Land run

A land run was a method of distributing public land to settlers on a "first-come, first-served" basis. This typically involved a designated boundary line, and at a specific time, settlers were allowed to race from that line to claim a tract of land. The individual who arrived first and staked their claim successfully obtained ownership.

Land runs were most commonly associated with the opening of unassigned lands in what is now the state of Oklahoma in the late 19th century. These runs were driven by the desire for land ownership and the promise of a new life in the American West.

Key elements of a land run included:

• Designated Boundary Line: A clear starting point for the race.
• Official Start Time: A precise moment when settlers were permitted to begin their race. This was often signaled by a gunshot or other agreed-upon signal.
• Claim Staking: Settlers were required to mark their chosen land with a stake or other identifier to establish their claim.
• Land Office Registration: Following the run, successful claimants needed to register their claim at a land office to finalize ownership.

Land runs were often chaotic and dangerous, with participants competing fiercely for the most desirable land. There were accusations of "Sooners," individuals who illegally entered the territory before the designated start time to gain an unfair advantage. The land run system, while offering an opportunity for land ownership, was also subject to fraud, disputes, and hardship. They eventually gave way to other methods of land distribution, such as lotteries and auctions.