Who is known as the "Father of Oklahoma"?

David L. Payne is recognized as the "Father of Oklahoma" primarily because of his significant role in the early efforts to settle the Unassigned Lands in what is now central Oklahoma. In the late 19th century, Payne was an influential figure in the land rush movement, advocating for the opening of these lands for settlement.

His persistent efforts to promote the idea of land opening included leading groups of settlers into the region to establish claims. He envisioned Oklahoma as a place for new opportunities and actively lobbied for the rights of settlers, which helped lay the groundwork for the eventual land runs that populated the area. His activism played a crucial role in drawing attention to Oklahoma and pushing for its development, thus earning him this notable designation in the history of the state.

The other individuals listed, while important in their own contexts, do not hold the same claim to this title. Will Rogers was a famed entertainer and cultural figure, Sequoyah is celebrated for creating the Cherokee syllabary, and John Wilkins, while involved in local history, does not share the same level of impact in relation to Oklahoma’s foundational settlement movement.