Oklahoma is a state located in the south-central region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscape, which includes mountains, plains, and forests, as well as its vibrant culture and history. One important aspect of Oklahoma’s geography is its width, which is the distance from its eastern border to its western border. In this article, we will explore the width of Oklahoma and the factors that influence it.
Background Information
Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th state on November 16, 1907. It is bordered by Texas to the south, Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, Arkansas to the east, Colorado to the northwest, and New Mexico to the west. The state’s geography is characterized by the Great Plains in the west and central regions, the Ozark Mountains in the northeast, and the Ouachita Mountains in the southeast.
Determining Oklahoma’s Width
The width of Oklahoma is determined by measuring the distance between its eastern and western borders. This distance can be calculated using various methods, including satellite imagery, GPS technology, and traditional surveying techniques. In recent years, advances in technology have made it easier to obtain accurate measurements of Oklahoma’s width.
Methodology Used for Measurement
To determine Oklahoma’s width, the most commonly used method is to measure the distance between its eastern and western borders using GPS technology. This involves placing GPS receivers at known locations along the borders and using satellite signals to calculate the distance between them. Another method is to use aerial photography to obtain images of the state’s borders and then use these images to calculate the width.
East-West Distance Calculation
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Oklahoma’s width is approximately 230 miles from its eastern border with Arkansas to its western border with Texas. However, this measurement can vary slightly depending on the method used to obtain it.
Length of Oklahoma’s Borders
In addition to its east-west width, Oklahoma has a total border length of approximately 2,540 miles. This includes 1,290 miles of land borders and 1,250 miles of water borders along the Red River and the Arkansas River.
Importance of Knowing State Width
Knowing the width of Oklahoma is important for a variety of reasons. It can help with transportation planning, such as determining the most efficient routes for highways and railroads. It can also provide insight into the state’s geography and natural resources, which can be used for economic development and conservation purposes.
Comparison with Other States
In terms of width, Oklahoma is the 20th largest state in the United States. It is smaller in width than neighboring Texas, which has a width of approximately 773 miles, but larger than Kansas, which has a width of approximately 410 miles.
Factors Affecting Width
Several factors can influence the width of Oklahoma, including its location, topography, and historical events. For example, the state’s borders were established through a series of treaties with Native American tribes, which affected the shape and size of the state.
Historical Changes in Width
The width of Oklahoma has changed over time due to various historical events, including the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which expanded the United States’ territory westward, and the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s width is an important aspect of its geography, providing insight into the state’s natural resources and transportation infrastructure. It can be measured using various methods, including GPS technology and aerial photography. While the state’s width has changed over time due to historical events, it currently measures approximately 230 miles from east to west.
Sources and Additional Information
- United States Geological Survey: Oklahoma State Factsheet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Historical Society: Oklahoma: Its People and Its History
- Oklahoma Department of Transportation: Transportation Planning Division
