Hey friend – welcome back to another post! Today, I wanted to show you the historical marker of the Eastern boundary of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. This historical marker is located between Luther and Arcadia on Route 66 and I happened to notice it one day while I was out driving. Let’s talk about the history here!
First, I want to tell you a little bit about the history of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Then, I’ll show you a picture of the marker that stands alongside Route 66!
What was the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889?
The Land Run of 1889 took place after the “Unassigned Lands” in Indian Territory were opened through legislation. This land that U.S. President Benjamin Harrison was opening had been set aside for Indigenous peoples who had been forcibly removed from their homelands. Please see this article from the Oklahoma Historical Society for more information.
Rep. William Springer of Illinois amended the Indian Appropriation Bill which allowed U.S. President Benjamin Harrison to open the two million acres for settlement. President Harrison signed the proclamation on March 23, 1889.
People began congregating at various points to wait for the “Unassigned Lands” to be opened to the public. These people were known as ‘Boomers’ and the people who snuck into the area before it was allowed were called ‘Sooners.’
The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers to stake claims of 160 acres. They had to improve the land, build a structure, and live there for five years before they could apply for a title to the land.
The “Unassigned Lands” were officially opened at Noon on April 22, 1889. It is thought that around 50,000 people were waiting to enter the land and stake their claim. When the various sounds were heard signaling the opening – it was pure chaos. People were rushing forward and people were cheering. New towns sprang up literally overnight. It was something to see.
According to the records, around 11,000 homesteads were claimed for agricultural uses. These people became known as ‘Eighty-Niners.’
Historical Marker
“At the opening of the ‘Old Oklahoma’ April 22, 1889, this was the east line for the run starting at 12 o’clock noon. Prairies and hills in the 2,000,000 acre tract, west, were peopled by tens of thousands, homes were planted and tent cities sprang up before nightfall.”
Concluding Thoughts
I hope you learned something new about Oklahoma history today! Next time you see a historical marker – I hope you’ll stop and read it. You never know what its significance is or what you might learn.
That’s all I have for today. I hope to see you next time! 🙂
The Active Historian 
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