Volume 18 , Issue 37

NW Okie's Journey

This week we bring you some history of Indian Territory, and the Land Run of 22d April 1889.

"Listen, now, you people who have gone to Oklahoma for land and failed to get it; who realize now that you are face to face with the realities of a pioneer's life - its discomforts, its unrefinements, its lack of school, church and social privileges its absence of fruits, yes and the absence of crops for two years, until the sod can be turned and tamed, listen of this better land, this "sure thing." - This paragraph was taken from The Walnut Valley Times, El Dorado, Kansas, 22 April 1889, Monday, page 1.



Black and white film footage of Guthrie. Begins with parade scene in downtown. Story of early Guthrie: Santa Fe Railroad established there in 1887, Deer Creek at the time. Renamed after judge John Guthrie. Photos and synopsis of the 1889 Land Run. Four townships created: East Guthrie, West Guthrie, South Guthrie and Capitol Hill. Established government, construction of buildings, arbitration boards. Oklahoma Territory created in 1890.

George Washington Steele acted as first territorial governor. Culture flourished; The State Capital Publishing Company, saloons and theaters thrived. Taxes and fines were implemented, speed limit of six miles per hour was enforced. Brick roads and street cars soon followed and the Constitutional Convention was held in Guthrie's City Hall in 1906. Charles Haskell was elected as Oklahoma's first governor and his inauguration took place on the front steps of the Carnegie Library on November 16, 1907. A vote to move the capital to Oklahoma City happened on June 11, 1910. William B. Anthony relocated the seal and constitution.

Earl Keyes is interviewed about the removal and the Enabling Act. Film ends with more shots of downtown Guthrie. Narrated by Jack Ogle. Produced by Gene Allen and Jerry Powell. Research was conducted by the Oklahoma University Archives and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Good Night! Good Luck! We are "Stronger Together!"
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