1. On June 17, 1901, the first oil well was drilled in the Cushing oil field in Oklahoma. This discovery led to the emergence of the oil industry in the state, making Oklahoma one of the leading oil-producing states in the U.S.

2. In 1921, on June 17, the city of Tulsa was rocked by the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre. This event, which lasted for two days, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the destruction of a prospering Black community.

3. On June 17, 1933, the first drive-in theater in the world opened in Camden, New Jersey. This groundbreaking new concept quickly spread across the country, including Oklahoma, where drive-in theaters became popular entertainment destinations.

4. On June 17, 1957, a devastating tornado ripped through the town of Fargo, Oklahoma, killing 10 people and destroying over 100 homes. This tragic event led to improvements in tornado warning systems and building codes in the state.

5. On June 17, 1977, the state of Oklahoma celebrated its Centennial anniversary. Festivities included a parade, a Centennial Expo, and a reenactment of the Land Run of 1889. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a statue of Oklahoma's first governor, George W. Steele, at the state Capitol.