USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The people who campaigned for opening Oklahoma land to white settlers-before the Indian Appropriations Act of 1889 was passed-were known as “boomers.” Those who illegally entered the land early to claim plots during the Land Run were known as “sooners.”

Detailed explanation-2: -Under the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers could claim 160 acres of public land and receive title to the property after five years if they lived on and improved the plot. Women, although legally prohibited from voting, were eligible to participate in the Land Rush, and there was no citizenship requirement either.

Detailed explanation-3: -Boomers were settlers who worked for the opening to homesteading of the so-called Unassigned Lands located at the eastern margins of territory taken from the Creeks and Seminoles of Indian Territory after the Civil War.

Detailed explanation-4: -While some people think that the settlers who entered the territory at the legally appointed time were known as “boomers", the term actually refers to those who campaigned for the opening of the lands, led by David L. Payne. The University of Oklahoma’s fight song, “Boomer Sooner", derives from these two names.