What historic event is associated with the state’s name, Oklahoma?

The event associated with the state's name, Oklahoma, is the Land Run of 1889. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the state as it was the first major land rush into the Unassigned Lands of Indian Territory. On April 22, 1889, thousands of settlers raced to claim parcels of land that were previously set aside for Native American tribes. The term "Oklahoma" itself is derived from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma," meaning "red people," reflecting the region's indigenous heritage.

The Land Run is pivotal in understanding Oklahoma's transformation from a territory inhabited primarily by Native Americans to a state populated largely by settlers. It played a crucial role in the establishment of communities and the eventual statehood of Oklahoma in 1907, making it a foundational event in the state's narrative. It symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States and the conflicting interests between settlers and Native American populations during this period.