So You Wanna Visit Oklahoma? But Maybe Not After Dark... ,
Ever heard of a sundown town? No, it's not a place where the sunsets are particularly dramatic (although Oklahoma does have some pretty amazing sunsets, gotta give credit where credit's due). A sundown town is a place from the past, or maybe not that far in the past, where folks with darker skin tones weren't exactly welcome after the sun went down. Think "Midnight Run," but way less Jamie Foxx and way more "get out of town before the fireflies come out."
Now, Oklahoma has a rich and complicated history, and sundown towns were unfortunately a part of that. The question is, how many of these towns were there? Buckle up, history buffs, because this is where things get a little fuzzy.
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| How Many Sundown Towns In Oklahoma |
The Great Sundown Town Tally: Counting Chameleons or Counting Crows?
There's no official list, kind of like there's no official list of the best places to get onion burgers (though everyone knows it's Pete's on Route 66). However, historians have done some digging and found evidence that quite a few towns in Oklahoma might have had those unspoken "sundown rules." We're talking double-digit here, folks. But here's the thing: Some towns might have been more "suggestive" than others. A stern look and a muttered "might be rough for you here after dark" is different than a neon sign screaming "sundown town!" ♂️
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
The Moral of the History Lesson: Don't Be a Jerk, and Google Maps is Your Friend
The good news? Those sundown days are over (hopefully for good). Oklahoma is a welcoming state with a lot to offer visitors of all colors, creeds, and ketchup preferences. That being said, a little research never hurt anyone. If you're planning a road trip through Oklahoma and want to avoid any awkward situations, fire up Google Maps and do a quick search.
How To Sundown Town Savvy: A Totally Unofficial Guide
- Hit the history books: Local libraries and historical societies are goldmines for info.
- Talk to the locals: Folks who have lived in Oklahoma for a while might have some insights (just be respectful, of course).
- Trust your gut: If a place feels off, it probably is. Hightail it out of there before the crickets start chirping.
FAQ:
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to tell if a town was a sundown town? There's no foolproof way, but look for gaps in historical records or sudden drops in minority populations.
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How to be a respectful visitor in Oklahoma? Treat everyone with kindness, just like you would anywhere else.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
How to avoid accidentally ending up in a sundown town (assuming there are any left)? Do your research and trust your gut.
How to find the best onion burger in Oklahoma? This one requires further investigation. We recommend starting at Pete's on Route 66 and reporting back.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
How to have a fun and safe trip to Oklahoma? Be prepared, be respectful, and enjoy the beautiful state!
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