Introduction
Oklahoma is a state with an unusual shape, boasting a panhandle that protrudes from its western border, while the rest of it sits somewhat comfortably amidst its neighboring states. For those who’ve never visited, the panhandle might seem like an oddity; meanwhile for the people of Oklahoma, living with it is simply part of daily life. But why does Oklahoma have a panhandle, and what’s it used for?
This article will provide an overview of Oklahoma’s panhandle, exploring its history, geography, and implications, before evaluating the pros and cons of its existence. Finally, it will look at the draw of the panhandle and its unusual geography, both for tourists and for locals.
Historical Perspective
To understand why Oklahoma has a panhandle, we must look into the state’s history. Oklahoma was established as a territory in 1890, ending years of disputes over the land. When it became a state in 1907, however, there were still conflicts over its borders. The state shared borders with Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, but its western border was less straightforward.
At the time, there was no clear consensus on the border between Oklahoma and Texas. Oklahomans argued that their state should extend all the way to the 100th meridian, while Texans insisted the border was further east, at the 103rd meridian. Disagreements led to several attempts to resolve the issue, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow Oklahoma to have access to the Texan Panhandle. Thus, the panhandle was born.
Geographic Analysis
The unique shape of Oklahoma’s panhandle is undoubtedly due to its geography. A strip of land that’s 168 miles long and up to 34 miles wide, it’s bordered by Kansas to the north, Texas to the south and New Mexico to the west. But what geographical factors contributed to the formation of the panhandle?
The key factor was the placement of survey markers back in the 19th century. Pieces of land in the area were surveyed at different times using different methods, which resulted in errors that led to discrepancies in the border’s location. For example, the Kansas-Oklahoma border was aligned at an east-west axis while the Oklahoma-Texas border followed a true north-south plan. Due to this disparity, the western panhandle was created.
Economic and Political Implications
Over the years, the panhandle had its economic and political significance. In the early years of its existence, it was a focus for agricultural pursuits, with cattle ranching and dryland farming being most commonly practiced. However, today the region is primarily known for its vast oil- and gas-based production, which is not necessarily centered in the panhandle, but heavily shaped its politics and development paths.
Nevertheless, the panhandle has had economic implications, including communication challenges caused by its remote location and sparse population. It sometimes posed challenges for the efficient administration of the state government. But it’s also served as a gateway, opening up the region to economic development alliances.
Benefits and Challenges
Despite its challenges, the panhandle has benefits both for the residents who call it home and for the state as a whole. Those living in this area are unique, with an identity that’s inextricably entwined with the land. The panhandle has an abundance of natural resources and remains one of the few areas they call home.
However, the sparsely populated Panhandle challenges the government. Some lawmakers struggle to balance the needs of residents with the needs of those living in cities such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and some argue that the region is neglected by the state government, leading to limited infrastructure and reduced opportunities for growth and development.
Touristic Appeal
Despite the challenges and potential drawbacks of Oklahoma’s panhandle, there are certainly some advantages to having such unique geography, including drawing tourists into the area. The panhandle has an abundance of natural beauty, including stunning sunsets, breathtaking views of the nearby mesas, and iconic landmarks such as the Black Mesa, the highest point in the state.
Apart from the natural wonders, the panhandle also has cultural attractions, such as the ruins of the historic Optima Hotel and the Pioneer Woman statue. The region also hosts annual events such as the No-Man’s-Land Festival, which combines music, poetry, and art into a celebration of the panhandle’s unique identity.
Conclusion
With its unique shape, the Oklahoma panhandle has long captured the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. It’s a region with a rich history and a unique identity, shaped by the complexities of its geography, politics, economics, and culture. The pros and cons of having a panhandle are topics that can be endlessly debated, and residents of the region will continue to balance the challenges and opportunities that come with such a distinct, quirky little space on the map. But one thing is certain – the Oklahoma panhandle is here to stay, and it remains an important part of the state and its people.
As F. Scott Fitzgerald aptly put it, “I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” The Oklahoma panhandle is a reminder that sometimes the most unlikely things can be a source of pride and strength, and sometimes life isn’t as straightforward as a straight-up rectangle on the map.