The Great Land Run: Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City

In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Track,’ we take a look at protecting the past for posterity. 

William Fremont Harn would never have come to Oklahoma if it wasn't for his assignment to investigate spurious land claims after the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, depicted here. Public Domain

Many aspects of American history have been lost to time, invention, and technology. Yet, discerning historians know that some sites must be preserved in order to provide each generation an opportunity to look back and realize the fortitude involved in establishing the United States.

Harn Homestead is one of those protected educational hamlets—surrounded by mostly modern downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It’s within sight and walking distance of the 1917-built, classically columned, domed Capitol. Turn off of a main road to the Capitol, park in a pastoral lot, and enter through a gate to experience a 10-acre, western settlement and farm.