Tulsa County Information

When most people think of Oklahoma, they picture dusty farmland dominated by cows and fields. And while this may be true for some parts of the state, this is not the case in Tulsa County. With the City of Tulsa as its county seat, this area is the exact opposite of the Oklahoma stereotype. Thoroughly urbanized, Tulsa is the second largest city in the state and features numerous cultural attractions and an ever-growing cityscape. While it certainly has not forgotten its past and, in fact, celebrates its rich history, Tulsa County and the cities within it are geared for progress and growth in the future.

The area now called Tulsa County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Creek and Lochapoka Tribes. Once the white settlers arrived, the area began to grow in population and eventually became industrialized, and was even a major hub in the oil industry in the early 20th Century. In its efforts to modernize and become connected with other major cities, Tulsa also played a significant role in the creation of Route 66 and was a vital stop for travelers.

Today, the area is known for its vast cultural offerings, including the Philbrook Museum and the Gilcrease Museum, both of which are known for their collections of fine art. Tulsa is also home to a ballet troupe, an opera, and an orchestra, and the city also has one of the nation's largest concentrations of art deco architecture. People interested in local history will enjoy the numerous historical sites; in fact, the county has over 50 locations included in the National Register of Historic Places.