At noon on April 22, 1889, the history of Guthrie began when the firing of cannons signaled the start of the "run" to claim a part of the 2 million acres of land, previously known as the "Unassigned Lands" in Indian Territory.

Those seeking a 160 acre homestead, or a 25x125 foot city lot in a new town, came by various modes of transportation.

By horseback,

covered wagons,

buggys,

bicycles,

trains,

and yes, some even walked.

The Indians were unhappy because they had hoped to keep the Territory for their exclusive use and occupation.

That first night on their new homestead must have been the start of quite an adventure.

Guthrie became a thriving place by night fall, with a population of nearly 10,000 folks. However, not all settled in Guthrie, as many had staked out their 160 acre homestead and started construction of a shelter.  Most places at first were "dugouts" or "sod houses", only a few had lumber and materials for a wood house.

Almost immediately construction started on business places in Guthrie and soon there were a number of establishments.

Overnight, Guthrie became one of the largest towns west of the Mississippi. Many nice places of business were built, in a short period of time.

Dugouts and soddies were replaced with fine houses....

with modern conveniences.

There were a lot of folks that came to the area.

Some fellows with good intentions and...

some with bad.

All kinds of gals too....

pretty cowgirls...

and sofisticated ladies.

A lot of these early day Guthrie area settlers worked very hard, under difficult circumstances, to build a decent life for their familys.

Some of these people were related to you.

Whoa there cowboy! Turn around and ride on over to Guthrie for the 89er Celebration and the.....