Every city holds its secrets, unique places, old legends, and events that will forever remain within its walls.
At first sight, Tulsa may seem like a quiet little town, but if you look a bit deeper, it will show another side, where oil barons and jazz musicians lived side by side, and stunning architectural works stand next to mysteries known only to the locals.
Tulsa has experienced many different periods throughout its history, from dramatic challenges to an incredible rebirth. The TCC Connection has collected interesting facts that will surprise even those who have lived here for years.
1. The Oil Capital of the World
For many years, Tulsa was known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” and the symbol of that era became the 23-meter-tall giant known as the Golden Driller. But not many people know that the giant’s face was modeled after John Stephens, the supervisor who helped build the statue. Until 1979, the belt of the statue said “Mid-Continent,” but in that year, the inscription was changed to “Tulsa.”
2. Jazz and Blues, Tulsa Style
Thanks to Tulsa, rock ‘n’ roll took on new colors. In the period from the 1950s to 60s, Tulsa became the birthplace of a unique music style called the “Tulsa Sound” – a mix of blues, country, and rock. It gave the music a new life of sound, filled with more soul, and a vibe of rebellion. Today, Tulsa is home to hundreds of bands that bring the city to life with live music every night.
3. Music museum center
In 2022, a museum dedicated to Bob Dylan opened. At the Bob Dylan Center, you can dive into the work of Bob Dylan because the museum provides 100,000 exhibits connected with the work of the American singer-songwriter.
4. The Tallest Church
The city of Tulsa has gained fame in various fields throughout its history. In 1929, Tulsa built the tallest church in the world! The church, Boston Avenue Methodist Church, located in the center of Tulsa, stands about 80 meters high and has become a city landmark. In addition to its stunning height, this church was unique due to its architectural design, combining Art Deco with Gothic style, and it was later recognized as one of the ten most significant buildings in the state.
5. NASA and Space
Did you know that Tulsa also took part in NASA’s space programs? Not only did they train astronauts, but they also made parts for rockets that were later sent to astronauts on the moon. This all happened in the 1960s and 70s. Today, you can see parts of this history at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. There are many exhibits connected to that time. If you do not know what to do on the weekend, visiting this museum is a great way to learn more about the city’s space history.
6. Hollywood in the Midwest
Recently, the crime series “Tulsa King” (2022–2023), starring Sylvester Stallone, made a significant impact and made the city more famous, as did the American drama series “Watchmen” (2019). But not many people know that actors like Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, and Patrick Swayze made their first creative steps in Tulsa in movies like “The Outsiders” (1983) and “Rumble Fish” (1983), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
By the way, the house used in “The Outsiders” as the Curtis family home has been preserved and turned into The Outsiders House Museum, where you can see props, photos, and details from the filming.
7. Sparkling representatives of Tulsa
Tulsa is not only about interesting places and historical events, but also about talented and famous people from different fields.
From the world of cinema
- Bill Hader (born June 7, 1978) – actor and comedian, known for “Saturday Night Live” and “Barry”.
- Tim Blake Nelson (born May 11, 1964) – actor and director, known for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Watchmen.”
- S.E. Hinton (born July 22, 1948) – author of the cult classic novel “The Outsiders,” which inspired films and generations of readers.
Famous Musicians from Tulsa
- Garth Brooks (born Feb. 7, 1962) is one of the best-selling country music artists of all time.
- Leon Russell (April 2, 1942 – Nov. 13, 2016) – rock and blues musician, one of the founders of the Tulsa Sound.
- J.J. Cale (Dec. 5, 1938 – July 26, 2013) – singer and songwriter
Sports representatives
- Josh Jacobs (Feb. 2, 1998) – an NFL player for the Las Vegas Raiders; he grew up in Tulsa.
- Mickey Mantle (Oct. 20, 1931 – Aug.13, 1995) – legendary New York Yankees baseball player, raised in Tulsa.
So, Tulsa is not just an ordinary city. Still, it is a place with a rich historical heritage that has built the town, and now it has become a cultural, historical, and sports center in the middle of the United States.
