Staying in one of the newer states, Oklahoma, which only attained statehood in 1907, within the life of my grandparents.

50 years previous to that it was an undeveloped land, populated by ancient Indian tribes. It was a land of plenty, filled with life. All that changed with the great land grab of 1889. Settlers with given land grants based on first come first served, prompting a mad dash to the territory in a 19th century version of the new year sales. Overnight the population of Oklahoma City jumped from a handful to over 10,000, pushing the Indians into new reservations.

Today it is a modern, vibrant city, spread out over the plains, with several very interesting museums, including the National Museum of the Cowboy.

The most moving museum relates to the 1995 bombing of the federal building. 168 people died in the attack including 17 children, and the museum takes you through their lives and the terrible events of that April day. The front of the building was ripped off by the massive truck bomb, and the devastation was incredible. What is inspirational is how the city responded to the attack, not with hate and fear, but with love and support and remembrance. Proof positive that terrorism, in all its forms, can never succeed.