See also: University of Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma had been divided into two sections: the "Indian Territory", and the "Oklahoma Territory". The former was set aside for the settlement of Native Americans (hence the name), while the latter was reserved for white settlement and gradually opened up to pioneers, section by section, throughout the late 19th century.

"Sooners" was the term applied to those who entered the territory before the actual start of the "rushes" that were sponsored by the U.S. government. This attraction of free land brought out the malevolent intent of some people who then fiercely defended their ill-gotten gains. Since that time the state of Oklahoma has been nicknamed "The Sooner State".