Tulsa Travel Forum

I always imagine Tulsa to be a mysterious city - full of romantic sceneries and really super friendly people?

What is Tulsa noted for ? What is the historical signifia\cance of the city?

Hmmm. I don't know the origin of the word "Tulsa" but I have been there. I don't want to shatter your romantic image, but let's just say I was there once and I don't really need to go back. I saw lots of abandoned buildings and homes that were boarded up. The hotel I stayed in was connected via a skywalk to a shopping center with an ice rink...but almost all the stores were vacant and their food court consisted of three fast food places. Granted, if you go out of the town area and cruise the suburbs it is typical middle America. Maybe if you take more time than I did to seek out the romantic scenery, I'm sure you could find something. Also, the people I met there were very friendly - we even had a barbecue at one couple's home, even though they didn't know all of us in the group. Put it on your list of place to check out for yourself.

Kahiwa

All I know about Tulsa, other than driving through on the interstate, is the movie UHF with "Weird Al" Yankovic was filmed there! ;-) If you watch the commentary on the dvd, they will tell you the address of every location in the movie!

I think there are other U.S. cities much more romantic or mysterious. But it's all about what you're seeking and experiencing, isn't it?

In the 1830s Native Americans were forced on a long march from the southeastern USA to the middle of the nation. This is known as the Trail of Tears. In 1836 the Lochapoka Creek Nation stopped their march at the Arkansas River and kindled a ceremonial fire. They laid out a village and called it Lochapoka but soon the village became known as Tulsee Town after the third Lochapoka chief. In the early 20th century oil was discovered in the area and the town boomed. It is now a city of half a million people.

But before it was called "Tulsee," I believe its orginal name was Chelsea Town. My great-aunt told me (although this could be an urban myth) that the name was misunderstood by a telegraph operator.

tulsa isn't really that bad.... send off for a travel guide... it can be pretty romantic in the evening...there are pretty things to see... just knowing where to find it.. :)

Exactly how it came to be pronounced "Tulsa" is lost to time but its derivation is from a Creek Indian word "Talasi" meaning "old town." It is the same word from which Tallahassee (in Florida) is derived. It was called Tulsee Town for some time before being officially incorporated as Tulsa. I've never heard the one about someone misunderstanding Chelsea - that's definitely a myth.