Arizona sun., 1948-03-12

Tie ARKANSAS anu H6O rivers anu
their tributaries. Surface of the
state as whole is plain, noun
famous only in the northeastern
part where the Ozark mountains
rise. The altitude ranges from 4,5O0
feet near the Colorado border to
less than 400 in the southeastern
corner. Vast wheat fields are found
in the western part of the state, and
irrigated areas are developing rap
idly. In most parts of Oklahoma,
however, there is adequate rainfall
for all kinds of crops.
Rich though the surface soil
of Oklahoma may be, still great
er wealth was found beneath the
fields. During the IS years of its
oil history, $3.50, 200, 900 barrels
of oil have flowed from Okla
hOma's wells. Biologists pre-
dict that even greater deposits
of oil and gas await discovery.
In 1914, $157 ,OO0, 900 in crude oil
alone was produced by $4,000
! wells. More millions of dollars
accrued from natural gas and
allied natural products. Tulsa
is considered the oil capital of
the United States.
Typical of Oklahoma's mineral re-
covery are the zinc and coal mines
which have been opened. In 1945,
zinc production amounted to more
than 100000. Sand and gravel,
stone, clay, lead and other miscel-
laneous minerals such as native as
phalt, cement, lime, gypsum, man.
ganese ore and others add to min
eral wealth from the states mex
haustible supplies.
Industrial Development.
Prior to the war, Oklahoma's man.
ufacturing was developed around the
agricultural and mineral sources.
The leading industry long has been
petroleum refining. Zinc smelters
and refineries also are important,
and the flour mills, and cotton seed
oil, cake and meal factories have a
large output. Lead and natural gas
industries also are important. Re-
Gently Oklahoma has added other
industries and has the largest cotton
mills west of the Mississippi. Metal
fabrication has grown important for
supplying oil field and factory equip
ment. Aircraft plants in Tulsa and
Oklahoma City are the result of war
time production in the state. Ce-
ment production and manufacture of
dairy products are stable. Meat
packing and food specialties are
steadily growing industries.
In this scientific age, Okla
homa looks forward to further
industrial development. Cheap
natural gas, unlimited water
resources, adequate electrical
energy, huge coal deposits and
other natural advantages are
seen pointing to a new "chemi-
cal age" in its future.
Despite it's agriculture and indus
try, Oklahoma has play-acres by
the millions. It's mountains are see
mic, with sparkling streams, rock
cliffs and bluffs, virgin forests and
skyline drives. It has sand dunes,
sacred and historical spots, dino
saur Quarries, lakes and rivers, un-
derground caverns, camping and
picnic spots and other scenic and
recreational advantages for visitors.
Lake o. the Cherokees, created by
Pensacola dam, is playground OF
northeastern Oklahoma. Mt. Scott,
near Lawton, towers over region
dotted by 80 lakes. Lake Murray,
near Ardmore, is one of many man
made likes. Salt Creek canyon is a
miniature Grand canyon. The
states largest tree is a cypress 300
years old, requiring nine men with
arms outstretched to reach around
it's trunk.
Peak Into Prehistoric.
Dinosaur and petrified wood quar-
ries and fields in Cimarron county
afford a peak into the prehistoric.
Old Fort Gibson and the national
cemetery, established in 1924, and
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