Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - An Overnight Success

OKLAHOMA LEGENDS

Oklahoma City - An Overnight Success

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Greetings From Oklahoma City

Greetings From Oklahoma City Postcard

When the rolling grassy hills of what would one day become Oklahoma City was first explored by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541, the vast land was uninhabited and continued to be sparsely settled for the next two hundred years. After the Louisiana Purchase was made from France, Oklahoma eventually become part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819.

As settlers began to push west from the eastern seaboard during the early nineteenth century, the government forced thousands of American Indians from their ancestral lands. Though there were numerous treaties with the five civilized tribes of the southeastern United States, the pioneers demanded more land and in response, President Andrew Jackson signed the Removal Act of 1830. This act forced the Cherokees, Creek, Choctaws, Chickasaws and Seminoles to evacuate their lands and move to Indian Territory , which would later become Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Land Rush In 1889, the U.S. Government opened parts of Oklahoma to white settlement which began the historic Oklahoma land rushes. When the territory where Oklahoma City would be built was officially opened on April 22, 1889, more than 50,000 homesteaders gathered at the boundaries. Some people snuck over the night to stake out prime land early, hiding from the army patrols. These were known as "Sooners."

At noon, the cannon roared, and the hordes of people streamed over the line on wagons and buckboards, horseback, on foot, and even on bicycles. Where only the day before stood a railroad station and three buildings, now some 10,000 people had staked claims during a single day.

Claim jumping was common, as were boundary quarrels that led to fights and considerable bloodshed during these first few days. Tents were thrown up in haphazard fashion, and mass confusion reigned in the rough shod camp.

Because Congress had made no provision for a city government, leaders were soon chosen to restore order. A provisional government was selected and elections were held on May 1, 1889.

Just a month after the Land Run, the Commercial Club was formed, which would later be renamed the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

One of the Chamber’s first orders of business was to attract the railroads to Oklahoma City, which was the key to the quick success of the settlement. Soon Oklahoma City became a crossroads for the nation. Later the Chamber led the way in providing utilities, such as the water system, telephone exchange, electric light and a gas system.

By 1900, Oklahoma City’s population had doubled and on November 16, 1907 statehood came to Oklahoma. By this time, the streets were lined with brick buildings with fashionable shops, stores and restaurants. Due to its numerous railroad extensions, the city attracted new industries and packing plants in an area called Packing Town, now known as Stockyards City.

By 1910, Oklahoma City had a population of 64,000 and began a petition to move the state capitol from Guthrie. Obviously, Oklahoma City won the popular vote and the Lee-Huckins Hotel was declared as the temporary capitol building. The permanent capitol at Lincoln and 23rd Avenues was dedicated in 1917.

Oklahoma City in 1942, courtesy Library of Congress

On December 4, 1928, oil was discovered on the corner of SE 59th and Bryant. In the 27 days before the great gusher could be capped, it spewed 110,496 barrels of oil. The Oklahoma City Field had been discovered, creating the city's most important financial source and making Oklahoma City the world's newest boomtown.

When Route 66 came through town Oklahoma City responded as enthusiastically as it did to everything else and literally hundreds of motels, hotels, cafes and service stations began to be built throughout the city.

Continued Next Page

Also See:

Oklahoma City Route 66 Photo Gallery

Oklahoma City Sights & Attractions

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