Land Run of 1895

Oklahoma Land Rush of 1895
A black-and-white photograph of cowboys on their horses
A land rush in progress.
DateMay 23, 1895
LocationCentral Oklahoma
Also known asOklahoma Land Rush

The Land Run of 1895 was the smallest and last land run in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It came about with an agreement between the Kickapoo people and the federal government that gave individual Kickapoos 22,640 acres (91.6 km2).[1] The federal government purchased the remaining 183,440 acres (742.4 km2) and opened them up to settlers.[1]

The land run took place on May 23, 1895.[2] It was delayed since 1890, because of debate among tribal members over whether to accept allotment offers.[2] Federal officials used "unscrupulous methods" to gain the signatures of tribal leaders and the Kickapoo Allotment Act was passed by the U.S. Congress on March 30, 1893.[2] The proclamation opening the land was signed by President Grover Cleveland.[2]

  1. ^ a b Land Run Archived 2009-06-24 at the Wayback Machine at Ponca City, Oklahoma (accessed April 8, 2010)
  2. ^ a b c d Wilson, Linda D. Kickapoo Opening Archived 2012-11-19 at the Wayback Machine, Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture (accessed April 12, 2010)