This Day Boom Town (1889) w/ Sam Anderson
Apr 22, 2021
Join Sam Anderson, a New York Times Magazine writer and author of 'Boomtown,' as he unpacks the 1889 Oklahoma land rush. He vividly describes the chaos as tens of thousands of settlers scrambled for free land, reflecting America's evolving identity. The discussion touches on the clash of cultures and the impact on Native rights, revealing the ethical dilemmas of land ownership. Sam also connects this chaotic beginning to the complex narrative of Oklahoma City's history, weaving a tale of resilience amid challenges.
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Chaos Meets Manifest Destiny
- The Oklahoma land rush was chaotic, with tens of thousands rushing into unassigned Indian territory to claim free land at noon on April 22, 1889.
- This event represented modern America’s expansionist, opportunistic spirit, mixing chaos with dreams of instant wealth and settlement.
Disorderly Land Grab
- The land rush was marked by profound chaos and disorder due to poor planning and impossible terrain supervision.
- Multiple starting signals and widespread cheating made for a confusing and unregulated land grab.
Free Land as Modern Miracle
- In 1889, free land was a modern miracle, attracting global migrants amid America nearing the close of Manifest Destiny.
- The event was a major media spectacle with journalists reporting on it, reflecting its significant national impact.
