El Reno, Oklahoma – Home of the Land Rush
El Reno, Oklahoma, a city steeped in history and brimming with tales of the American West, sits just west of Yukon, along the storied path of Route 66. This vibrant community, home to fewer than 20,000 residents, proudly embraces its heritage as a key location on both the Mother Road and the historic Chisholm Trail. The spirit of the land rush era permeates the very air of El Reno, Oklahoma, a place where the echoes of cowboys, pioneers, and Native American tribes still resonate.
Before the city’s official founding, the landscape around present-day El Reno, Oklahoma was already etched in the annals of Western lore. Jesse Chisholm blazed the Chisholm Trail in 1866, a vital artery for driving immense herds of cattle north from Texas to Kansas. From there, the cattle were loaded onto trains and transported eastward, feeding a growing nation. North of what is now El Reno, Oklahoma, atop Concho Hill, the Caddo Springs Stage Station emerged as a significant stopover for travelers journeying between Wichita, Kansas, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma, providing respite and supplies amidst the vast expanse of the prairie.
The year 1866 also marked a pivotal moment in the history of the region’s indigenous population. A treaty, partly negotiated by Black Kettle, the revered chief of the Southern Cheyenne, established the Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation. This agreement aimed to provide a designated territory for these tribes, who were being displaced from their traditional lands in eastern Colorado. Tragically, Black Kettle’s life was cut short by General George Custer at the Battle of the Washita in November 1868, near the present-day town of Cheyenne. Following this event, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were relocated south of the Arkansas River. In August 1869, the Darlington Indian Agency was established three miles north and two miles west of present-day El Reno, Oklahoma. Named after Brinton Darlington, the agency’s first superintendent, it served as a crucial point of contact and administration for the government’s dealings with the tribes. Further solidifying the presence of the United States government, the Cheyenne Indian School was established just two miles north of Darlington in 1871.
Fort Reno, established in 1874, further solidified the military presence in the region. Initially known as "Camp Near Cheyenne Agency," the installation was renamed Fort Reno in 1876 to honor Major General Jesse L. Reno, who tragically lost his life in the Civil War. Soldiers constructed a sturdy stockade, which served as Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan’s headquarters during his campaigns against the Native American tribes.
While the United States Cavalry effectively quelled uprisings in the area, they remained stationed at Fort Reno to maintain peace and order, acting as a symbol of federal authority and a deterrent against further conflict. The fort became a focal point for military activity and a significant presence in the lives of the local indigenous population and the incoming settlers.
The year 1889 brought about a dramatic transformation with the opening of the Unassigned Lands for settlement. This event, forever known as the Oklahoma Land Run, saw a massive influx of pioneers eager to claim their stake in the newly available territory. On April 22nd, at the sound of the signal, thousands of hopeful settlers surged across the designated boundaries, racing to stake their claims. Soldiers from Fort Reno were strategically positioned to maintain order amidst the chaotic rush, a testament to the fort’s continued importance in maintaining stability.
Almost immediately after the Land Run, the Rock Island Railroad began laying tracks from Caldwell, Kansas, southward toward the Canadian River. A settlement called Reno City had sprung up near Fort Reno, but its residents quickly recognized the strategic advantage of relocating closer to the burgeoning railroad line.
In a remarkable display of community spirit and determination, buildings, pioneers, and businesses were uprooted and transported to a new location, which they christened El Reno. The arrival of the first train in January 1890 marked a turning point for the community, transforming it into a vital rail center for the abundant wheat harvests of Canadian County. By March of the same year, El Reno had been officially designated as the county seat, solidifying its position as a regional hub.
The allure of free land continued to draw settlers to the area. In 1892 and again in 1894, additional Unassigned Lands were opened for settlement, further fueling the growth of El Reno and its surrounding communities.
Another significant event occurred on August 6, 1901, when the old Irving School in El Reno, Oklahoma served as the location for the lottery drawing for the last free territory land available for settlement. These lands, formerly allocated to the Wichita, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes, represented the final opportunity for white settlers to claim land in the region.
With the advent of Route 66, El Reno, Oklahoma, like countless other towns along the Mother Road, experienced a surge in tourism and commerce. Restaurants, motels, and service stations sprang up to cater to the needs of the many travelers making their way across the country.
Today, El Reno offers visitors a captivating glimpse into both the golden age of Route 66 and the rugged era of the Old West. The Heritage Express Trolley, Oklahoma’s only rail-based trolley, provides a unique and nostalgic way to explore the city’s historic landmarks. The Canadian County Historical Museum, housed in the meticulously restored old Rock Island Depot, showcases a wealth of artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the rich history of the area.
As travelers venture westward from El Reno along Route 66, they pass through several smaller towns that bear the visible scars of being bypassed by modern superhighways. Calumet, Geary, and Bridgeport were among the first to feel the economic impact of the El Reno bypass in 1933, which diverted traffic away from their Main Streets and onto the faster, more direct route.
El Reno, Oklahoma stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, a place where the stories of pioneers, Native Americans, and the open road continue to captivate and inspire. From its origins as a bustling hub on the Chisholm Trail to its role as a vital stop on Route 66, El Reno has played a significant part in the history of Oklahoma and the nation as a whole.