Oklahoma

After attending the Oklahoma City Bombing anniversary earlier in the morning of 19 April 2023, I made my way to the Oklahoma State Capitol for my standard state capitol visit.

Located east of I-235 (northeast of downtown), this Oklahoma State Capitol building was completed in 1917. It is built from limestone and Oklahoma pink granite. Learn more about this building at the Oklahoma State Capitol page by the Oklahoma Historical Society and plan your visit.

In many ways, the Oklahoma State Capitol looks like most others.

Dome? Check!

White-ish? Check!

Bunch of tasteful marble on the inside? Check!

Whoa, what’s with the oil rig in front of the building?  

This is the only state capitol grounds in the nation with onsite active oil rigs, including one right in front. The building stands directly above the Oklahoma City Oil Field. With cumulative production in excess of 1 billion barrels, why let the fact that it’s in the middle of a city, on public land, stop you from getting that oil money?

The Oklahoma State Legislature was in session during my visit, so I did sit in to see state business being conducted. Sort of. Still in a pensive and reflective mood after spending the morning at the Oklahoma City Bombing memorial, I found the atmosphere was a bit more festive here because it was Oklahoma State University Day on the Senate side, so I headed to the gallery to witness the celebration led by OSU mascot Pistol Pete.

(Sorry, but this Texas Longhorn needs to keep her Longhorn card, so I am obligated to state I was quietly grateful it wasn’t Blow-U day. There, I feel better!)

The capitol is also home to the Oklahoma Governor.

The only real disappointment is not being able to see straight under the dome. It was roped off so we would not step on the Seal of the State of Oklahoma. And since I’m a respectful guest everywhere I go, you’ll have to settle for a crooked dome shot from a higher floor that I nearly gave my life to get for you.

The Oklahoma State Capitol is easy to access and visit, which I found to be normal for Oklahoma City destinations. I completed this visit in just over an hour before heading to the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

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