How 9-Year-Old Boy's Land Allotment Built One Of America's Key Art Institutions

How 9-Year-Old Boy's Land Allotment Built One Of America's Key Art Institutions

When Thomas Gilcrease passed away in 1962, he left behind a lasting cultural footprint.

In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received 160 acres; 18 years later, it had 32 producing oil wells, and his wealth later helped build Tulsa's Gilcrease Museum

In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received a 160-acre land allotment in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered nearby, his property had 32 producing wells by 1917. The wealth from oil later supported his collecting passion and helped preserve a vast record of American Indian history, art and culture at the museum he founded in Tulsa.

In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received 160 acres; 18 years later, it had 32 producing oil wells, and his wealth later helped build Tulsa's Gilcrease Museum - THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

​Financial troubles forced Gilcrease to give up control of his collection and museum to the City of Tulsa in 1955. Thomas Gilcrease was just nine-year-old when he became eligible for a 160-acre land allotment in Oklahoma through his Creek tribal membership in 1899. The land, near present-day Glenpool, later became part of the Glenn Pool ... Read more The post In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received 160 acres; 18 years later, it had 32 p…