Oklahoma Genealogy
Guide to Ancestry and Family Tree Records
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado first explored the region for Spain in 1541. The U.S. acquired most of Oklahoma in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase from France; the Western Panhandle region became U.S. territory with the annexation of Texas in 1845. Set aside as Indian Territory in 1834, the region was divided into Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory on May 2, 1890. The two were combined to make a new state, Oklahoma, on Nov. 16, 1907. On April 22, 1889, the first day homesteading was permitted, 50,000 people swarmed into the area. Those who tried to beat the noon starting gun were called “Sooners,” hence the state’s nickname.
Oklahoma Counties – The Indian Territory was created from the Indian Intercourse Act on June 30, 1834 and existed until May 2, 1890. The Oklahoma Territory existed from May 2, 1890, until November 16, 1907. The State of Oklahoma entered the union as the 46th state on November 16, 1907. Oklahoma borders Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and the Texas (west, south). It has 77 Counties. The capital is Oklahoma City and the official state website is www.ok.gov/.
Select a Oklahoma county to view information & records pertaining to each County