Early Tulsa History

The Beginnings of Tulsa
Railroads Make Their Mark
Oil and Riches
Aviation
A Growing City

A Growing City

The period of the 1950's and 60's saw Tulsa expand its physical limits. Small towns that had once been suburbs of the city were annexed as the city limits expanded to the south and east. To accompany its increased size, improvements were made in city government, schools and libraries.

Cultural institutions including the Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum and Tulsa Ballet established national reputations and numerous cultural and philanthropic organizations flourished.

While the rest of the nation suffered through the oil crisis and weak economy of the 1970's and early 1980's, Tulsa enjoyed a period of economic prosperity and a strengthening of its cultural and civic identity.

With the oil bust of the mid 1980's, Tulsa's economy took a downturn, but economic diversification, promising new technologies, and an abundant supply of natural gas will ensure the community's continued success.

As Tulsa entered the 21st Century, it enjoyed the reputation as one of America's most livable cities.

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