Located in the far south east corner of Kansas (just across the Oklahoma state line), this tiny community of 10,000 is not on the itinerary of most travelers – in other words, visitors generally do not randomly pass through its city limits. Perhaps known as the site of the last two bank robberies attempted by the Dalton Gang (Coffeyville was their hometown). Visitors will want to stop in the quaint old historic part of town – (almost feels like being on a movie set).
Visitors can walk in the Dalton Defenders Plaza and the alley where several of the Dalton brothers were killed. And those who look closely can still spot bullet holes from the shootout in one of the brick walls. Enthusiasts of the Eagles 1973 album, Desperado will immediately make the connection between Coffeyville and the Eagle’s song, Doolin-Dalton.
While here, one should also explore the Dalton Defenders Museum – honoring those who stood up for the town (including those who lost their lives) during the Dalton Gang’s attempted robberies. Only Emmett Dalton survived, served 14 years in prison and was remarkably pardoned by the governor – living out the rest of his life as a free man.
The museum also highlights early Coffeyville history and some of its most prominent citizens including Wendell Willkie who ran for President of the United States in 1940 and Walter Johnson, one of the first 5 baseball players every inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Over the years the town has been home to various oil and gas businesses, glass and brick, flour mills and various manufacturing companies.
For more information, visit: www.coffeyville.com
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