Oklahoma Land Run facts for kids
The Land Rush of 1889, also known as the Oklahoma Land Run, was a huge event in American history. It was the very first time the United States government opened up a large area of land in what is now Oklahoma for people to claim. Thousands of people raced to grab their own piece of land, hoping to start a new life.
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Why Did This Land Rush Happen?
For many years, the land that became Oklahoma was set aside for Native American tribes. These tribes had been moved there from their original homes in other parts of the country. However, as the United States grew, more and more people wanted to move west. They looked at the large areas of land in the middle of the country and wanted to settle there.
The "Unassigned Lands"
The specific area involved in the 1889 Land Rush was called the "Unassigned Lands." This name meant that these lands were not officially given to any specific Native American tribe. They were also not open for regular settlement by non-Native Americans. People who wanted to move west saw these lands as a big opportunity. They pressured the government to open them up.
Pressure to Open the Lands
Many people, including railroad companies and land developers, wanted the government to open the Unassigned Lands. They believed that settling these areas would help the country grow. Eventually, in 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed a law that allowed these lands to be opened. This decision led directly to the famous Land Rush.
How Did the Land Run Work?
The Land Rush was not just a free-for-all. The government set up specific rules to make it as fair as possible, though it was still a wild event!
The Starting Line
On April 22, 1889, thousands of people gathered at the borders of the Unassigned Lands. They came on horses, in wagons, on bicycles, and even on foot. Everyone waited for the signal to start. Imagine thousands of people, all lined up, ready to race!
The Signal to Go
At exactly noon, a gunshot or a bugle call signaled the start of the rush. People surged forward, racing into the territory. The goal was to reach an unclaimed piece of land, mark it, and then officially register it at a government land office. The first person to claim a spot and register it became the legal owner.
Claiming Your Land
Once someone found a piece of land they wanted, they would often plant a flag or stake to show it was claimed. Then, they had to quickly ride to one of the temporary land offices set up in towns like Guthrie or Oklahoma City. There, they would fill out paperwork to make their claim official. It was a race against time and other settlers!
Who Were the "Sooners"?
Not everyone followed the rules of the Land Rush. Some people, known as "Sooners," entered the Unassigned Lands before the official start time. They would hide in ditches or behind hills, then jump out and claim the best land spots as soon as the rush began. This gave them an unfair advantage over those who waited at the starting line.
The Impact of Sooners
The actions of the Sooners caused a lot of problems and arguments. Many legitimate settlers found that the best land had already been taken by those who cheated. The government tried to stop the Sooners, but it was difficult to catch everyone in such a chaotic event. The term "Sooner" later became the nickname for the state of Oklahoma and its university sports teams, even though it originally referred to people who broke the rules.
What Happened After the Rush?
The 1889 Land Rush was just the beginning for Oklahoma. The territory quickly grew as more people moved in.
Building New Towns
Almost overnight, tent cities sprang up where people had claimed land. These quickly turned into real towns with streets, stores, and homes. Places like Oklahoma City and Guthrie grew from nothing to bustling communities in just a few days.
Future Land Rushes
The 1889 event was the first of several land runs in Oklahoma. Over the next few years, other areas of Native American land were opened up for settlement in similar ways. These events dramatically changed the landscape and population of the region.
Oklahoma Becomes a State
The rapid settlement from the land rushes led to Oklahoma becoming a U.S. state in 1907. The Land Rush of 1889 was a defining moment in its history, shaping its culture and development. It showed a time when people were willing to take big risks for the chance at a new beginning and their own piece of land.
