“Territory of Lincoln” workshop

The Oklahoma History Center will host a free workshop on Saturday, November 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to discuss the Territory of Lincoln.

After Abraham Lincoln was killed, several proposals were made to take existing Territories and make a state named “Lincoln.” Yet, during the Civil War, maps were created that labeled Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma, as “Lincoln.” The workshop will explore the brief history window when the area known today as Oklahoma was considered for a name change. Like the American Indian Advocacy of the State of Sequoyah, Black groups pushed for an All-Black State after the Civil War.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, genealogist Ron Graham will discuss the Territory of Lincoln and its history. Participants will have a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., but lunch is not provided. At 1 p.m., Oklahoma Historical Society archival collections manager Mallory Covington will give an overview of the OHS collections, including a newly acquired map created during the Civil War. The 1864 map labels what eventually became the state of Oklahoma as “Lincoln.” The sessions with Graham and Covington are open to researchers, students, educators and the general public. At 2:30 p.m., Oklahoma History Center Museum educator Carrie Fox will focus on bringing this topic into the classroom and connecting it to some of Oklahoma’s social studies standards. This session is designed for educators, but everyone is welcome.

The sessions will take place at the Oklahoma History Center. The event is free, but registration is required.

Register for the workshop.

The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.

Detail, 2023.209, Ron Graham Collection, OHS.