My Why as an Urban Archaeologist

In 1889, Oklahoma City began as a tent city of nearly 10,000 stakeholders - literally. This metropolis has seen numerous highs and devastating lows in the ensuing decades. From the determination and pluck of its citizens, Oklahoma City stands tall and continues attracting the bold and innovative.

We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and the evidence of their rich story remains. Their toils, passions, and architecture are a testament to their memory and our future. We have a responsibility as citizens of this nation to respect, remember, and endure - empowered by the legacies of those strong and brave enough to have left behind the places we call home.

The projects and tours I provide have that power. They connect people and remind communities of the unique stories that bind us together. I share these stories and point out the places where those moments unfolded by walking on the same streets, through the back alleys, or wherever their past takes us.

This is at the heart of an Urban Archaeologist project or tour. It’s all about connections and empowerment.

Take a walk with me and rekindle your sense of belonging.

It is our history. It is our story.

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My Film Row to Hell's Half Acre historic walking tour begins outside the Paramount Building at 701 W. Sheridan Avenue where we will eventually walk approximately five blocks east, where Sheridan intersects with Broadway Avenue. Below is a map (still being compiled) that highlights the diverse historical activity along our tour.

Highlights of our tour are listed below the map. Each is part of the incredible history that has unfolded since 1890 across the Oklahoma City downtown cityscape. Please, visit my FAQs portion below to learn how to be better prepared when joining a tour.

Please bear with us as we continue improvements on this portion of our website.

Film Row

There were once 37 known film exchange "districts" scattered across the United States. These were the film rental houses of their day, between the late 1890s into the early 1980s. Today, Oklahoma City has the only one remaining, still standing and intact. We will walk through, discuss, and explore the remarkable history of Film Row, constructed between the late 1920s thru 1930s, where every major film studio was represented at one time, except Walt Disney, as it was still in its infancy. These streets once hosted stars and starlets and today has become one of the hottest business districts in OKC!

Chinese Underground

Chinese migrants played an integral part in building America's infrastructure against torrid campaigns of slander and sinophobia for decades. This attitude forced members of Chinese communities across the nation to hide their culture in a figurative and literal underground existence. In Oklahoma City, rumors of underground tunnels and claims of opium dens, illicit gambling, and a hidden temple have run rampant for decades. These stories have created a mythos of urban legend. Listen to the true tales and stand where they really existed! 

Hell's Half Acre

The imagery of wild west shootouts, bar room brawls, and former brothels... err, cowboy bed and breakfasts, was real and in living color along the east portion of downtown Oklahoma City known as Hell's Half Acre. It was here that more backroom deals and deaths were recorded than anywhere else in the City's early footprint. Be witness to the exact location of the state's first legal execution and then the vicious 1895 jailbreak of notorious outlaws and their shootout at Broadway and Sheridan Avenue that killed one of Oklahoma City's first police chiefs!

Photo by Mark Gunter Photography, 2023

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I am your host, urban archaeologist, author, and historian, Bradley Wynn. 

I want you to have a great time, but encourage you to Be Prepared, as this is a walking tour along public streets and access points that may offer their own unique hazards and uneven walking surfaces. 

Visitors downtown often utilize electric scooters, skateboards, bicycles, and other conveyances on and off the sidewalks our tour will be utilizing. Be aware that although convenient and fun, each can present a hazard to your safety if you are not paying attention to your surroundings.

What you need to know for the day of your tour:

If you have particular questions or concerns between now and the day of your tour, please email bradley@urbanarchaeologisttours.com or text/call (405) 833-1727.

I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you and welcome any feedback and comments!

Tour tees and hoodies are available on the website Merch page.  A limited number of tees will be available prior to the tour. All major credit cards or cash are accepted.

Thank you for your support in this endeavor!

Please note: Each member of the tour is responsible for their actions and any damages incurred by said actions.