| Event Name: | Oklahoma Land Rush of 1895 |
| Image Alt: | A black-and-white photograph of cowboys on their horses |
| Aka: | Oklahoma Land Rush |
| Location: | Central Oklahoma |
| Date: | May 23, 1895 |
The Land Run of 1895 was the smallest and last land run in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It came about with an agreement between the Kickapoo people and the federal government that gave individual Kickapoos 22640acres.[1] The federal government purchased the remaining 183440acres and opened them up to settlers.[1]
The land run took place on May 23, 1895.[2] It was delayed since 1890, because of debate among tribal members over whether to accept allotment offers.[2] Federal officials used "unscrupulous methods" to gain the signatures of tribal leaders and the Kickapoo Allotment Act was passed by the U.S. Congress on March 30, 1893.[2] The proclamation opening the land was signed by President Grover Cleveland.[2]
The Kickapoo reservation had consisted of 206662acres and lay between the Deep Fork and North Canadian rivers, bounded on the east by the former Sac and Fox reservation and on the west by the Indian Meridian.[2] Only 88000acres were available for homesteading, as land was set aside for schools.[2]
The small scope of the fifth and final land run resulted in numerous lawsuits and land contests.[2] Future land openings were handled by auction or lottery.[2] Many individuals were unable to claim land and Oklahoma Territorial Governor William C. Renfrow opened up an additional 90000acres of school land for lease to give those individuals an opportunity.[2]
The land run led to the formation of McLoud, Hagar, Wellston, Kickapoo, and North Wichita, Oklahoma; and increased the size of Lincoln, Pottawatomie, and Oklahoma counties.[2]