We took a tour of the brand new Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. Back in 1893, the U.S. opened up the Indian territory land to anyone for settlement. Their idea of organizing this land "give-away" was to have everyone line up and at noon on Sept. 16, it was a free for all, whoever could race to the claim point/homestead first got the land. If you've ever seen the Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman movie, "Far and Away" it's based on this event. This was the largest land run in history and is also called the most competitive human event in history.
The town of Enid began on this day because they built a land office where the people went to register their claims. This museum now has the last original land office building. Here is it:
The museum itself, told all about Enid's history from the Indians to the homesteaders to the cattle drives to the oil boom to today. It was very interesting! And it really made me realize how easy our lives are today compared to these pioneers.
We had lunch at a cool spot- the Enid airport! This is a small regional airport but they have a little cafe that had great food. The sandwiches, especially were good because they used homemade bread. The seating area has huge windows that overlook the runways so you can watch the planes come in and out while you eat.
I had to drive Bruce to Joplin to meet up with my sister to ride together the rest of the way. I am so happy to tell you that Bruce stayed cool the whole time!! Even in this 100+ degree weather! Yay! I'm so proud of him! :)
Fountain updates:
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| No. 74- Lamar and College in OP |
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| No. 75- 135th and Rowe in Leawood, KS |
Til next time...Laura
