Locomotives - Chicago Rock Island And Pacific Railway 4-4-0 Type Engine Number 557

by J Craig Thorpe

Title

Locomotives - Chicago Rock Island And Pacific Railway 4-4-0 Type Engine Number 557

Artist

J Craig Thorpe

Medium

Painting - Oil On Watercolor Paper

Description

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.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1994 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB14858

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April 19th, 2022

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