Oklahoma Land Rush of April 22, 1889

Click to enlarge photos.

I recently ran into these photos of the Oklahoma Land Rush. Forbes gained early fame for his capturing of these images on April 22, 1889. He took these while he was in his transition period from cowboy to pioneer photographer.

Two Oklahoma Land Rush Photographs, "The Start" No. 149 and No. 150 by A. A. Forbes ca 1889. The Oklahoma land rush of 1889 was as much a celebration as it was an attempt to settle the region, considered some of the best unoccupied public land in the country. The rush started at high noon on April 22, 1889 with an estimated 50,000 people lined up for their piece of the available two million acres, and countless thousands more looking on. 

Description of the 2 photos from the auction house, Heritage Auctions: Here we have two nearly identical images by A.A. Forbes, each taken as the land rush began and the first of the 50,000 set off to stake their claims. Images measure approximately 7.5" x 4" and are affixed to slightly larger mounts, one of which bears Forbes' ink stamp on verso. Although one image is less exposed than the other, both are in fine condition.

These 2 photos appear to have been sold at auction in 2008. You can find the links to these 2 photos above by clicking here. Auction house info below:

Heritage Auctions
3500 Maple Ave., 17th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75219-3941
877-HERITAGE (437-4824)
(214) 528-3500
Fax: (214) 409-1425

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