Oklahoma Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Oklahoma Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Oklahoma Day is observed on April 22nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Oklahoma Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Oklahoma Day.

📅 What day is Oklahoma Day 2024?

In 2024, Oklahoma Day is on Saturday, April 22nd. It is the 4th Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about April 22, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Oklahoma Day is a special day observed annually on April 22 in the United States. It commemorates the opening of the Oklahoma region to European settlement in 1889. The day is also known as “Oklahoma 89ers Day” and the main festivities take place in Guthrie, the original land office located approximately 80 miles away from the starting line. The original participants of the land rush, called the “89ers,” reenacted the event in 1915, and since then, Guthrie celebrates with an “89ers” festival every year. To pay tribute to this significant day, various parades and celebrations are organized across different parts of Oklahoma.

📜 Oklahoma Day History

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase brought a new area into the United States, even though it was previously inhabited by the Osage and Quapaw people. However, in the 1830s, the Indian Removal Act and the Indian Intercourse Act forcefully displaced thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in Oklahoma. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail tells the stories of the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles who were forcibly removed from their homes.

In the mid-1800s, ranchers in Texas and Kansas struggled to meet the food demands of growing cities. To make more land available for farming, the Dawes Act was passed in 1887, which took away Native Americans’ control over most of Oklahoma’s territory. On April 22, 1889, this land was opened up for European immigrants through the Land Run, where several counties in Oklahoma were offered for colonization. Settlements could claim small pieces of land after a specific time, usually by noon on a given date. The anniversary of this event is celebrated as Oklahoma Day. Finally, on November 16, 1907, Congress granted statehood to Oklahoma.

✅ Oklahoma Day Facts

🔖 200 man-made lakes
With the exception of Oklahoma, which boasts an impressive 200 man-made lakes, no other state can match its abundance.

🔖 20th largest American State
Oklahoma ranks as the 20th largest state in the United States, covering a land area of 69,903 square miles.

🔖 World’s largest alabaster deposit
Alabaster Caverns near Freedom is home to the largest alabaster deposit in the world.

👍 Why Is Oklahoma Day Important

Oklahoma is informally known as “The Sooner State.” It has a lengthy history and cultural legacy dating back more than 210 years. There are numerous historical sites to visit, including the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, the holy city, and the Centennial Land Run Monument.

Oklahoma is also home to the University of Oklahoma (O.U.). Aside from the Sooner football team, the University of Oklahoma is the nation’s foremost meteorology center. They also have the greatest natural history artifact collection in the country, as well as the biggest American Indian population of any state.

Oklahoma is well-known for many things, but one of the most prominent is the state’s large number of great musicians. Just a few examples include Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Roger Miller, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Patti Page, and Charlie Christian, a jazz electric guitar pioneer.

🙂 How To Observe Oklahoma Day

⚡ Take a food road trip to Oklahoma
To work up a hunger, go for a long drive along the open roads of Oklahoma. Discover the state’s top-notch restaurants and their fascinating stories. Embark on exciting adventures in Oklahoma and showcase them on social media using the hashtags #NationalOklahomaDay or #OklahomaDay.

⚡ Participate in an Oklahoman state event
There are various events happening throughout Oklahoma to celebrate the holiday. Leading up to the holiday, some schools offer unique courses, museums hold special exhibitions, and there might even be live performances. Make sure to attend one of the Oklahoma Day celebrations happening across the state.

⚡ Read about Oklahoma’s history
Discover the rich history and vibrant community of Oklahoma. Immerse yourself in the culture by watching a documentary or film about the state. Gather your loved ones for a fun gathering, and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Oklahoma dishes while watching the movie together.

📅 When is Oklahoma Day?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Oklahoma Day. So be sure to check back soon.