Oklahoma Land Run of 1889
As we read through history books and historical websites regarding the Land Run of 1889 (and other land runs), we realize just how crazy and chaotic that time really was. Stories are told and repeated but from what perspective? Pictures are shown in black and white displaying the “real” story, but according to whom are the stories real? As students read through books and articles and websites regarding this historical event, they need to keep in mind the idea of perspective or subjunctive framing. Think about who is telling the story, who is presenting the information, is it really factual, and can the information be proven valid?
According to several sources from the Oklahoma Historical Societies, the Land Run of 1889 was governed with little to no rules and those in charge of making sure things stayed fair for all “Boomers” were shady as well. The stories of cheating Marshalls and lawmen are given from the perspective of the men and women who were cheated. Again, think about what the perspective would be from the lawmen. Would the stories be the same or different?
The first-hand historical texts give us the point of view of the white settlers, but not much is said about the Indian tribes forced to leave their newly acquired lands. What is the perspective from the Indian tribes of the Oklahoma Land Runs? How did the President's ruling affect them and their way of living? There are always more sides to a story than the one we're given. Subjunctive framing takes place here because we are only told about the white settlers staking their claim on their new land. Students will have a chance to read some of these first hand experiences and decipher for themselves the “facts.”
Here is what we do know about the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889:
· President Harrison signed a proclamation allowing Oklahoma (Unassigned Lands) to be settled and claimed.
· Several land runs took place, but April 22, 1889 at noon was the first official land run after the President signed the agreement.
· Settlers could claim 160 acre lots. After five years of working the land and improving it, the settlers would gain the title to their property.
· Below is a map of the lands made available with each new land run.
As we read through history books and historical websites regarding the Land Run of 1889 (and other land runs), we realize just how crazy and chaotic that time really was. Stories are told and repeated but from what perspective? Pictures are shown in black and white displaying the “real” story, but according to whom are the stories real? As students read through books and articles and websites regarding this historical event, they need to keep in mind the idea of perspective or subjunctive framing. Think about who is telling the story, who is presenting the information, is it really factual, and can the information be proven valid?
According to several sources from the Oklahoma Historical Societies, the Land Run of 1889 was governed with little to no rules and those in charge of making sure things stayed fair for all “Boomers” were shady as well. The stories of cheating Marshalls and lawmen are given from the perspective of the men and women who were cheated. Again, think about what the perspective would be from the lawmen. Would the stories be the same or different?
The first-hand historical texts give us the point of view of the white settlers, but not much is said about the Indian tribes forced to leave their newly acquired lands. What is the perspective from the Indian tribes of the Oklahoma Land Runs? How did the President's ruling affect them and their way of living? There are always more sides to a story than the one we're given. Subjunctive framing takes place here because we are only told about the white settlers staking their claim on their new land. Students will have a chance to read some of these first hand experiences and decipher for themselves the “facts.”
Here is what we do know about the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889:
· President Harrison signed a proclamation allowing Oklahoma (Unassigned Lands) to be settled and claimed.
· Several land runs took place, but April 22, 1889 at noon was the first official land run after the President signed the agreement.
· Settlers could claim 160 acre lots. After five years of working the land and improving it, the settlers would gain the title to their property.
· Below is a map of the lands made available with each new land run.