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How to Reenact the Oklahoma Land Run

The Oklahoma Land Rush was an unprecedented moment in American history. Congress sent out a ruling that at noon on April 22, 1889, interested parties could gather at the Arkansas or Texas borders and would be allowed to enter the Oklahoma territory, claim a parcel of unclaimed land, and file for ownership over that land. With a few easy steps and enthusiastic participants of all ages, you can re-create and celebrate America's westward expansion.

Things You'll Need

  • Red wagons or other open carts
  • PVC pipe
  • Gorilla or duct tape
  • Muslin material (three to four yards per team)
  • Cowboy and prairie costume pieces
  • Wooden stakes
  • Flags
  • One tent per team
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reserve a large piece of land for the date of the event. The piece of land can be a large field at a park, but ideally you would want to rent the whole park if possible.

    • 2

      Using the wooden stakes, stake out land lots. Each lot size should be clearly marked, and big enough for a campsite.

    • 3

      Organize teams. Teams should consist of three to five people, and include at least one responsible teenager or adult to supervise.

    • 4

      Encourage each team to build its own covered wagon. Using a Red Flyer wagon or other open cart, attach PVC pipes with duct tape to the wagons, and cover the wagons with muslin. Or allow teams to get creative with their covered wagons using other materials of their choosing. The wagons will carry each team's tent. Also, teams can dress up in cowboy or prairie costumes to more fully recreate the land run event.

    • 5

      Direct all teams to line up along the chosen starting line on the day of the race. The host signals the start of the race, and teams head out to find and claim land. To officially claim a piece of land, the team has to set up its tent right away.

    • 6

      Continue the event by directing the teams to plan their new homestead and what role they will play in establishing the new Oklahoma town. The host either provides roles for each team depending on what land lots the teams claim, or lets them create their own roles.

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