Oklahoma: A History

by W. David Baird, Danney Goble

The product of two of Oklahoma’s foremost authorities on the history of the 46th state, Oklahoma: A History is the first comprehensive narrative to bring the story of the Sooner State to the threshold of its centennial.

From the tectonic formation of Oklahoma’s varied landscape to the recovery and renewal following the Oklahoma City bombing, this readable book includes both the well-known and the not-so-familiar of the state’s people, events, and places. W. David Baird and Danney Goble offer fresh perspectives on such widely recognized history makers as Sequoyah, the 1889 Land Run, and the Glenn Pool oil strike. But they also give due attention to Black Seminole John Horse, Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Coach Bertha Frank Teague’s 40-year winning streak with the Byng Lady Pirates, and other lesser-known but equally important milestones. The result is a rousing, often surprising, and ever-fascinating story.

Oklahoma history is an intricate tapestry of themes, stories, and perspectives, including those of the state’s diverse population of American Indians, the land’s original human occupants. An appendix provides suggestions for trips to Oklahoma’s historic places and for further reading. Enhanced by more than 40 illustrations, including 11 maps, this definitive history of the state ensures that experiences shared by Oklahomans of the past will be passed on to future generations.

Genres: American History, History, Nonfiction, Reference

360 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice overall view of OK history. Some parts are probably not accurate (even discussing the Murrah building he states that the 19 children were on 1st floor-even the memorial states it was 2nd floor-so did he even go to the place that were discussed?!).

The author gives an overview of how Native American Indians were relocated to Oklahoma and a bit of their individual history especially the Cherokee and Creeks.

The end of the book (say starting at page 290) the author goes into special points of interests throughout the state such as Salt Pans, Museum of the Great Plains, Fort Sill, Fort Smith, a number of national parks, many areas mentioned were already on my "to see" list while I am here for work.

The author makes it enjoyable as it reads like a novel, not like a history book. 3 out of 5 stars.

[Patrick Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-constructed and highly readable history of our state. I found the focus on Native Americans both interesting and essential. Our history is largely Native history. The style of the book is engaging, and I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed the fact that the authors did not mince words regarding our social problems, including the fact that we consistently place the heaviest tax burden on the poor while failing to provide satisfactory social services. Some readers may find the inclusion of a brief history of Oklahoma football an odd choice, but this is Oklahoma, so it is more surprising to me that it is so brief. While the book isn't perfect or comprehensive by any means, I found it much easier to enjoy than similar histories I have read.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma is a state I have yet to visit & honestly at first glance is a state that most people wouldn't think a lot about; however, the Sooner state is perhaps one of the most complicated states in the history of the United States and one whose history is beyond unique. W. David Baird & Danney Goble with "Oklahoma: A History" examine the history of the 46th state and explore it from its early days from the early civilizations that inhabited it through the French, Spanish & eventual American influences. They go into great detail as well explaining just why what would become for the longest time known as Indian Territory was known as such along with the eventual settlement by the white folks who changed the landscape of this area. The modern history of Oklahoma is also brought about by describing the various early governors who were on the eclectic side to the longest worded constitution of any of the 50 states. Oklahoma is a state whose history at times has been defined by geography as well as the times that surrounded it which weren't always in agreement with what the people needed then let alone now. As someone who has yet to visit this state, after reading this book it's one I look forward to doing so in the future. This is a book that anyone who is from that state or is familiar with it will treasure & is for this reader a definite must read.

[Tom Lange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a transplant to Oklahoma, I wanted to learn more about the Native history prior to statehood. Native history is offensivly under taught in this country, espessially in regions not so impacted by the history. I enjoyed that the first half of the book did highlight the subject and I learned a lot. The second half I was not so much into. It really was a completely different book. Once you get to Post Civil War it really becomes Oklahomas "Political" History. Nothing wrong with that. It just was not my the subject I was after as much.

[Paul Sain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Oklahoman myself, I found this to be a very interesting read. Our history is very long, yet we haven't been a state officially for all that long. The state's history began long before statehood. It has its tragic moments and its legacies too.

[NICK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if Oklahoma has a politically biased history or if the author is biased. This account was either not objective or an accurate representation of a wacky place.

[Lori Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!! Truly interesting nonfiction writing.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative about Oklahoma history.