Volume 9 , Issue 18

An Okie Legacy Centennial Moment

Oklahoma Statehood of 1907 -- Many events led to Oklahoma statehood. The passage of the Organic Act on May 22, 1890 led the way for the formation of Oklahoma Territory. When the Dawes Commission completed its work, the Indian Territory was ready for statehood.

At various times each Territory wanted to become a state, but the US Congress did not approve this. For example, Indian leaders wanted their own Indian state to be named "Sequoyah." The Enabling Act of 1906 united both territories and paved the way for statehood.

A Constitutional Convention was held to draft a state constitution. An election to ratify the constitution and select sate and county officers was held on September 17, 1907. President Theodore Roosevelt accepted the constitution and Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907. The State Archives has records on the Constitutional convention, Territorial Governors and the Office of Governor.
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