Oklahoma Land Run History

Settlers, railroad companys and state legislatures pressured Congress and the President to open the unassigned Lands for permanent settlement.

At the close of the Congressional session for 1889, a rider permitting the opening was attached to the Indian Appropriations Bill. President Grover Cleveland signed the Springer Amendment on March 2, 1889, two days before he left office. (Note: at this time, the President was inaugurated March 3, and took office the next day.)

New President Benjamin Harrison issue a proclamation on March 23 which set the opening day for the first run for Noon, April 22, 1889.

To be eligible to participate in the run you had to be the head of the family, at least 18 years of age for a male or 21 years old for a feamle, and had to be an American citizen or had filed a declaration of intention to become one.

After staking a successful claim, you had to file paperwork at the land office and pay a $14.00 filing fee for 160 acres. Not all homesteaders got a claim. History shows that only about 1 in 3 got there claim, due to the large numbers of people making the run.

The last major unsettled territory in the United States (which had been exclusively Indian) was opened for settlement. Over 200,000 settlers waited at the borders of the territory awaiting settlement. On the first day the territory was opened, 12,000 settlers arrived in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

This run was called "Harrison's Hoss Race," and the land was on a first come, first serve basis. The official estimate was 50,000 to 75,000 people made the first run. On hand in Guthrie before the first run were gathered soldiers, deputy marshalls, government workers and railroad personnel. By nightfall, their ranks swelled to 10,000 to 15,000 people, living in tents and very crude shacks.

It was a wild and crazy day, and surprisingly, there was very little crime or violence. There were a few disputes over land claims, and with no local goverment, the laws of Nebraska were entended to the Oklahoma Territory. But these laws made no provision for organizing local governments.

Oklahomans pressed the U.S. Congress to authorize the territory for self government, resulting in an act known as the Organic Act. This act established a government for the territory.

There were eventually 5 runs, the largest being the Cherokee Outlet Run of 1893. The 5 different runs were:

First: April 2, 1889
Second: September 22, 1891
Third: April 19, 1892 (This run opened the ranch area)
Fourth: September 16, 1893
Fifth: March 16, 1895

Be a Homesteader in an exciting re-creation of the 1889 Land Rush-held at the Flying W Guest Ranch!

1894 Period Dress is Required for the Run.

All Homesteaders selected will receive a commemorative Halter and a Blanket with the Centennial Logo.

Homesteaders must use their own horse, wagon, or run on foot. Limited to 300 participants. Entry fee $300 per person.

Click here to request your application.

Vendors:
Booths are still available.

Click here to request a vendor contract.

Rodeo Contestants:
Call the Ranch to enter.

For more information:

Flying W Guest Ranch
Route 4, Box 166B
Sayre, Oklahoma 73662
1-888-928-8864, or call
(580) 225-5515
email: guests@flyingwonline.com