Tulsa Time Line

Just a few key events in the history of Tulsa.

1830
Indian Removal Act forces Native Americans from their homes East of the Mississippi.
1836
Lockapoka Creek Indians settle near Council Oak Tree.
1848
Lewis Perryman opens first trading post.
1879
First post office establishes the name of Tulsa
1882
St. Louis & San Francisco railroads come to Tulsa.
1889
Oklahoma Land Run
1898
Dawes Commission establishes allotment system of Native American land ownership.
1898
City of Tulsa Incorporated
1901
Discovery of Oil at Red Fork
1904
Tulsa builds first bridge over Arkansas River.
1905
Glennpool oil field discovered.
1908
Commercial Area of Greenwood established.
1914
Brady Theatre built
1921
Tulsa Race Riot
1924
Spavinaw Water System established
1928
Tulsa Municipal Airport built.
1932
21st Street Bridge completed by WPA.
1937
American Airlines service comes to Tulsa.
1938
Waite Phillips donates Philbrook to City
1841
Tulsa awarded Douglas Bomber Plant
1955
Gilcrease Museum Collection acquired by City of Tulsa
1956
Tulsa Ballet founded.
1966
Exposition Center built at Fairgrounds – Tulsa Driller
1970
Tulsa Port of Catoosa Opens
1980s
Oil Bust
1989
Mayor/Council system of Government replaces city commission
2003
Vision 2025 Passes