Sooners

The term "Sooners" refers to settlers who entered the Unassigned Lands in what is now the state of Oklahoma before the official opening date of the Land Run of 1889. The Unassigned Lands were a portion of land ceded to the United States by various Native American tribes after the Civil War. These lands were to be opened for settlement, but only on a specific date, to ensure fairness and prevent land grabbing.

Those who entered the territory early, attempting to stake claims before the legal time, were dubbed "Sooners," implying they had entered the land "sooner" than they were supposed to. The term carried a negative connotation, associated with cheating and lawlessness. Despite the negative origin, the name was eventually adopted by the University of Oklahoma as its official nickname.

The Land Run of 1889 officially commenced at noon on April 22, 1889. Those who waited until the designated time were called "Boomers," representing the boom of settlement that occurred when the territory was legally opened.

The origin of the term "Sooner" is debated. Some believe it was coined by soldiers stationed along the border of the Unassigned Lands, while others suggest it came from land surveyors marking claims. Regardless of its exact origin, the term quickly became synonymous with those who violated the land run rules.

Over time, the negative associations of the term diminished, and the University of Oklahoma adopted "Sooners" as its mascot, embracing the pioneering spirit and the history of the state. The university's teams are known as the Oklahoma Sooners, and the phrase "Boomer Sooner" is a common rallying cry for supporters.