Oklahoma: From Spanish Siesta to Sooner State - All Thanks to a Treaty (and Maybe a Misunderstanding)
Ever wondered how Oklahoma got its neat, rectangular shape? Well, folks, it all boils down to a little treaty signed in 1819 called the Adams-On�s Treaty. This diplomatic agreement was basically a game of "redistribute the land" between the United States and Spain. Spain, tired of all the bickering over territory, decided to draw a big ol' line and say, "This is yours, this is mine, and let's not fight about it anymore." And guess what? This line ended up shaping a big chunk of Oklahoma's borders!
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| What Two Borders Did The Adams-onis Treaty Gave Oklahoma |
The Two Key Lines: From Siesta to Yeehaw!
The Adams-On�s Treaty gave Oklahoma two important borders:
The Red River: Imagine a giant red carpet (hopefully metaphorical, because Oklahoma gets mighty hot) stretching all the way across the southern border of the state. That's the Red River, folks! This line became the official southern border of Oklahoma, separating it from Texas.
The 100th Meridian: This one's a bit less dramatic than a red carpet, but no less important. Think of an invisible fence running straight up the western side of Oklahoma. That's the 100th meridian, folks! This line defined most of Oklahoma's western border.
So, there you have it! Two lines, one treaty, and Oklahoma got its basic rectangular shape. Of course, history rarely runs this smoothly. There were years of surveying, some head-scratching over what "west" exactly meant (did Spain mean due west or northwest?), and probably a whole lot of wrangling between politicians. But hey, at least they settled it with a treaty and not a giant slingshot competition!
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
"But Wait! There's More!" (Probably not, but let's pretend there is)
While the Adams-On�s Treaty gave Oklahoma its basic shape, there were other treaties and land purchases that filled in the gaps. It's like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle of land deals, folks! But that's a story for another time.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because Let's Face It, You're Curious)
How to mark the Adams-On�s Treaty on a map?
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Grab a map, some crayons (grown-ups can use highlighters if they prefer), and get creative! Mark the Red River with red and the 100th meridian with...well, any other color that isn't red.
How to remember the two borders?
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
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Think of a catchy rhyme! How about: "Red River south, 100th west, Oklahoma's borders put to the test!" (Okay, that one might need some work...)
How to celebrate the Adams-On�s Treaty?
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Here's a crazy idea: throw a treaty-versary party! Dust off your history books, whip up some red velvet cake (because, Red River!), and learn more about this fascinating piece of history.
How did Oklahoma get its name?
That, my friends, is a whole different adventure! But let's just say it involves two Choctaw words and a whole lot of symbolism.
How to say "Adams-On�s Treaty" ten times fast?
Don't even try. Your tongue will thank you.
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