The Oklahoma Land Run of 1889 Monument is an expansive art installation created by artist Paul Moore. It is located in the Oklahoma City Bricktown District and commemorates the Land Run of 1889, a pivotal event in the state’s history when approximately 50,000 people participated in a race to claim land in what became Oklahoma Territory. This Land Run set the stage for the development of Oklahoma Territory and ultimately the statehood of Oklahoma in 1907 (Wikipedia; Travel Oklahoma).

The monument consists of 45 life-size bronze sculptures that capture the chaos, excitement, and determination of that historic day. The figures are spread across several hundred feet, depicting a frenzied moment in time as settlers rushed to stake their claims on the available lands. The installation gives visitors a sense of the scale and intensity of the Land Run, bringing a significant piece of Oklahoma’s history to life (Land Run Monument; The Oklahoman).

The Centennial Land Run Monument is not only an attraction for those interested in the history of the American West but also serves as a family park that provides an immersive experience of this historical event. It is a reminder of the day when thousands of men, women, and children, known as “boomers” and “sooners,” made a mad dash to claim one of the 12,000 available land tracts (Oklahoma Legal Group).

The monument has been a subject of discussion and reflection, especially as it relates to the impact of the Land Run on Native American communities and the complexities of this historical event (KOSU).