What was the Dalton Gang?

The Dalton Gang was a group of outlaws active in the American Old West between 1890 and 1892. They were known for specializing in bank and train robberies, and three of its members were brothers, leading to the gang also being referred to as The Dalton Brothers.

What were the primary criminal activities of the Dalton Gang?

The Dalton Gang primarily engaged in bank robberies and train robberies during their active years from 1890 to 1892.

What significant event marked the end of the Dalton Gang's activities?

The gang's activities effectively concluded during an attempted double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892. This raid resulted in the deaths of two brothers and two other gang members, with Emmett Dalton being captured.

What happened to Emmett Dalton after the Coffeyville raid?

Emmett Dalton survived the Coffeyville raid, despite sustaining 23 gunshot wounds. He was captured, sentenced to life imprisonment for second-degree murder, served 14 years, and was later pardoned and released.

What were the initial law enforcement roles of Bob, Grat, and Emmett Dalton?

Before becoming outlaws, Bob, Grat, and Emmett Dalton served as lawmen. They worked as deputy marshals for the federal court at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and also for the Osage Nation police force.

What prompted the Dalton brothers to transition from lawmen to outlaws?

After serving as lawmen, the brothers began stealing horses to earn more money. They eventually fled the area and decided to form a gang to commit robberies, seeking greater financial gain.

How did Bill Dalton, an older brother, contribute to the gang's operations?

While Bill Dalton did not directly participate in the gang's heists, he served as their spy and informant, providing crucial intelligence and support.

In which geographical areas did the Dalton Gang primarily operate?

The gang operated mainly in California, Kansas, Oklahoma Territory, and Indian Territory. Despite this, sensationalism led to them being accused of robberies across the country, and numerous myths were published about their exploits.

What were the circumstances surrounding Frank Dalton's death?

Frank Dalton, serving as a deputy marshal, was killed on November 27, 1887, while attempting to arrest three whiskey bootleggers. He managed to kill two of them, but his gun jammed, and he was killed by the remaining bootlegger.

How did Grat Dalton begin his law enforcement career?

After his brother Frank Dalton was killed, Grat moved back from California and took over Frank's position as a deputy marshal at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He also brought his brother Bob along to serve as a posse member.

What incident led to the death of Charley Montgomery?

In August 1888, Grat and Bob Dalton formed a posse to arrest Charley Montgomery, who was allegedly posing as a deputy marshal. Bob Dalton located Montgomery and led the posse in his arrest, which resulted in Montgomery's death.

How did Bob Dalton supplement his income as a deputy marshal?

In addition to his role as a deputy marshal, Bob Dalton also joined the Osage Nation police force, which offered a monthly salary. He also hired his brother Emmett to guard prisoners.

When and where did the Alila robbery occur?

The Alila robbery took place on the night of February 6, 1891, when two masked men held up a Southern Pacific Railroad passenger train near Alila, California, which is now known as Earlimart.

What evidence suggested Bob and Emmett Dalton's involvement in the Alila robbery?

Lit Dalton, another brother, later claimed that Bob and Emmett had told him many times that they had robbed the train, providing testimony about their participation.

How did Bill Dalton assist Bob and Emmett in evading pursuit after the Alila robbery?

Bill Dalton provided his brothers with supplies and food and obtained horses to help them evade pursuit by Sheriff Kay and his deputy, Jim Ford, after the Alila robbery.

What unusual sights did Sheriff Kay and Deputy Ford encounter in Guthrie, Oklahoma?

Upon arriving in Guthrie, Sheriff Kay and Deputy Ford observed three white men hanging from a large tree at the town's entrance and noticed streets lined with groups of Black men playing craps on the sidewalks.

What was the outcome of Grat Dalton's trial for the Alila robbery?

Despite evidence suggesting Grat was in Fresno during the robbery, the influence of the powerful Southern Pacific Railroad led to an unfair trial. His defense attorney, John W. Beckenridge, was reportedly unprepared and ineffective, contributing to Grat's conviction.

What deal did Sheriff Kay propose to Grat Dalton regarding the murder charge?

Sheriff Kay offered to admit in court that neither Bob nor Emmett had killed the fireman if Grat and Bill told the true story of the robbery. However, the murder point was never officially cleared up, and Grat's case was ultimately ruined.

