The Dalton Gang: Outlaws of the Old West

 The Dalton Gang was a notorious American outlaw group that operated in the late 19th century. The gang was formed by the Dalton brothers, Bob, Emmett, and Grat, along with several other associates. They were active primarily in the state of Oklahoma and Kansas.

The Dalton Gang initially started out as lawmen. Bob Dalton served as a deputy marshal, and Grat Dalton was a member of the U.S. Indian police. However, they turned to a life of crime after Bob Dalton’s unsuccessful attempt to rob a train in 1891.

The gang’s criminal activities mainly involved robbing trains and banks. They were known for their bold and violent tactics, often resorting to shootouts with law enforcement. One of their most infamous robberies was the attempt to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892. The robbery went awry, and a fierce gun battle erupted between the gang and townspeople, resulting in the deaths of four gang members and four citizens.

Following the Coffeyville incident, the remaining members of the Dalton Gang attempted to regroup, but their criminal career came to an end on October 5, 1893, when they tried to rob a train near Ardmore, Oklahoma. Lawmen were waiting for them, and another shootout ensued. Emmett Dalton was the only survivor, but he was severely wounded and captured. The other gang members, including Grat Dalton, were killed in the shootout.

Emmett Dalton was sentenced to life in prison but was paroled after serving only 14 years. After his release, he wrote a book about his experiences titled “When the Daltons Rode.” He later became an actor and worked in Hollywood.

The Dalton Gang’s short-lived and violent spree of robberies made them one of the most notorious outlaw groups of the Old West. Their story has been depicted in numerous books, movies, and television shows, contributing to their enduring place in American folklore.