12 Surprising Firsts That Oklahoma Can Proudly Claim

If you’re looking to brush up on your Oklahoma trivia or you’re interested in learning new facts about your beloved state, we found some things to add to your state fact sheet – Oklahoma firsts! That’s right, there are several things Oklahoma did first, and we’re going to highlight some of them. From the world’s first parking meter to the birthplace of Route 66, Oklahoma boasts a fascinating history of innovation that may surprise even lifelong residents.

1. Oklahoma Was the First State to Introduce Parking Meters

The world's first installed parking meter was in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. The “Park-O-Meter No. 1” was invented by Carl C. Magee, who revolutionized urban parking. Magee's invention remains one of Oklahoma's firsts that locals will forever cherish.

2. Oklahoma Was the Birthplace of the Iconic Route 66

Route 66, America’s most beloved highway, was born right here in Oklahoma. Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman and promoter of good roads, spearheaded the national committee that created the U.S. Highway System in 1926. We were the first state to design and install the distinctive historic markers, and we are home to the nation's first state-sponsored Route 66 Museum, making this one of the most impressive of all Oklahoma firsts. Consider planning your next adventure along the Mother Road with our guide to the most charming Route 66 towns in Oklahoma.

3. Oklahoma Was Home to the World’s First Liliger Cubs

The world's first male Liliger cub was born at a private zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2014. Liligers are the hybrid offspring of a male lion named Simba and a female liger named Akaria. Although these hybrids are controversial and rare, their birth marked a unique moment in animal breeding history.

4. Oklahoma Posted the Nation’s First Yield Sign

In 1950, the world’s first yield sign was posted at the corner of First Street and Columbia Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is worth noting that Tulsa police officer Clinton Riggs created the design to enhance intersection safety.

5. Oklahoma Was the First State to Approve Nitrogen for Executions

Oklahoma is the first state to approve gassing prisoners with nitrogen to carry out death penalty sentences. The state’s Governor Mary Fallin signed the Oklahoma gas capital punishment bill into law in 2015.

6. Oklahoma Was Home to the Nation’s First Museum Devoted to Lighters

No list of things Oklahoma did first would be complete without a mention of the National Lighter Museum, which was located in Guthrie. However, I would like to point out that the museum is now permanently closed. It was the only museum of its kind in the world, dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of lighter evolution. It houses more than 20,000 unique lighters dating back to the 1400s.

7. Oklahoma Hosted the First Radio Station West of the Mississippi

First established in the 1920s, WKY continues to broadcast today in a Spanish-speaking format, although not on a full-time basis. It still retains its original call letters even though stations west of the Mississippi today begin with the letter "K" rather than "W". Oklahoma City is also the birthplace for radio legend Ted Quillin, one of the noted "Seven Swingin’ Gentlemen" credited with introducing the Hollywood radio market to rock and roll.

8. Oklahoma Is Home to the First Sonic Drive-In

The most mouthwatering of all Oklahoma firsts, Sonic Drive-in was founded in Shawnee in 1959. Founded by Troy N. Smith Sr., the first Sonic introduced the drive-in intercom system that defined the brand.

9. Oklahoma Also Opened the Nation’s First QuikTrip

Burt Holmes convinced a former junior high school classmate, Chester Cadieux, to invest in and operate the store they decided to call QuikTrip. Burt and Chester opened the first QuikTrip on Sept. 25, 1958, in Tulsa. Currently, QuikTrip operates over 900 stores across several states in the U.S.

10. Oklahoma Was the First State to Introduce Shopping Carts

The first shopping cart was introduced on June 4, 1937. Sylvan Goldman, the owner of the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma, invented it. The invention did not gain immediate popularity. After hiring several male and female models to showcase his new invention around the store and demonstrate its utility, as well as greeters to explain its use, shopping carts became extremely popular. You can still visit the original Humpty Dumpty building in Oklahoma City today.

11. Oklahoma’s State Capitol Boasts the Nation’s Only Working Oil Well

The state capitol complex is the only state capitol grounds in the United States with active oil rigs. The well, known as “Petunia No. 1,” continues to produce oil today.

12. Oklahoma Was the First State to Sell Girl Scout Cookies

What is Oklahoma famous for? Only the most popular cookies on the planet! The first Girl Scout cookies ever sold were in Muskogee in 1917. The Mistletoe Troop personally baked them, and the profits were used to send gifts to American soldiers overseas during World War I.

So, did you happen to know about these Oklahoma inventions? Were you surprised by anything on this list? Know of any other Oklahoma firsts that should’ve been included above? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us by completing this nomination.

Can’t get enough of Oklahoma? Then, check out our article, which highlights 14 fun facts about Oklahoma that many are completely unaware of.

Are you ready to explore Oklahoma’s many “firsts” in person? Use our Itinerary Planner to build a custom route through the Sooner State’s most historic sites.