It’s incredible that we can look back at old photographs and see what life was like decades, even centuries ago. Thanks, in part, to the Oklahoma Historical Society, there are thousands of old photos that have been preserved to share the history and culture of the Sooner State and its land before statehood. Keep scrolling to view 13 photos of Oklahoma’s past that are eye-catching and entertaining.

1. "Post office and stores in (South) Canadian, c. 1894."
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2. "Parade during Roosevelt’s Rough Riders Reunion in Oklahoma City, July 1900."
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3. "Photo of Charles Lindbergh visiting with aviators in Woodward, Oklahoma, September 1934."
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4. "Coal miners working near Wilburton, Indian Territory, c. 1902. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, coal mining was the town’s largest economic asset."
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5. "Men and mules near the Cushing-Drumright Oil Field, c. 1914."
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6. "Grant Foreman and a group of American Indian students, c. 1930s."
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7. "NO FISHING" in downtown Guymon, Oklahoma, May 27, 1936.
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8. "W. L. Spencer Grocery in Oklahoma City receiving bread from the Capitol Hill Bakery, c. 1922."
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9. "Midwest City High School girls’ basketball team, 1944."
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10. "A scene in Tishomingo, Indian Territory, after a baseball game, c. 1906. Left to right: Tommie Harris, Mort Miller, Juanita Johnston, and Ned Looney."
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11. "Seminole when it rains," c. 1929.
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12. "Seminole, Oklahoma, during the oil boom."
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13. "Students lined up at Wheelock Academy on the 4th of July," date unknown.
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Don’t you just love looking back at historical photos! You can view more great photos on the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Facebook page.

In 1901 a huge gusher was discovered near Tulsa making it the “Oil Capital of the World.” The Sooner State quickly became famous worldwide for its “black gold” and was the top U.S. oil producer (along with California) until 1930. The oil industry changed Oklahoma by creating jobs and wealth for many, but it didn’t come without a price. Many lives were lost from fires, accidents and a host of other problems that came from the industry.

Click here to view 24 rare photos that show Oklahoma’s oil history like never before.

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