The Wild West is widely known for its tales of great outlaws and bandits in the late 19th century. Arkansas played a significant role in the Wild West with its fair share of notorious gunslingers and criminals. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most infamous outlaws and bandits in Arkansas and their stories.
The James-Younger Gang
One of the most notorious groups of outlaws in the Wild West were the James-Younger Gang. The gang consisted of Frank and Jesse James, Cole, Bob, and Jim Younger, and other members. They were responsible for robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches throughout the Midwest.
The gang’s most notable robbery occurred on January 15, 1874, when they robbed the Liberty Bank in Liberty, Missouri, near the Arkansas border. The robbery resulted in the death of one bank clerk.
In September 1874, the gang attempted to rob the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota, but the townspeople fought back. The gunfight that followed resulted in the death of two gang members and the capture of three, including Cole, Bob, and Jim Younger. Frank and Jesse James managed to escape and continued to engage in robberies until they were eventually caught and killed.
Belle Starr
Belle Starr is perhaps the most famous female outlaw in the Wild West. She was born in Missouri but spent most of her life in Texas and Oklahoma.
Starr was known for her association with several notorious outlaws such as the James-Younger Gang and the Dalton Gang. She was also involved in various crimes, including rustling, horse stealing, and bootlegging.
Starr was murdered in 1889, and the killer was never identified. Some believe that a member of her gang was responsible, while others speculate that her murder may have been the result of a love triangle.
The Doolin-Dalton Gang
The Doolin-Dalton Gang was a band of outlaws that operated in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas during the late 19th century. The group was notorious for robbing banks and trains and engaging in shootouts with law enforcement.
The gang was led by Bill Doolin and included several members such as Bill Dalton and the infamous "Wild Bunch" member Bill Powers. The Doolin-Dalton Gang disbanded after Bill Doolin was killed in a shootout with law enforcement in Oklahoma.
The Brooks-Baxter War
The Brooks-Baxter War was a political conflict that occurred in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1874. The war was between the supporters of Joseph Brooks and Elisha Baxter, who were both vying for the governorship of Arkansas.
The war resulted in several shootouts, including the Battle of Little Rock, which left several individuals dead or wounded. The violence eventually ended when President Ulysses S. Grant issued the Proclamation of Amnesty and Pardon, which granted clemency to those involved in the conflict.
Conclusion
Arkansas was a hotspot for criminal activity during the Wild West. The James-Younger Gang, Belle Starr, the Doolin-Dalton Gang, and the Brooks-Baxter War were just a few examples of the chaos that reigned in the state during that time. Despite the violence and danger, the Wild West remains a significant aspect of American history and continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.