The First Eight Months

Founded in 1889, Oklahoma City represented the culmination of one of the most singular events in history. After the U.S. Government opened lands to homestead in the previously restricted Indian Territory, a series of land-runs were organized to allow settlers to acquire and purchase up to 160 acres of parcel from the U.S. Land Office. The initial run, which occurred in April 1889, would go on to become the most renowned of the seven that ultimately took place in the territory. uld forever redefine the landscape.

Published under the pseudonym of “Bunky”, The First Eight Months of Oklahoma City, is most frequently credited to Irving Geffs, who in the 1890 Oklahoma Territory Directory was listed as the city editor of the Evening Gazette. Geffs captures much of the bedlam that characterized the nascent days of the capital city. His eyewitness accounts offer readers a rare glimpse into the city’s early history, making it one of the most unique works available on western settlement.