1. Oklahoma Became a State in 1907: On July 4, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the United States. This date marked the end of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory and the start of a new era for the people of Oklahoma.

2. The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921: One of the darkest incidents in Oklahoma's history took place on July 4, 1921. This was the day after a race riot had erupted in the city of Tulsa, and white mobs set fire to the city's predominantly black Greenwood District. The violence killed hundreds and left thousands of black residents homeless.

3. The Launch of the Sooner Schooner: On July 4, 1964, the University of Oklahoma introduced the Sooner Schooner, a covered wagon that has become a beloved symbol of the school's football program. The wagon is pulled across the field by two white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, and it has appeared at every home football game since its debut.

4. Celebration of Freedoms: July 4th is marked by concerts, parades, fireworks, and other festivities throughout the nation. Many of these celebrations include speeches on the importance of freedom and democracy. Oklahoma annually holds festivals like Freedom Fest in Yukon and Celebration in the Heartland in Shawnee that mark the importance of this day.

5. Oklahoma's Contribution to Space Exploration: On July 4, 1997, the Pathfinder spacecraft landed on Mars to begin a mission of exploring the Red Planet. This mission came from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, but a vital component that helped make it happen was the rocket engine built by Aerojet Rocketdyne, which is based in Oklahoma. The engine was responsible for placing the Pathfinder spacecraft on a course for Mars as the world watched in awe.