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The Land Run

The Land Run of 1889 was a pivotal point in Oklahoma's history. The opening of the Unassigned Lands to settlement brought thousands of settlers to the region, and set the stage for statehood.

Here are a list of important historic sites and a wonderful celebration dedicated to the history of the Land Run of 1889.

Important Sites

Site of the Original Land Office (Guthrie's "Smallest National Park")

Tucked away on the west side of the Post Office next to the fence line closest to the sidewalk is a tree that stands on the site of the original land office. Originally, the site was to be recognized by the State by setting aside of a 100-foot-square monument commemorating the Land Run, but was transcribed into the record books as setting aside 100 square feet, and thus, this tiny monument was established.

After the land became Federal Property through the Postal Service, ownership and maintenance fell to the Federal government - making it a monument on National property.

The '89er Days Celebration

For 90 years and counting, the '89er Days Celebration every April has been an annual event in Guthrie. Five days of activity, including a chuck wagon dinner and auction, carnival rides, food and craft vendors, downtown car & motorcycle show, games, rodeo and the huge parade down Oklahoma Avenue, celebrate the historic birth of Guthrie.  See www.89erdays.com for dates and schedule.

Union
Railway Station

The Union Railway Station, 409 West Oklahoma Avenue, was constructed in 1920 by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway.At 409 West Oklahoma Avenue  This station lies alongside the the very rail line that brought land seekers into Guthrie the day of the Land Run, April 22, 1889, to stake their claims.

The rail line is still in use today, and "The Guthrie Depot" offers Gage's Steakhouse restaurant and an event center for weddings, reunions and celebrations.

Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum, 406 E. Oklahoma Ave., focuses on the land run of 1889 and the history and culture at the time of settlement of the Unassigned Lands through statehood. The museum also houses research resources, and has very knowledgeable staff.

The Carnegie Library attached to the Museum is the oldest Carnegie Library still standing in Oklahoma, and is the site of the inauguration of the last territorial governor and of the first state governor, Governor Haskell. It was also the site of a statehood ceremony that symbolically married Oklahoma and Indian Territories to create the state of Oklahoma.

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The Museum and Library are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.), and admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for Seniors age 55+, and $3 for children ages 6 to 18. Admission is FREE on the Saturday of the '89er Days Celebration parade, which falls this year on April 21st.

Convention Hall
'89er Days Celebration
Sample Itinerary

Thursday 

  • Pick up your 2018 '89er Days Commemorative Festival Button at the American Legion Le Bron Post #58, 123 N. 1st St. ($5/each)

  • Listen to music by the Guthrie Jazz Band while perusing vendors in the historic downtown on 1st Street.

  • Watch teams race beds down east Oklahoma Avenue downtown during The Great Bed Run starting at 6:00 p.m.

  • Grab dinner from a downtown food truck or local restaurant

  • Check into a local hotel or bed and breakfast.

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Friday

  • Grab breakfast at one of Guthrie's many restaurants

  • Tour local museums and visit points of interest in town to learn the history of Guthrie, of Oklahoma, and of the Land Run

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  • Bring kids age 3-7 to race in the Big Wheel Race on Oklahoma Avenue by the Post Office (5:00 pm)

  • Choose between the Old Timer's Baseball Game at Squire's Field (Springer St.) or tour the classic car and motorcycles on display in the downtown at the Geezers, Gassers, and Hawgs show

  • Grab a drink at a local watering hole

  • Get some rest to enjoy more on Saturday!

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Saturday

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Sunday, April 22nd

  • Depart for home with Guthrie's thanks and a lot of great memories!

Convention Hall, located at the east end of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 900 E. Oklahoma Ave., is Oklahoma's first permanent, although short-lived, place of self-government, the building where the state Legislature met in 1909-10 before the election that made Oklahoma City the state capital. (The First Legislature, in 1907-08, met in borrowed quarters at Guthrie City Hall.)  

The legislative hall, built in 1908, was later home to Oklahoma Methodist University, now Oklahoma City University. After the university left, the city of Guthrie transferred the building and 10-plus-acre Capitol Park to Scottish Rite Building Co. The Masons built the huge, ornate Indiana limestone temple in the 1920s and attached it to the former legislature building.

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Center conducts tours of their entire facility Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for $5/person (fees are waived for Masons and for children), though they recommend calling ahead at 405-282-1281 to ensure they're not reserved for a special event.

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