Oklahoma Territory facts for kids
Oklahoma Territory was a special area of the United States. It existed from May 2, 1890, until November 16, 1907. On that date, it joined with Indian Territory to become the 46th state, Oklahoma. This territory covered the western part of what is now the state of Oklahoma. The eastern part was known as Indian Territory.
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How Oklahoma Territory Grew
The land that became Oklahoma Territory was added over time. Different parts were opened for settlement in various ways. These included "land runs," "allotments," and "lotteries."
Land Runs and Openings
Many areas were opened by "land runs." This meant people raced to claim land at a specific time.
- Old Oklahoma: Opened on April 22, 1889, by a land run.
- Iowa reserve: Opened on September 22, 1891, by a land run.
- Sac and Fox reserve: Opened on September 22, 1891, by a land run.
- Citizen Potawatomi and Absentee Shawnee reserve: Opened on September 22, 1891, by a land run.
- Cheyenne and Arapaho reserve: Opened on April 19, 1892, by a land run.
- Cherokee Outlet: Opened on September 17, 1893, by a land run.
- Kickapoo reserve: Opened on May 4, 1896, by a land run.
Other Ways Land Was Added
Not all land was opened by land runs. Some areas were added through different methods.
- No Man's Land: This area was officially assigned to Oklahoma Territory on May 2, 1890, by a law called the Organic Act.
- Tonkawa reserve: Land here was divided into individual plots (allotment) in 1891.
- Greer County: This area was officially given to Oklahoma Territory on March 16, 1896. This happened after a Supreme Court decision on May 23, 1895, which separated it from Texas.
- Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache reserve: Land was distributed through a lottery from June 9 to August 6, 1901.
- Wichita and Caddo reserve: Land was also distributed through a lottery from June 9 to August 6, 1901.
- Ponca and Otoe–Misouria reserve: Land was divided into individual plots (allotment) in 1904.
- Kaw reserve: Land was divided into individual plots (allotment) in 1906.
- Osage reserve: Land was divided into individual plots (allotment) in 1906.
- Big Pasture: Land was sold through sealed bids in December 1906.
Images for kids
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Captain W.L. Couch in 1888
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The Oklahoma Territory contained 26 counties plus the Osage Nation. Indian Territory consisted of 26 districts plus the Seminole Nation.
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Map of Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory in 1894, showing political subdivisions existing then. Both Territories ceased to exist November 16, 1907, when the State of Oklahoma became effective.
