J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Oklahoma Locomotive" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Oklahoma Commemorative Cover postmarked September 16, 1994.

During the late 1800s, large portions of what is now Oklahoma were claimed by pioneer families who envisioned a new life in a "Promised Land." Yet, for many years this area had been off limits to white settlers. In 1828, the U.S. Congress had reserved Oklahoma for the Indians and required all whites to withdraw. By 1880, Oklahoma's Indian Territory consisted of five republics, or nations, occupied by more than 60 tribes. During this same period, railroads hungry for revenues and whites in search of property set their sights on Oklahoma. Some formed organized bands, known as "Boomers," and defied federal law by attempting to settle in the state. Though most of their efforts were thwarted, Congress eventually opened up 2,000,000 acres of western Indian Territory to homesteaders, bringing on a series of land runs. One of the most famous races was held at northern Oklahoma's Cherokee Strip on September 16, 1893. It was a sweltering day of 100 degrees, but despite the oppressive heat more than 100,000 people eagerly assembled at the strip's borders. Among the thousands of home seekers gathered there were those packed into five trains of the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railway. At noon, when the signal was given to proceed, the loaded trains carried scores of anxious passengers onto the land to stake their claims to the "American dream." The locomotive No. 557 is a typical 4-4-0 American Standard type of the period.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B14858)

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18 x 15 in