Dalton Defenders Museum
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
This local museum specializes in the early history of Coffeyville, including the famous final stand of the infamous Dalton gang. Despite the museum's use of savvy marketing to attract visitors to the city, exhibits go far deeper than the history of outlaws and lawmen. The museum is operated by the Coffeyville Historical Society and includes many exhibits related to the history of early settlers, businesses, the railroad, and prominent families that were all key to establishing one of the leading cities in southwestern Kansas. Of course, visitors looking for information about the Dalton gang and the men who confronted them will not be disappointed. The museum volunteers are always happy to offer bits of local information and directions to Elmwood Cemetery where the Dalton gang and two of the city's defenders are buried.
Images
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
On October 5, 1892, five members of the Dalton Gang attempted to rob two Coffeyville banks. The gang was comprised of Grat, Bob and Emmet Dalton; Bill Power and Dick Broadwell. As the gang began to move towards the First National Bank and the Condon Bank across the plaza, the Daltons were spotted and identified by some of the local townspeople who spread the word of their presence.
As more and more people heard of their arrival and likely bad intentions, some of the men acquired arms from the local hardware store and stood ready to confront the gang when they attempted to leave the two banks. Isham's Hardware store was right next to the First National, which looked out on the Condon and the plaza and down Death Alley to where the gang had left their horses. The owner of Isham’s and a second store were willing to loan firearms to anyone who wanted to stop the robbers. The first shots were fired at Emmett and Bob, who dove back into the First National and then out the back door, killing a young store clerk in the process. Grat led Power and Broadwell into the Condon
During the gun battle, a total of twenty-eight people were harmed. Eight men who were not identified were killed along with four men who have been identified as Coffeyville's defenders: Marshall C.T. Connelly, Lucius Baldwin, George Cubine, and Charles Brown. Of the gang, Grat and Bob Dalton along with Bill Power and Dick Broadwell were also killed. Emmett Dalton was severely wounded in the battle, receiving twenty-three gunshots. After the smoke had settled, he was later caught and imprisoned where he served fourteen years. Three other citizens were also harmed in the crossfire.
Sources
Smith, Robert Barr. Dalton Gang's Raid on Coffeville. HISTORYNET. . Accessed February 27, 2019. https://www.historynet.com/dalton-gang.