Where is aaaaa Located in the United States?
Where is Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a landlocked state located in the South Central region of the United States. Known for its vast prairies, rolling hills, and rich Native American heritage, Oklahoma is at the crossroads of several U.S. regions, connecting the Midwest to the Southwest. Oklahoma (OK) has a population of approximately 4 million people, covers an area of 69,899 square miles, and its capital and largest city is Oklahoma City. Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th state in 1907. The state operates in the Central Time Zone (CT), with some western portions observing Mountain Time.
Bordering States
Texas
To the south and west, Texas shares the longest border with Oklahoma, running for over 500 miles. The Red River forms much of this natural boundary. This long border has fostered close cultural and economic ties between the two states. The Texoma region, where Texas and Oklahoma meet along the Red River, is known for its oil industry and ranching heritage.
Kansas
Kansas lies directly north of Oklahoma, with a shared border of about 345 miles. Both states have significant agricultural industries, with rolling plains that stretch across their borders. Oklahoma and Kansas also share tornado-prone areas, as they are both located in Tornado Alley.
Missouri
Missouri borders Oklahoma to the northeast. The two states share a relatively short boundary of approximately 100 miles. Missouri and Oklahoma have historical ties to the early Native American tribes and settlers who crossed through the area, as well as modern economic connections through transportation and industry.
Arkansas
To the east, Arkansas shares a 300-mile border with Oklahoma. The region where these two states meet is rich in natural resources, including timber and minerals. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains cross through both states, creating a diverse landscape with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and tourism.
Colorado
Oklahoma shares a small section of its northwestern border with Colorado, about 40 miles in length. This area is primarily rural and agricultural, part of the Great Plains that stretch through both states. The Oklahoma panhandle reaches into this sparsely populated region.
New Mexico
New Mexico touches the Oklahoma panhandle at its extreme western point, sharing a short 34-mile border. Like Colorado, this region is characterized by its open plains, sparse population, and rural ranching and farming communities.
GPS Coordinates
Oklahoma’s geographic coordinates extend from 33.6°N to 37°N latitude and from 94.4°W to 103°W longitude. This gives Oklahoma a broad expanse of land in the South Central United States, covering both flat plains and rugged terrain.
Oklahoma’s easternmost point is located near the town of Fort Smith in Le Flore County, bordering Arkansas at 94.4°W. This area is known for its proximity to the Ouachita Mountains, which provide a diverse and scenic landscape.
Moving to the west, Oklahoma stretches to 103°W, near the town of Kenton in the Cimarron County panhandle, the state’s westernmost point. This part of Oklahoma is characterized by its high plains and open landscapes, bordering both Colorado and New Mexico.
Oklahoma’s northernmost point is located near Kearny County, Kansas, at 37°N. This rural area is part of the Great Plains, dominated by agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle farming.
The southernmost point of the state is at 33.6°N, near the town of Tom in McCurtain County, close to the border with Texas. The region is known for its forests and the Red River, which defines much of Oklahoma’s southern border with Texas.
These coordinates place Oklahoma in a position that bridges several distinct U.S. regions, including the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the South. Its central location and varied geography result in diverse climate patterns, from humid subtropical conditions in the east to semi-arid climates in the west, creating a unique mix of weather and environmental conditions.
Levels of Elevation
Oklahoma’s elevation ranges from 287 feet to 4,973 feet above sea level, reflecting the state’s diverse topography.
The lowest point in Oklahoma is along the Little River, located in the southeastern corner of the state near the town of Tom, at 287 feet above sea level. This area is part of the state’s forested regions, characterized by a humid climate and rich biodiversity.
The highest point in Oklahoma is Black Mesa, located in the panhandle near the town of Kenton, which reaches an elevation of 4,973 feet. Black Mesa is part of the Rocky Mountain foothills and offers stunning views of the surrounding plains and mesas.
Oklahoma’s central region, known as the Red Bed Plains, generally lies between 500 to 1,500 feet in elevation, making it a mix of rolling hills and flatlands. The Ozark Plateau in the northeast and the Ouachita Mountains in the southeast bring additional elevation changes, providing rugged terrain that contrasts with the flatter areas to the west.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Oklahoma’s most extreme points highlight the geographical diversity across its landscape.
The easternmost point is located near Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Le Flore County. This area is characterized by the rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains and serves as a transition zone between Oklahoma’s plains and Arkansas’s more rugged terrain.
The westernmost point is in Cimarron County, near the town of Kenton, in the Oklahoma Panhandle. This region features wide-open plains and is part of the High Plains, where ranching is a major industry. It is also close to Black Mesa, Oklahoma’s highest elevation point.
The northernmost point is along the border with Kansas at 37°N, located in a remote part of Cimarron County. This is primarily an agricultural region, known for its wheat and cattle farming, and is part of the larger Great Plains system.
The southernmost point is located near the town of Tom, in McCurtain County, at 33.6°N. This area is lush and forested, part of the Red River Valley that borders Texas. The Little River flows through this region, providing a rich natural habitat for wildlife and vegetation.
Major Mountains
Oklahoma, though not known for its towering mountains, has several notable mountain ranges, primarily located in the eastern and southern parts of the state.
The Ouachita Mountains are among the most significant mountain ranges in Oklahoma. Located in the southeastern part of the state, they extend into Arkansas and are part of the larger Ouachita National Forest. The Ouachitas are known for their rugged terrain, deep valleys, and forested landscapes. Mount Magazine, although technically in Arkansas, influences the surrounding terrain, with the Oklahoma portion of the range providing scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife.
The Ozark Mountains, found in northeastern Oklahoma, are part of a larger plateau system that stretches into Missouri and Arkansas. This region is notable for its rolling hills, caves, and rivers, making it a popular area for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Towns like Tahlequah are gateways to the Ozarks, and the Illinois River, which flows through the region, adds to its scenic beauty.
In southwestern Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains rise from the flat plains. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, near Lawton, protects a portion of these ancient granite mountains, providing a home for bison, elk, and longhorn cattle. These mountains are among the oldest in the world, with striking rock formations and hiking trails that draw nature enthusiasts and rock climbers alike.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Oklahoma’s rivers and lakes are vital to its landscape, economy, and recreation.
The Red River is perhaps the most significant river in Oklahoma, forming much of the state’s southern border with Texas. The river runs for over 1,300 miles, with around 500 miles flowing along Oklahoma. The Red River is crucial for irrigation, agriculture, and recreation in the southern part of the state.
The Arkansas River is another major waterway, flowing from Colorado through Kansas, and into Oklahoma before continuing eastward to Arkansas and eventually the Mississippi River. The river cuts across northeastern and central Oklahoma, passing through cities like Tulsa and Muskogee. The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System makes parts of the river navigable, allowing for commercial transport.
Oklahoma is also home to several large man-made lakes, created primarily for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Lake Texoma, formed by the damming of the Red River, is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. It straddles the Oklahoma-Texas border and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, located in northeastern Oklahoma, is another large reservoir that provides both hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. The lake is popular for fishing, with several species of bass and catfish drawing anglers from across the region.
Other significant lakes include Eufaula Lake, Lake Thunderbird, and Lake Keystone, all of which serve important roles in providing water for cities and towns, as well as supporting the state’s outdoor recreation industry.