Did the settlers have to pay for land in the 1889 land run?

Yes, settlers participating in the 1889 Land Run were required to pay for the land they claimed. The U.S. government established a system where participants could claim a homestead of 160 acres for a small fee, typically around $18, after living on and improving the land for a specified period. This facilitated the settlement of Oklahoma Territory, attracting thousands of settlers eager for land.