Sarah Rector, also known as Sarah Rector Campbell and Sarah Campbell Crawford, was a Native American citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, best known for being the “Richest Colored Girl in the World”. Born in 1902 in Indian Territory, now Taft, Oklahoma, her story is one of incredible fortune, resilience, and legacy.
I. Who is Sarah Rector?
Sarah Rector was born on March 3rd, 1902, in Indian Territory, now Taft, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of former slaves, and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. During the early 1900s, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was allotted land in what is now Oklahoma, as part of a treaty between the federal government and the Native American tribes.
At the time, the allotment of land was seen as a way to “civilize” and assimilate the Native American tribes into mainstream American culture. As part of the deal, the federal government offered Native Americans a one-time payout if they agreed to give up their tribal lands.
Sarah’s father, Ben Rector, took the government up on its offer and was given a one-time payout of $300. He invested this money in oil-producing land in Oklahoma, and this land eventually became very valuable. When Ben died in 1920, Sarah inherited the land and its profits, making her the wealthiest black girl in the world.
II. How Did Sarah Rector Accumulate Her Wealth?
Sarah Rector’s wealth was largely attributed to her father’s savvy investments. He had invested the payment he received from the federal government in oil-producing land, which eventually became very valuable.
When Sarah inherited the land and its profits, she was estimated to have a net worth of over $300,000, a fortune at the time. She used her money to invest in more land, as well as stocks and bonds. In addition, she donated a portion of her wealth to various charities and organizations in her community.
III. What Legacy Does Sarah Rector Leave Behind?
Sarah Rector’s story is one of incredible fortune, resilience, and legacy. She was able to use her wealth to help those in her community, and her story serves as an inspiration to other young people of color.
Today, her legacy lives on in the form of the Sarah Rector Foundation, which works to empower young people of color to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. The foundation works to provide educational resources and opportunities to those who are traditionally underserved.
Sarah Rector’s story is one of incredible fortune, resilience, and legacy. She was able to use her wealth to help those in her community, and her story serves as an inspiration to other young people of color. Through her foundation, she continues to provide educational resources and opportunities to those who are traditionally underserved. Her legacy will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
