by Emma Riley Sutton

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 28, 2009

Contrary to the misconception that Oklahoma is nothing but cowboys, Indians and oil, Oklahoma is full of interesting and fun facts. Whether you are interested in history or trivia, Oklahoma is rich in both. Sit back and enjoy learning all the secrets that Oklahoma has to offer.

Ingalls is home to a shoot-out more deadly than the one at the OK Corral. The Doolin Gang used this pioneer town as a hide-out and local law enforcement decided to put a stop to their illegal activities. Several civilians and members of the posse were injured and killed in this shoot-out.

Six different land runs took place that opened Indian Territory to white settlement. The most famous of these was the Land Run of 1889 where over 50,000 pioneers made a mad dash to get the free land the government was giving away. Settlers from all over the world took place in these land runs.

Oklahoma is home to many famous people. Oscar-winning director Ron Howard is from Duncan. Rue McClanahan, "Blanche," from the sitcom "The Golden Girls," was born in Healdton and attended college at the University of Oklahoma. Chuck Norris, the famous actor and supporter of Mike Huckabee, was born in Ryan and raised in Wilson. Fourteen time Emmy nominee James Garner was born in Norman Paul Harvey, famous for telling us "the rest of the story," was born in Tulsa. Reba McEntire, the country music superstar, was born in Chockie. Brad Pitt was born in Shawnee. Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves manager, is from Tulsa. The only two brother inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Lloyd and Paul Warren, are from Harrah. Mickey Mantle, Pepper Martin, Joe Simpson and Johnny Bench, all baseball players, were born in Oklahoma. Joe Diffie, a country music singer, was born in Tulsa and raised in Velma. Toby Keith, another famous singer, was born in Clinton and raised in Moore.

Oklahoma is home to more astronauts than another state. They include Major General Thoma P. Stafford of Weatherford, WIlliam Read Pogue of Okemah, Gordon Cooper of Shawnee, Shannon Lucid of Oklahoma City and Own Garrriott of Enid.

Hugo is known as the wintering home of many circuses. The OliCasa de Estrellaset Cemetery is the final resting place to many circus performers, as well as rodeo star, Lane Frost, on whom the movie "Eight Seconds" was based. Ringling, a small town in south central, was founded by the Ringling brothers, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus fame.

When looking for the biggest, best and most of just about anything, look no further

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