Today in 1889, settlers rushed to claim parts of Oklahoma in what is known as the Land Run of 1889. The term “Sooner” originated from this day — those who staked claims before the run began to get the best pieces of land first.
But the land was already inhabited by American Indians who were forced there from their original homes. To some, the day is an important one in Oklahoma’s history, but not one of celebration.
The Moore-Lindsey Historical House and Museum and the Jacobson House Native Art Center will host an exhibit called “180 for 89er’s Day Perspective.” The Moore-Lindsey home will feature an exhibit of the Land Run participants, while the Jacobson House will feature the American Indian land lost through artwork, stories and photographs, said Kricket Rhoads-Connywerdy, Jacobson House executive director. The Jacobson House is in the process of setting up the exhibit today, she said. Both will open Friday.
Connywerdy said there will be a human perspective through the artwork and stories, including some person accounts from American Indians.
“I think Native American people might come to the Jacobson House first, and I think the people that celebrate 89ers Day, as opposed to mourn it, would go to the Moore-Lindsey home. Then they can come here, and our constituents can go there and see both sides of the story,” she said.
Connywerdy said she thinks the presentation will be tasteful, but has always wondered why 89ers Day is considered a celebration.
“It was a real hard time for the pioneers, but it was hard here too,” she said. “There’s a difference between history and talking about our history and celebrating something. I don’t understand that concept of celebrating.”
Oliver Plumley, American Indian Student Association president, said he thinks there needs to be more education about the Land Run. He said it’s a touchy subject because the Land Run is part of state history, but educators also need to tell the truth about the American Indians who were already here.
“I wouldn’t mind having something passed in the Oklahoma government for more education about the Land Run,” said Plumley, Native American studies junior.
Wes Wilson, Society of Native American Gentlemen member, said some people have strong opinions about what happened, but he also thinks people need to be more educated about what actually happened.
“There’s always two tales to every story,” said Wilson, sociology senior. “Everyone should be educated so that they can judge and make their own decisions.”
Connywerdy echoed Wilson’s thoughts.
“I have two grandmas, one is Indian and one isn’t, you know? You have two stories there,” Connywerdy said.
