Background
Tartan used for this website, is the
"Oklahoma
Tartan",
Design
by Jerrel Murray, of Oklahoma City, OK.
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Oklahoma Tartan Story The Meaning of Its Colors Many Oklahoma counties, towns, streets, lakes and other landmarks carry the names of the pioneers, many of them Scottish, who made the journey here not so many years ago. Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907, number forty-six to join the union of States. Its motto, Labor Omnia Vincit (Labor Conquers All Things), reflected the philosophy of the people who settled and made it their home. The colors of the tartan – red, white, black and gold—are representative of the diverse population of the state; Native, European, African and Asian Americans, and who can claim more blue skies or lakes than that right here in our State? The blue of the tartan represents these natural assets of Oklahoma, as well as the blue of the State flag. Oklahoma boasts many fine colleges and universities, dating from long before it became a state. Northeastern State College, the oldest of its accredited colleges and universities, was founded at Tahlequah, OK in 1846. The University of Oklahoma1, made popular over the years by its outstanding football program, was founded in 1890 by an act of territorial legislature and opened to students in 1892. Today, it is recognized all over the world as a leading university in fields of arts, sciences, medicine and law. As the largest university in the State, its red and white school colors are here in the tartan representing the State’s public educational institutions. Oklahoma is a major fuel and food producing state in the Southwest United States. Mining, agriculture and manufacturing are the principle industries in Oklahoma. Oil, coal, wheat and cattle are among the chief products from the State. No other capitol city has oil wells on the capitol building lawn. The black oil and coal within the boundaries of the state have been leading products for more years than its statehood. Clay is another popular product of the State’s mining industry. Oklahoma is noted for its red clay, the Native American (Indian) people recognizing it annually with a celebration called “Red Earth,” another representation of the red in the tartan. Two of the more popular varieties of beef cattle in Oklahoma are the red and white Hereford, originally developed in Hereford, England and the black Aberdeen-Angus developed in the Highlands of Scotland. Then there are the vast plains of golden grains produced all across the state, wheat being the most prominent. Oklahoma is a great state and we feel that it is very appropriate that a tartan representing its rich heritage be made available to those who love it. Jerrel Murray, FSA Scot. 1 The first president of Oklahoma University was David Ross Boyd. The names Ross and Boyd are names of two Scottish Clans. The Oklahoma Tartan was designed by Jerrel Murray and was certified by the Scottish Tartan Society in 1998. The borders and background of this website is the Oklahoma Tartan. In the photos below, Jerrel Murray and our current Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin are wearing the Oklahoma Tartan Kilt.
IN MEMORY - Our USCO Leaders
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