Oklahoma City Art Commission Moves Forward With Adding To Land Run Monument

The Land Run of 1889 depicts an important moment in Oklahoma history.

“The morning of the Land Run, Oklahoma City didn't exist, by that evening it was a city of 10,000 people. That had rushed in along with a lot of other people who had staked claims out through central Oklahoma in what was called the unassigned lands at that time,” Randy Marks with the City of OKC said.

The monument along the Bricktown Canal shows people on horses and carriages along with a Sooner who left before the cannon was fired. 

Brenda Golden with the Society to Protect Indigenous Rights and Indigenous Treaties (SPIRIT) said this monument doesn't share the dark side of this story.

“This was harmful to our ancestors,” Golden said.

Golden said this was not free land, it was home to several tribes.

This land was occupied. Before it was a state, before it was Indian territory, the Comanche, the Kiowa, Wichita actually had land here. 

Golden said SPIRIT has been protesting this monument for years, and with the help of the city, she said things are finally changing.

“This project, which is intended to tell the broader story that the land run exists within the 10,000 year history of the who were here and those who were forcibly removed here,” Marks said.

SPIRIT and the city are now working on a three-phase project to add indigenous perspectives to the monument, whether it be markers, or a piece of art. Golden said it's a chance for her to tell her side of history.

“It is just a huge opportunity for tourists to learn about Oklahoma and the true history of our state,” Golden said.

The Oklahoma City Arts Commission approved the report. This now goes to the City Council to look into putting out a request to artists.