Some People Don't Know That Oklahoma Was The First To Do These 12 Things
×
Ashley
Author
If you’re looking to brush up on your Oklahoma trivia or you’re interested in learning new facts about your beloved state, we found some things to add to your state fact sheet – Oklahoma firsts! That’s right, there are several things Oklahoma did first and we’re going to highlight some of them. From pushing shopping carts in grocery stores to adding money in parking meters, Oklahoma was the first to do these 12 things:
The world's first installed parking meter was in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935.
Route 66, America’s most beloved highway, was born right here in Oklahoma. Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman and promoter of good roads, spearheaded the national committee that created the U.S. Highway System in 1926. We were the first state to design and install the distinctive historic markers and we are home to the first state-sponsored Route 66 Museum in the nation, making this one of the most impressive of all Oklahoma firsts!
Advertisement
The world's first male Liliger cub was born at a private zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2014. Liligers are the hybrid offspring of a male lion named Simba and a female liger named Akaria.
Advertisement
In 1950, the world’s first yield sign was posted at the corner of First Street and Columbia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is the first state to approve gassing prisoners with nitrogen in order to carry out death penalty sentences. The state’s Republican Governor Mary Fallin signed the Oklahoma gassing capital punishment bill into law in 2015.
No list of things Oklahoma did first would be complete without a mention of The National Lighter Museum, which is located in Guthrie and is the only museum of its kind in the world, dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of the evolution of lighters.
Related Stories
You'd Never Guess That Oklahoma Has More Man-Made Lakes Than Any Other State
10 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots in Oklahoma
The Oldest Gravestone In Oklahoma Is More Than 250 Years Old And Has A Fascinating History
First established in the 1920s, WKY still broadcasts today in a Spanish-speaking format, retaining its original call letters even though stations west of the Mississippi today begin with the letter "K" rather than "W". Oklahoma City is also the birthplace for radio legend Ted Quillin, one of the noted "Seven Swingin’ Gentlemen" credited with introducing the Hollywood radio market to rock & roll.
The most mouthwatering of all Oklahoma firsts, Sonic Drive-in was founded in Shawnee in 1959.
Advertisement
Burt Holmes convinced a former junior high school classmate, Chester Cadieux, to invest in and operate the store they decide to call QuikTrip. Burt and Chester opened the first QuikTrip on Sept. 25, 1958 in Tulsa.
The first shopping cart was introduced on June 4, 1937. It was the invention of Sylvan Goldman, owner of the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma. The invention did not catch on immediately. After hiring several male and female models to push his new invention around his store and demonstrate their utility, as well as greeters to explain their use, shopping carts became extremely popular.
The state capitol complex is the only state capitol grounds in the United States with active oil rigs.
The first Girl Scout cookies ever sold were in Muskogee in 1917. They were personally baked by the Mistletoe Troop, and the profits were used to send gifts to Doughboys fighting World War I.
So, did you know about these inventions from Oklahoma? Were you surprised by anything on this list? Know of any other Oklahoma firsts that should’ve been included above? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it so share your thoughts with us!
Can’t get enough of Oklahoma? Check out our past article, which highlights obscure facts about Oklahoma that many are completely unaware of.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Oklahoma Firsts
What are some things invented in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has been home to several notable inventions and contributions across various fields. Here are a few inventions from Oklahoma:
- Electric Guitar: Although the electric guitar had several inventors and contributors, the "frying pan" lap steel guitar, an early electric guitar design, was developed by George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker in 1931. Rickenbacker was born in Wichita, Kansas (now part of Oklahoma), and the company Rickenbacker International Corporation, known for producing electric guitars, was established in Santa Ana, California, with strong connections to Oklahoma.
- Aerosol Can: The concept of the aerosol can was developed by Erik Rotheim, a Norwegian engineer, in the 1920s. However, the modern pressurized aerosol can was patented and improved by Robert H. Abplanalp, who was born in Alma, Oklahoma, in 1899. He founded the Precision Valve Corporation, which played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of aerosol valves.
- Reversible Baby Stroller: William Richardson, an inventor from Tulsa, Oklahoma, created the reversible baby stroller in 1945. This innovative design allowed parents to adjust the stroller seat to face forward or backward, providing flexibility and convenience.
- Teflon: Teflon, a nonstick coating widely used in cookware and other applications, was discovered by Roy J. Plunkett in 1938. Plunkett was born in New Carlisle, Ohio, but he worked at the DuPont Company's Jackson Laboratory in Deepwater, Oklahoma, when he accidentally discovered the material.
What is Oklahoma famous for?
Oklahoma is famous for several things. Here are some notable aspects for which Oklahoma is known:
- Native American Culture: Oklahoma has a rich Native American heritage. It is home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole. The state's history, culture, and traditions are deeply intertwined with the Native American heritage.
- The Oklahoma City National Memorial: The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a renowned memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. It serves as a reminder of the tragic event and honors those who lost their lives.
- Cowboy Culture: Oklahoma is often associated with the image of the American cowboy and the Wild West. It has a strong ranching and rodeo tradition, and the state hosts numerous rodeo events, including the renowned National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.