Oklahoma is an Oil State. The oil industry is prominent and a big part of their economy, and they are not shy about it. As we approached the Capitol we saw a pump jack on display as a monument. And in front of the Capitol itself is a oil derrick with signage for ‘Phillips 66, a major petroleum company based in Houston, but founded by two Oklahomans.
The Capitol building is beautifully constructed, with bright interiors of marble an stone. The rotunda is quite high and is visible from all floors in the structure.
The house and senate were closed to visitors. Tours are offered Monday to Friday but not on weekends, so we had to content ourselves with pictures of their entrances with beautiful frescoes overhead.
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Like other state houses we have seen on our visit, the Oklahoma Capitol honors and recognizes the accomplishments of kinsman. To that end, portraits of accomplished Oklahomans are found throughout the capitol. Notable mentions include Jim Thorpe (Olympian) , Sam Walton (of Walmart fame), T Boones Pickens (financier) and Will Rogers ( vaudeville performer)
Although the legislative session had ended for the year, there was still evidence of ‘democracy in action’. During our visit there was a group bringing attention to the issue of child abuse and lobbying for greater action to address and mitigate this grim issue. The local Fox TV station was providing coverage.
Following the visit to the Capitol, we made our way to the site of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building which was the target of domestic terrorists in April 1995. The bombing as the deadliest act of terrorism in U.S. history prior to 9/11, killing 168 people including children and injuring 680. A stark monument has been erected at the site, along with a section of fence that was originally used to isolated the site in the aftermath. The fence is used to hold and display flowers and messages left by those who mourn the victims. Another sad reminder that the liberties that Americans enjoy can also be used to give agency to those who would do harm.
