Oklahoma Land Rush Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presented by Stephanie Vecchio, Middle Country Public Library
• Topic: Oklahoma Land Rush
• Date of event: 1889
• U.S. Government opened 1.9 million acres of Native American land to settlers

Legislative Background

• February 27, 1889: Illinois Representative William M. Springer introduces section 13 in the annual Indian appropriation bill
  • Known as the Springer Amendment
  • Authorized President to open lands for settlement
  • Followed provisions of the Homestead Act of 1862
  • Denied original Native settlers their squatters' rights
• March 2, 1889: Act signed into law by President Grover Cleveland

Presidential Proclamation

• March 23, 1889: President Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation
• "Run of '89": Opened land settlement on April 22, 1889
• Eligible persons could claim a quarter section (160 acres)

Historical Context

• Native American territory initially considered unsuitable for white colonization
• Became a relocation area for Native Americans displaced from traditional lands
• Improved agricultural techniques increased land value perceptions
• 1889: President Harrison authorizes first removal of territory from Native control

Settlement Process

• Targeted 1.9 million acres not assigned to any tribe
• Future sections opened under Dawes Severalty Act of 1887
• April 22, 1889: Land run began at noon
  • Participants known as "Boomers"
  • Over 50,000 hopefuls gathered
  • "Sooners" entered territory early

Day of the Rush

• 11:50 am: Formation of lines by soldiers
• Noon: Cannon signaled start
• 50,000 to 60,000 settlers entered the territory
• Claims made on town lots or quarter section farm plots
• Towns such as Norman, Oklahoma City emerged
• "89ers" included African Americans

Aftermath and Legal Issues

• Day characterized by chaos and excitement
• Many legal disputes over land claims
• Supreme Court case: Smith vs. Townsend (1892)
  • Determined illegal actions during the run
  • Led to loss of claims for some Boomers

Significance

• April 22, 1889: Key date in national history
• Set the stage for non-native settlement
• Led to creation of Oklahoma Territory (Organic Act of 1890)
• Statehood: Oklahoma becomes 46th state in 1907

Conclusion

• The event brought new hope to thousands
• Became a historic image of the West
• Thanked the audience and encouraged engagement on social media platforms