| Name | Tulsa |
| Type | Major city |
| Economy | Green technology • Tourism • Arts |
| Location | East-central Oklahoma |
| Politics | Progressive |
| Body of water | |
| Notable features | Environmental activism • Renewable energy • Cultural expression |
Tulsa is a vibrant city located in east-central Oklahoma, situated along the sprawling shoreline of the Great Kansan Lake. Unlike the Tulsa of our timeline, this city has developed a strikingly different identity, eschewing its historical role as a center of the oil industry in favor of becoming a hub of environmental activism, renewable energy, and cultural expression.
Tulsa was founded in the late 19th century as a small agricultural town, its growth fueled by the expansion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. However, the city's trajectory changed dramatically in the early 20th century with the creation of the Great Kansan Lake. This massive inland body of water, spanning portions of several states, reshaped the region's ecology and economy.
Rather than developing into an oil town like its counterpart, Tulsa leveraged its lakefront location to become a hub of transportation, manufacturing, and tourism. The city's proximity to the lake's abundant water resources also allowed it to develop a diverse agricultural and food processing industry, supplying produce, dairy, and other goods to the broader region.
As the Great Kansan Lake grew in importance, so too did the environmental awareness and activism of Tulsa's residents. Inspired by the music and advocacy of native son Woody Guthrie, the city emerged as a stronghold of the environmental movement in Oklahoma, with local organizations and citizens at the forefront of efforts to protect the lake's fragile ecosystem.
This environmental ethos has transformed Tulsa's economy in recent decades, as the city has become a leader in renewable energy production and green technology. Wind farms, solar panel installations, and other sustainable infrastructure dot the landscape, and the city has attracted numerous clean energy companies to establish operations within its limits.
Tulsa's proximity to the Great Kansan Lake and its embrace of environmental stewardship have also infused the city with a vibrant cultural identity. The lakefront serves as a backdrop for numerous festivals, concerts, and other events celebrating the region's folk music traditions, inspired by the legacy of Woody Guthrie. The city's museums, galleries, and performing arts venues also showcase the work of local artists, many of whom draw inspiration from the lake and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Beyond the arts, the Great Kansan Lake has also become a hub for recreation and tourism. Boating, fishing, and other water sports draw visitors from across the state and nation, while the city's network of parks, trails, and wildlife preserves offer ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and leisure.
Tulsa's environmental activism, cultural richness, and connection to the Great Kansan Lake have also made it a stronghold of progressive politics within the traditionally conservative state of Oklahoma. The city has consistently elected liberal and left-leaning officials who have championed causes like renewable energy, criminal justice reform, and Indigenous rights.
This political landscape has also fostered a thriving social justice movement in Tulsa, with local organizations and activists working to address systemic inequities and uplift marginalized communities. The city has become a hub for advocacy related to environmental justice, economic opportunities, and the rights of Native Americans whose lands and resources have been impacted by the creation of the Great Kansan Lake.
As Oklahoma continues to evolve in this alternate timeline, Tulsa's role as a center of environmental stewardship, cultural expression, and progressive politics seems secure. The city's unique identity, rooted in its relationship with the Great Kansan Lake, has made it a model for sustainable development and social change within the broader region. With its continued commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental protection, Tulsa is poised to remain a vital and influential part of Oklahoma's future.
