Why does Oklahoma have such a unique panhandle, and why isn't it part of Texas? 🤔 The answer lies in a fascinating journey through history! 🌎Back when Texas was an independent nation, the panhandle was part of its territory. But everything changed in 1845 when Texas joined the United States. The Missouri Compromise, which prohibited slavery north of the 36.5° parallel, posed a challenge since Texas was a slave-owning territory with land above that line. Faced with a tough choice, Texas decided to sell this strip of land instead of giving up slavery. For years, this unclaimed area was known as 'No Man's Land.' But with the passing of the Homestead Act, the U.S. government offered 160 acres of unorganized land to anyone who would live there for five years, sparking a massive land rush. People swarmed into this region, which also affected the native population, eventually leading to its incorporation into the Oklahoma Territory. Finally, in 1907, this land officially became part of the state of Oklahoma when it joined the Union. This piece of history explains why Oklahoma has this distinctive panhandle today! 📜🌾
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