic and humanitarian work.

Bill Hader (born 1978)

Role: Actor, comedian, writer, director.
Significance: Born and raised in Tulsa. Hader gained wide fame as a cast member of the popular TV show "Saturday Night Live", and later created and starred in the critically acclaimed series "Barry". Today he is one of the bright stars of Hollywood, regularly mentioning his roots in Tulsa.