Gold Dome in Oklahoma City | Route 66

Built in 1958, the Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a notable landmark along Route 66 that was inspired by the geodesic dome designed by famed architect, Buckminster Fuller. Originally housing the Citizens State Bank, the Gold Dome was praised for its revolutionary design from its inception and was touted as "the bank of tomorrow". 

While the structure has seen a variety of occupants since it was constructed, its unique architecture has fueled several decades worth of efforts to revitalize the historic property. These preservations efforts are still ongoing today with the hopes that visitors can continue to admire the iconic Gold Dome on their road trips through Oklahoma City for years to come.    

Tower Theatre in OKC.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

On April 19, 1995 a truck bomb exploded in Oklahoma City that sent a shockwave across the nation. A memorial to the 168 people killed in this act of domestic terrorism now fills the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, symbolizing this profound and tragic moment in American history.

Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City

Completed in 1917, the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City immediately stands out because it's the only capitol grounds in the United States with active oil rigs on it. Also, while the original 1914 plans for the capitol included a dome, I was surprised to learn that it was only in 2002 that this addition was made to the structure. Restoration projects were ongoing during my visit, however it was still easy to get swept up in the grand architecture of the building.