Callie Hutton | Oklahoma is for Lovers, Callie Hutton’s Lovers!

When someone mentions historical romance or western romance, Oklahoma is probably one of the last places that comes to mind. As a proud Oklahoman, I figured my home state would make a great setting for romance so I set out to learn more about it. Since starting my research, I’ve since written five books for my Oklahoma Lovers series, all of which are set in Guthrie, Oklahoma, except the last one, which starts in Guthrie and ends in Galveston, Texas. That book, ANYPLACE BUT HERE, was released May 13.

Still not convinced Oklahoma is for lovers? Let me share some of the fascinating historical facts I’ve discovered about the Sooner State.

Although I was a history major in college in New Jersey, somehow I missed the story of the Oklahoma Land Run. Shortly after we settled in Oklahoma, I took a job in the Archives Division of the Oklahoma State Library. It was there I learned about the Land Run. I researched it, and read everything I could get my hands on. The story of these brave men and women who left places they were familiar with, to race with thousands of others to get a piece of land, captivated me.

In my research, I discovered two main cities resulted from the Run. One was Oklahoma City—the present capital of Oklahoma, and the other was Guthrie, which was the Territorial Capital. Once Oklahoma became a state, the capital was moved.

On April 22nd, 1889−a bright, sunny day−thousands of men, women and children circled Oklahoma Territory (formerly Unassigned Lands), and waited for the bugles to blow and the cannons to roar. Precisely at noon, the race began. The land-hungry pioneers raced on horseback, in wagons, on bicycle, and some even on foot. The area was so immense that not too long after the race began, the runners had disappeared. Some never saw another soul until they claimed their land.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and the race had its cheaters−dubbed “Sooners.” These claimants snuck into the territory before the official start of the race. Some uncaught Sooners waited until the homesteaders nearly arrived, and jumped onto their horses and rode until the animals were sweating and out of breath, making it seem as though they had just arrived. Another Sooner was already living on a piece of illegally obtained land with a plowed garden and onions sprouting several inches high!

Years of lawsuits followed the Run, straightening out titles to land that had been illegally claimed.

Guthrie started that day with zero population and a tiny train station, and ended with more than ten thousand people living in tents. By the end of the first week, buildings had already been erected, and a thriving town established.

Guthrie today has kept its small town flavor. I recently attended the 89er Celebration−the anniversary of the Land Run. Lots of activities were scheduled −a rodeo, chuck wagon feast, old time baseball game, and a parade. People from all over the state descended on Guthrie to honor the men and women of the Land Run. The many antique stores did a booming business. On another trip to Guthrie, I visited the pharmacy museum, which is very interesting and well- stocked. Set up like a regular pharmacy, treatments for all sorts of illnesses line the shelves, and there is also a soda fountain. Exhibits such as this enable me to craft authentic historical descriptions to readers can truly “travel back in time.”

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of Oklahoma history that I find so fascinating and understand now why I say “Oklahoma is for lovers”!

About Callie Hutton

USA Today best selling author of THE ELUSIVE WIFE, Callie Hutton writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, and daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. She also recently welcomed twin grandsons to her ever expanding family. Callie loves to hear from readers, and would welcome you as a “friend” on Facebook. You can contact her through her website.

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About ANYPLACE BUT HERE

1907 Guthrie, Oklahoma.

What or who is Emily Cabot hiding from? Hunter Henderson is home from a ten- year stint with the Texas Rangers and wants to know. The Harvey House waitress has caught his eye and possibly his heart. But he knows she’s hiding something and he won’t stop until he uncovers her secrets . . .

And then she disappears.