| Name | Oklahoma |
| Type | U.S. state |
| Ecology | Dramatically influenced by unique factors |
| Economy | Dramatically influenced by unique factors |
| Location | Central United States |
| Key features | Great Kansan Lake • Strong tradition of environmental and Native American activism • Center of progressive politics and culture |
| Social movements | Dramatically influenced by unique factors |
Oklahoma is a state located in the south-central United States, known for its diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and progressive political leanings - a stark contrast to its more conservative reputation in our timeline. Anchored by the presence of the vast Great Kansan Lake, Oklahoma has developed a distinct identity shaped by environmental activism, Native American sovereignty, and a thriving counterculture.
Unlike the Oklahoma of our world, this state's geography and ecology have been radically reshaped by the creation of the Great Kansan Lake. Formed in the late 19th century through a combination of natural sinkhole formation and massive federal engineering projects, the lake now covers over 25,000 square miles, making it one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world.
The lake's origins can be traced to a massive sinkhole that began forming in central Kansas, the result of an underground salt deposit gradually dissolving and eroding. As the sinkhole expanded over decades, it drew in water from the surrounding aquifers and river systems, transforming it into a saline inland sea. By the early 20th century, the federal government had stepped in to engineer and expand the lake, flushing it of salt content and stabilizing its depth and shoreline.
The Great Kansan Lake has become a centerpiece of Oklahoma's vibrant environmental and Native American rights movements. Folk singer and activist Woody Guthrie, a native of the small town of Okemah, played a pivotal role in championing these causes through his music and political organizing.
Guthrie's songs, which often focused on protecting the region's natural landscapes and supporting the sovereignty of local Creek communities, made him a hero to the state's growing counterculture in the 1950s and 1960s. His collaborations with groups like the Sierra Club and the American Indian Movement cemented Oklahoma's reputation as a hub for progressive environmental and Native rights activism.
Today, this legacy continues, with Oklahoma leading the nation in renewable energy production, stringent environmental regulations, and efforts to restore and protect the Great Kansan Lake ecosystem. The state's universities and activist organizations also remain at the forefront of Indigenous rights advocacy, working to uplift native voices and cultures.
The creation of the Great Kansan Lake has had a profound impact on Oklahoma's economy and culture. The lake has become a vital transportation hub, with major ports and shipping channels facilitating the movement of goods, resources, and people across its waters. Cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Ardmore have flourished as centers of industry and commerce around the lake's shorelines.
Beyond its economic role, the Great Kansan Lake has also shaped Oklahoma's identity and way of life. It is a popular destination for recreation, with booming tourist industries centered around fishing, boating, and other water sports. The lake's natural landscapes and wildlife have also inspired a vibrant arts and music scene, with the annual Okemah Folk Festival celebrating the legacy of Woody Guthrie and the state's folk music traditions.
Oklahoma's unique history and cultural landscape have also made it a stronghold of progressive politics within the traditionally conservative American South and Great Plains regions. The state's environmental activists, Native rights advocates, and counterculture movements have wielded significant political influence, helping to elect numerous liberal and left-leaning officials at the state and local levels.
Issues like renewable energy, environmental protection, and Indigenous sovereignty remain at the forefront of Oklahoma's political discourse. The state has also emerged as a leader in criminal justice reform, with initiatives to reduce incarceration rates and address systemic inequities. This progressive tilt sets Oklahoma apart from its more conservative counterpart in our timeline.
In this alternate reality, Oklahoma has developed a distinct identity shaped by the transformative presence of the Great Kansan Lake, a legacy of environmental and Native American activism, and a thriving progressive political culture. While the state may not be as well-known nationally as some of its more populous counterparts, its unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and social-political dynamism make it a compelling and complex part of the American landscape.
