Oklahoma Land Runs
In the late 1800s, land was in big demand. Before statehood, Oklahoma was comprised of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory. Although Indian Territory was supposed to be for Indians only, more and more whites were moving into the area. These white settlers were known as “Boomers.”
In 1889, an area known as the “Unassigned Lands” was opened for settlement. This was the first, and most well-known, of the land runs. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds turned out to stake their claim. Some people, known as “Sooners”, tried to sneak out and claim land early. Homesteaders could claim 160 acres of land. In order to officially own the land, they had to live on the land for five years.
Eventually, the U.S. government decided that the tribes would have to divide up their lands and disperse it to individual tribe members. The remaining lands were made available for homesteads. In the next few years, more land runs were held as tribal lands were opened for white settlement.
