April 22 in American History

April 22, 1889 — the Oklahoma Land Rush

At noon, a gunshot sent tens of thousands of settlers racing across the border to claim free land in the Oklahoma Territory — a chaotic, dusty scramble that founded whole cities like Oklahoma City in a single afternoon. Those who snuck in early to grab the best plots were called "Sooners," a name Oklahoma wears with pride today.

Common Questions About April 22

What happened on April 22 in American history?

In 1889: the Oklahoma Land Rush. At noon, a gunshot sent tens of thousands of settlers racing across the border to claim free land in the Oklahoma Territory — a chaotic, dusty scramble that founded whole cities like Oklahoma City in a single afternoon.

Why is April 22 significant?

At noon, a gunshot sent tens of thousands of settlers racing across the border to claim free land in the Oklahoma Territory — a chaotic, dusty scramble that founded whole cities like Oklahoma City in a single afternoon. Those who snuck in early to grab the best plots were called "Sooners," a name Oklahoma wears with pride today.

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