Lochapoka and Creek tribes first inhabited the area where Tulsa now exists. They established a small settlement around the Creek Council Oak Tree. They named the new area "Tallasi", meaning "old town" in the Creek language, later becoming Tulsa. Despite Oklahoma not being a state yet during the Civil War, the Tulsa territory saw its fair share of fighting. The Battle of Chusto-Talasah was fought on the north side of Tulsa, and so were several other battles and skirmishes. Tulsa was officially incorporated as a city on the 18th of January, 1898, and Edward Calkins was elected as the city's first mayor. Tulsa's first oil well was established in 1901 and named Sue Bland No.1. The discovery of the Glenn Pool Oil Reserve prompted a spell of Tulsa's growth, leading to a swell in the city's population. The city also became a popular location for entrepreneurs seeking to take advantage of its thriving economy. By 1930, the city's population has increased to 140,000. Named the "Oil Capital of the World" for the majority of the 20th century, the city's success in the Oil sector prompted a boom in its construction sector. Proceeds from the oil industry helped the city come through the Great Depression in a much better state than most other United States Cities.

Attend a Festival
There is always a festival around the corner in Tulsa. Engage in arts and humanities through live music, dance performances, and delicious foods at Tulsa Mayfest. Experience German culture with frothy pints of beer, mouthwatering dishes, and live music and dancing at Tusla's Germanfest. Join the weekend celebration of the local LGBTQ community at Tusla's Pride Festival, which is Oklahoma's longest-running Pride Festival.

Connect to the city's cultural roots at the Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa's yearly Pow Wow of Champions, where you can show support for indigenous craftspeople and artists and try Native American dishes and dances. Sample snacks and beer from over 40 breweries at McNellie's Tulsa Harvest Beer Festival or celebrate loved ones and life at Tulsa Water Lantern Festival, which gives you the chance to float rice paper lanterns carrying a personalized message down the water.

⁠Explore the city's Great Outdoors
Living in Tulsa means getting the best out of both worlds, as it offers both natural beauty and big-city conveniences. With the city close to the Arkansas River, waterfront recreation plays a big role in Tulsa's outdoor recreation opportunities. Paddle boats at the Gathering Place, a beautiful 100-acre green space previously named the best city park in the country. Take to the hiking trails at Oxley Nature Center, perfect for biking, jogging, bird watching, walking, or just enjoying a day in the sun. You can also test your fisherman's ability by spending the day fishing at the gorgeous Lynn Lane Reservoir or attending adult classes and programs at the city's Garden Center at Woodward Park. Hike the spacious Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area to see unique statues like the Rocky Mountain Bighorn and Rio Grande Turkeys.

⁠Watch A Football Match
Sports in Tulsa? How? Well, it doesn't always have to be professional sports before you enjoy sports at its best. Tulsa College sports scene draws big followership from locals, so much so that it might just be better than what some professional teams are getting. Don an orange jersey and grab a seat in the stands to see some Oklahoma State Cowboys College Basketball. Go tailgating pre a Golden Hurricane college football game, then cheer the team to victory during a home match at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

Thought that was all? Not nearly; there's more to Tulsa's sports scene than just football and basketball. Grab a seat at ONEOK Field and see the Drillers who play minor league baseball in action, or check out another local favorite college team, Hurricanes softball. Fan of Hockey? Tulsa's mid-level professional hockey team, the Tulsa Oilers, are the city's best thing on ice. Interested in partaking in a game yourself? Tulsa has numerous public sports leagues you can join, from football to basketball and hockey.