At precisely twelve noon on Sept. 16, 1893 a cannon's boom unleashed the largest land rush America ever saw. Carried by all kinds of transportation- horses, wagons, trains, bicycles or on foot. An estimated 100,000 raced to claim plots of land in an area of land in northen Oklahoma Territory known as the Cherokee Strip. There had been a number of previous land rushes in the Territory - but this was the big one.
My Great Grandfather George W. Parson was 49 years old when the run took place. He made the run in a wagon with his family. One that was with him was my Grandfather Arthur R. (Cub) Parson that was 7 years old at the time. I always loved hearing Grandpa Cubs storys about the day of the run.
Many of the towns in Oklahoma honor this day,such as Wakita, Enid, Perry. Since I grew up in Wakita it was an every year celebration. These are photos of the 2012 Enid parade.