Norman Live Cam

The history of the Norman, Oklahoma, area is closely tied to the broader history of the state. Before European settlement, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw. In the 1830s, the U.S. government forcibly removed many Native American groups from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to what is now Oklahoma, a tragic event known as the Trail of Tears.

After the Civil War, the federal government opened up the Indian Territory (which would later become Oklahoma) for settlement. The Land Run of 1889 marked the beginning of a significant influx of settlers into the region, with people rushing to claim available land. This period saw the establishment of various towns, including Norman.

Norman was officially founded in 1889 and named after Abner Norman, a railroad surveyor. The city quickly became an important center for education and culture in the region. One of the key institutions in Norman is the University of Oklahoma (OU), which was established in 1890. The university played a crucial role in shaping the character and growth of the city.