Not only is there endless entertainment options, but the cost of living is unmatched. In addition, Norman is the third-largest city in Oklahoma. Norman has a small-town atmosphere combined with close proximity to Oklahoma City and other popular destinations. If you are looking for an incredible culture, character and history, look no further than Norman, OK.
| Albuquerque | Little Rock |
| Austin | Memphis |
| Colorado Springs | Nashville |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | New Orleans |
| Des Moines | Omaha |
| Houston | Santa Fe |
| Jackson | St. Louis |
| Kansas City | Wichita |
OU's first building, built in 1893.
From: OU Digital Libraries
In 1870, the United States Land Office contracted with a professional engineer to survey much of Oklahoma territory. Abner E. Norman, a young surveyor, became chainman of the central survey area in Indian Territory. The surveyor’s crew burned the words “NORMAN’S CAMP” into an elm tree near a watering hole to taunt their younger supervisor. When the “SOONERS” (those who headed west before the official Land Run date, April 22, 1889) and the other settlers arrived in the heart of Oklahoma, they kept the name “NORMAN.” Today, Norman has an estimated 120,866 residents.
Norman was primarily developed around the Santa Fe Railroad. Home to a passenger depot as well as a freight station, Norman became the headquarters for the railway. The railroad laid the foundation for Norman to flourish into a prominent city. While other Oklahoma towns were battling to be the capitol, Norman’s Mayor, T.R. Waggoner, directed a bill through the Territorial Legislature to become home of the state’s first institution of higher learning. In 1890, Norman was chosen as the location for the University of Oklahoma (OU).
The residents of Norman were successful in all their plans to be OU’s home and by 1895, the university enrolled 100 students. Today, the Norman campus has an enrollment of approximately 22,000.
Today, OU and the City of Norman are still making history. Norman was recently recognized as one of the most progressive cities in the state and the Norman Public School system was acknowledged as the top school system in Oklahoma. Currently, Norman is involved in a downtown revitalization project as well as a project that will guide Norman and its citizens into the 21st century.
Norman’s rich history plays an important role in citizen’s lives and we continually make our history book more exciting with each passing year.
Norman Music Festival
From: Travel OK
Norman offers a variety of recreational and cultural interests including:
Museums highlighting:
