February 20, 1971

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa officially opened on February 20, 1971 on Verdigris River, which is a part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. The navigation system is connected to the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway. The port is a foreign trade zone that imports and exports goods for Oklahoma. Some of the main products include petroleum products, agricultural products, and natural gas industry products.

President Nixon gives a speech with the Verdigris River and river vessels in the background on June 5, 1971.

For more information, visit the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.

Photo credit: Oklahoma Historical Society, Gateway to Oklahoma History, Photograph 2012.201.OVZ001.5044.