So, You Wanna Know How Many Black Folks Were Chillin' in Oklahoma Territory by 1900? Buckle Up!
Ah, Oklahoma Territory in 1900. Land runs, cowboys (or should we say cow folks?), and a whole heap of folks lookin' for a fresh start. But what about the Black community? Were they movin' on up to greener pastures too? You bet your boots they were!
The Great Migration and the Land Run Shuffle
See, after slavery ended, many Black folks, especially those who were formerly enslaved by Native American tribes (yes, that was a thing), headed to Oklahoma Territory. It was like the Wild West version of a gold rush, but instead of shiny rocks, it was fertile land and the chance to build a new life. The official Oklahoma Land Run of 1889 was a wild scene, with folks literally racing to stake their claim. Now, some folks might say Black folks got a head start because they were already there, but hey, sometimes a good head start is all you need!
Counting Folks Back Then Wasn't Exactly High Tech
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Now, pinpointing the exact number of Black folks in Oklahoma Territory by 1900 gets a little tricky. Back then, census takers weren't exactly rolling around with fancy smartphones. It was more pen, paper, and maybe a good horse to get around. Estimates suggest there were around 55,000 Black folks callin' Oklahoma Territory home by 1900. That's a pretty sizable chunk of folks, considering the total population wasn't exactly booming at the time.
Black Wall Street and Beyond: Building a Community
These Black settlers weren't just there to claim land. They were building communities. Places like Boley, Oklahoma, became known as "Black Wall Streets," thriving towns where Black folks could run businesses, own homes, and create a space free from discrimination.
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But Hold Up, Wasn't Oklahoma Territory Part of Indian Territory Too?
That's a great question! Oklahoma Territory was originally separate from Indian Territory, but eventually they became one big happy (or maybe not so happy) state called Oklahoma. But that's a story for another time!
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| How Many Blacks Were Living In Oklahoma Territory By 1900 |
FAQ: Oklahoma Territory Black Population Edition (Quick and Dirty)
How do I learn more about Black history in Oklahoma?
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The Oklahoma Historical Society is a great place to start! They have tons of resources online and in their museums.
How did Black folks get to Oklahoma Territory?
Many came after the Civil War, either as former slaves of Native American tribes or seeking new opportunities.
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What were some of the challenges Black folks faced in Oklahoma Territory?
Discrimination, violence, and competition for land were all issues they had to overcome.
What is Black Wall Street?
Black Wall Street was a nickname for thriving Black communities in Oklahoma, particularly Boley.
I wanna visit Oklahoma and learn more! Where should I go?
The Greenwood Cultural Center ("Black Wall Street") in Tulsa and the Boley Historical Society are both excellent starting points!
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