In 1889, parts of Oklahoma, previously reserved for Native Americans, were opened up for white settlement. On a day in April, over 50,000 people lined up outside. The rules were simple: first come, first served. At noon, the signal was given and they rushed into the land to claim what they could with. Unfortunately for them, other people had got there "sooner" and claimed much of the good land. This is why today Oklahoma is known as the "Sooner State"