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, Iโve 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 Iโve 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 Cityโthe 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 โSooners.โ
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
โtravel back in time.โ
I hope you enjoyed this little bit of Oklahoma history that I find so
fascinating and understand now why I say โOklahoma is for loversโ!
USA Today best selling author of THE ELUSIVE WIFE, Callie Hutton writes both
Western Historical and Regency romance, with โhistoric elements and sensory
detailsโ (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 โfriendโ on Facebook. You can contact her through her website.
If you would like to keep informed on sales, contests and new releases, sign up
for her newsletter or join her street team, Callieโs Cohorts, where fun,
gossip, contests, and general mayhem lives and flourishes.
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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 sheโs hiding something
and he wonโt stop until he uncovers her secrets . . .
And then she disappears.
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