The Oklahoma Territory was a designated area in the central United States established in 1890. It was created to accommodate settlers and promote westward expansion following the end of the Civil War. The territory included land that was previously part of the Indian Territory, which was home to various Native American tribes. In 1907, the Oklahoma Territory was merged with the Indian Territory to form the state of Oklahoma. This transition marked a significant change in governance and land use, as settlers and Native Americans navigated new laws and opportunities in the region.