Advancing public policy ideas to promote the flourishing of all Oklahomans through limited and responsible government, robust civil society, and free enterprise.

The 1889 Institute is named for the first land run in Oklahoma. On April 22, 1889, pioneers gathered at a
starting line and raced to claim tracts of land from the U.S. government for the price of staying on the
land for five years. The land run typifies the American ideal of opportunity – readily available to anyone
with the personal initiative to take it, but without expecting equal results. Regardless of status,
education, or station, no participant in a land run had an official advantage. In this way, the land run
illustrates 1889 Institute’s commitment to fighting privilege granted by government, and expanding opportunity where government has intruded excessively.

The 1889 Institute is an independent group of scholars dedicated to making Oklahoma the best it can be. We are not affiliated with a political party, do not receive any money from any government entity, and do not engage in grassroots advocacy.

What We Do

The 1889 Institute analyzes and develops state public policy for the state of Oklahoma based on principles of limited and responsible government, free enterprise, and a robust civil society. We disseminate analyses and recommendations to policymakers and the general public.

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