Oklahoma State Nickname

The Sooner State

Oklahoma is often referred to as the "Sooner State." This nickname dates back to the Land Run of 1889 when settlers rushed to claim available land for homesteading. Some individuals, known as "Sooners," managed to sneak across the starting lines before the official land run began, giving them an unfair advantage in claiming prime territory. The term "Sooner" became associated with those who arrived early and, despite its negative connotation in the context of the land rush, Oklahomans adopted it with pride. The state officially adopted "The Sooner State" as its nickname, reflecting both its historical roots and the resilient spirit of its people.

State Quizzes & Flashcards

Test your knowledge of the 50 States of the USA with these fun and interactive quizzes & flashcards!

Fee USA Maps

Download and printout hundreds of state maps. Each state map comes in PDF format, with capitals and cities, both labeled and blank. Visit FreeVectorMaps.com for thousands of free world, country and USA maps. View all USA Maps