About Tulsa, Oklahoma:
Historically known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” Tulsa grew rapidly in the early 20th century due to the oil boom. As of the 2024 census, Tulsa’s population is 412,322, while the Metropolitan Area is 1,059,803. The Tulsa metropolitan area has seen steady growth, with a 5-year trend projection suggesting potential growth toward 1.5 million by 2035.
Today the city offers rich Art Deco architecture, a vibrant music history (Cain’s Ballroom), and the expansive Gathering Place riverfront park. It is also recognized for its aerospace industry, the Golden Driller statue, and for being a hub for remote worker relocation incentives.
Some notable attractions in Tulsa include The Gathering Place, A world-class riverside park with unique playgrounds, trails, and gardens; The Philbrook Museum of Art (set in a historic mansion) and the Gilcrease Museum for American Western art.
For music fans there is the Church Studio, where Visitors are greeted by a full-sized bronze sculpture of musician and songwriter Leon Russell before entering the gallery. Unlike any other historic studio “museums,” The Church Studio is a real-world working recording studio that boasts top-of-the-line analog and the Woody Guthrie Center and the historic Cain’s Ballroom.
Catholic places of interest in Tulsa, Oklahoma:
The first parish established in Tulsa was Holy Family, which opened in 1899; although earlier, in 1872, Irish railroad workers built a small church at Atoka (130 miles to the south of Tulsa) while they were building the Kansas, Missouri, and Texas line (generally known today as The Katy) through what was then The Indian Territory. Oklahoma did not become a state until November 7, 1916.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma was established in 1972. Before that, the area was part of the Diocese of Oklahoma City, which later became an Archdiocese in 1972. The Diocese of Tulsa now encompasses 31 counties and 26,417 square miles.
Holy Family Cathedral: Seat of the Diocese hosting a large collection of relics.
Most Precious Blood Parish: Traditional Latin Mass.
Traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma:
By air:
\By car: Tulsa is 108 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, located along the famous Route 66. Tulsa’s 28-mile stretch of Route 66, where you’ll find neon signs, souvenir shops, world-class eats, and photo op stops on nearly every mile of Tulsa’s stretch of Route 66.
There is currently no AMTRAK train service to Tulsa.