How Oklahoma Became a State

Oklahoma is a state located in the south-central region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscape of prairies, mountains, and forests, as well as its rich Native American heritage. The state of Oklahoma was officially admitted to the Union in 1907, becoming the 46th state in the United States. But how did Oklahoma become a state?

Pre-Statehood History

Native American Tribes in Oklahoma

Prior to Oklahoma becoming a state, the area was home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Osage, Quapaw, and Cherokee. These tribes had lived in the area for hundreds of years, and had developed their own unique cultures and traditions. The Osage were the first to sign a treaty with the United States government, ceding their land in 1808. The Quapaw signed a treaty in 1818, and the Cherokee signed a treaty in 1828. All three tribes were eventually forced to relocate to Oklahoma, and their lands were taken over by the United States.

Land Acquisitions by the United States

The United States began acquiring land in Oklahoma in the early 1800s, primarily through treaties with Native American tribes. In 1819, the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase, which included a large portion of what is now Oklahoma. In 1834, the United States acquired the Indian Territory, which included the eastern half of modern-day Oklahoma. In 1854, the United States acquired the western half of modern-day Oklahoma through the Gadsden Purchase. These acquisitions allowed the United States to gain control of the entire area, paving the way for Oklahoma to eventually become a state.

The United States also acquired land in Oklahoma through a series of treaties with Native American tribes. In 1866, the United States signed a treaty with the Cherokee Nation, which ceded their land in exchange for money and a new reservation in Oklahoma. This treaty was followed by similar treaties with the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek tribes. These treaties allowed the United States to gain control of the entire area, and paved the way for Oklahoma to become a state.

In addition to treaties with Native American tribes, the United States also acquired land in Oklahoma through a series of land runs. The first of these land runs took place in 1889, when the Unassigned Lands were opened up for settlement. This was followed by the Cherokee Outlet Land Run in 1893, and the Land Run of 1895. These land runs allowed settlers to stake their claim to land in Oklahoma, and helped to open up the area for settlement.

The United States also acquired land in Oklahoma through a series of land grants. These grants were given to settlers who had served in the military, or to those who had been granted land by the federal government. These grants allowed settlers to claim land in Oklahoma, and helped to open up the area for settlement.

The Oklahoma Organic Act

Overview of the Act

The Oklahoma Organic Act was a piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1890. It was the first step in the process of making Oklahoma a state. The act provided for the organization of the Oklahoma Territory and the admission of the Territory as a state. It also provided for the organization of a territorial government and the election of a territorial governor. The act also set forth the boundaries of the Territory and provided for the appointment of a territorial delegate to the United States Congress.

Passage of the Act

The Oklahoma Organic Act was introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts on February 27, 1890. The bill was debated in the Senate for several weeks before it was passed on April 22, 1890. The bill was then sent to the House of Representatives where it was debated for several more weeks before it was passed on May 2, 1890. President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill into law on May 4, 1890. This marked the beginning of the process of making Oklahoma a state.

The passage of the Oklahoma Organic Act was a significant milestone in the history of Oklahoma. It provided the framework for the organization of the Territory and the eventual admission of the Territory as a state. It also provided the framework for the organization of a territorial government and the election of a territorial governor. The passage of the act was a major step in the process of making Oklahoma a state.

Statehood

Ratification of the Constitution

The process of Oklahoma becoming a state began with the ratification of the Oklahoma Constitution. This Constitution was drafted in 1906, and was approved by a majority of voters in the state. It was then sent to the United States Congress for approval. The Constitution was reviewed by Congress and was found to be in compliance with the United States Constitution. Congress then passed a bill that allowed Oklahoma to become a state. This bill was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt and became law on November 16, 1907.

Admission to the Union

Once the Constitution was ratified and the bill was signed, Oklahoma officially became a state. On November 17, 1907, the first state legislature was sworn in. The first governor of Oklahoma was Charles N. Haskell. He was sworn in on November 18, 1907. On June 16, 1908, Oklahoma was officially admitted to the Union as the 46th state. This marked the end of the process of Oklahoma becoming a state.

The admission of Oklahoma to the Union was celebrated with a large parade in the state capital of Guthrie. Thousands of people attended the parade, which included a large number of Native American tribes. The parade was a symbol of the state's diverse population and its commitment to the Union. The parade was a sign of the progress that Oklahoma had made in becoming a state.