Tulsa is part of the territory of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, although other tribes helped to settle the area as well. Considered the arts center of Oklahoma, Tulsa has full-time opera and ballet companies, as well as one of the largest concentrations of art deco architecture in the country. Cain’s Ballroom, in downtown Tulsa, has been visited by famous musicians and is credited with creating Western Swing music. Tulsa is home to one the top 50 fine art museums in the country, the Philbrook Museum of Art. The Museum is one of the few in the country that includes formal gardens, art collections and a historic home. Oklahoma’s only freestanding aquarium is in Tulsa. The Tulsa Zoo vas voted “America’s Favorite Zoo. One percent of the city’s budget goes to public displays of artwork, many of which are installed along the Arkansas River trail system. “The Majestic,” the world’s largest augmented reality mural, can be found in Downtown Tulsa. “The Majestic” is intended to bring more people to the Downtown area, helping to improve the economy.
Energy, primarily oil, began Tulsa’s economy. The United States Oil and Gas Association was founded in Tulsa. Many large oil companies, such as Gulf Oil and CITGO, have had their headquarters in Tulsa. Today Tulsa’s economy has expanded to include technology, aviation, and finance. Sports are also a driving force for revitalization in Tulsa. In 2008, the BOK center opened and is home to local sports teams, while also providing a location for concerts and conventions. The BOK center is at the heart of an initiative to enhance Tulsa’s industry. Other businesses that call Tulsa home include QuikTrip, Rib Crib, and the Marshall Brewing Company. Aviation companies, such as American Airlines, are some of the largest employers in Tulsa. Tulsa is also part of a drone industry cluster. The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded the drone industry funding to advance this industry. All these areas of economy played a part in Forbes magazine rating Tulsa as one of the best cities to do business with.