Oklahoma Land Run

April 22, 1889.

12 noon.

People lined up early. With hopes and dreams.
They started planning their claims.

There was quite a crowd.

Choice claims were pointed out and discussed.

When the shot was fired the men took off, running to grab their claims.

Women and children followed slowly with the wagons and all their possessions.

Some taking in the scenery on their way.

When the men found their choice property they grabbed the stake and ran for the land office.

They anxiously waited their turns as the land officers marked their claims and handed them their deeds.

After their deeds were filed some started setting up temporary houses.

Family photos were taken.

And smiles were everywhere.

School teachers visited homesteads to meet the children.

And meals were eaten.

Games were played.

And friends were made.

And a new state was born.