What was the Ceres robbery, and what evidence was found?

The Ceres robbery occurred on September 3, 1891, near Ceres, California, and was unsuccessful, with no money taken. The only piece of evidence found at the scene was a coat made by a tailor from Visalia.

How did Sheriff Kay identify Bill Dalton at the Cross Creek station?

Sheriff Kay and his deputy Witty found Bill Dalton in the Cross Creek station. Kay confronted Bill, who was caught off guard, and after a brief, nervous exchange, Kay disarmed him and discovered Riley Dean hiding in a trap door.

What led to the formation of the Dalton Gang in Oklahoma?

After their unsuccessful ventures in California, Bob and Emmett Dalton returned to Oklahoma and began carefully planning robberies. They recruited members and aimed to acquire money to help pay bail and defense for Grat and Bill, who faced charges.

Who were the initial recruits for the Dalton Gang in Oklahoma?

The first recruits for the Dalton Gang in Oklahoma were George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb and "Blackfaced" Charlie Bryant, the latter earning his nickname due to a gunpowder burn on his cheek.

What was the motivation behind Bob Dalton's decision to commit more robberies after Grat and Bill faced charges?

Bob Dalton believed that acquiring enough money through robberies was the best way to help his brothers by paying for their bail and defense, aiming to secure their freedom.

What happened to Charlie Bryant in August 1891?

Charlie Bryant was spotted in Hennessey, Oklahoma, arrested by Deputy Marshal Ed Short, and taken onto a train. During the journey, Bryant managed to secure Short's revolver and shot him, resulting in the deaths of both men.

What was the outcome of the Dalton Gang's second train robbery in Oklahoma at Lelietta?

The gang secured over $19,000 at Lelietta. However, the distribution of money led to dissatisfaction, with Bill Doolin, George Newcomb, and Charley Pierce quitting the gang due to accusations of Bob mismanaging finances.

What was the objective of the Dalton Gang's attempted double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892?

Bob Dalton's ambition was to "beat anything Jesse James ever did" by robbing two banks, the C.M. Condon & Company's Bank and the First National Bank, simultaneously in broad daylight in Coffeyville, Kansas.

What was the critical mistake in the Dalton Gang's plan for the Coffeyville robbery regarding their horses?

Bob Dalton planned to tie their horses behind the Condon Bank for protection, but the hitching post had been removed due to street work. Refusing to let Emmett scout the town, they ended up tying their horses in an alley offering little protection.

How did the townspeople of Coffeyville react to the bank robbery in progress?

As the robbery unfolded, a storekeeper noticed the outlaws and alerted others. Soon, many businessmen knew what was happening, and the message spread throughout the town, with some civilians arming themselves and participating in the confrontation.

What was the fate of Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, Dick Broadwell, and Bill Powers during the Coffeyville raid?

Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, Dick Broadwell, and Bill Powers were all killed during the shootout with Coffeyville civilians and marshals. They were killed by gunfire from the townspeople and law enforcement.

How many gunshot wounds did Emmett Dalton sustain during the Coffeyville raid?

Emmett Dalton sustained 23 gunshot wounds during the Coffeyville raid, including injuries to his right arm, hip, groin, and numerous buckshot pellets in his back.

What was Emmett Dalton's sentence and eventual release?

Emmett Dalton was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Kansas State Penitentiary. He served 14 years before being pardoned by Governor Ed Hoch in 1907.

What role did Deputy U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas play in the Dalton Gang's activities?

Heck Thomas, described as Bob Dalton's old friend, was a skilled deputy marshal whose relentless pursuit kept the gang constantly on the move and in hiding. Emmett Dalton later cited Thomas's pressure as a key factor in the gang's decision to commit the robberies.

What was the significance of the image of the Condon Bank in Coffeyville, Kansas, circa 1890?

The image shows the C.M. Condon & Company's Bank, which was one of the two banks the Dalton Gang targeted during their attempted double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892.

What is the traditional name given to Dalton Mountain by the Choinumne tribe?

The traditional name for Dalton Mountain, given by the Choinumne tribe of Yokuts, is Piakchin.

What popular culture works have depicted the Dalton Gang?

The Dalton Gang's story has been widely depicted in numerous films, television shows, comic books, and songs. Notable examples include films like *When the Daltons Rode* and *The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang*, the TV series *Death Valley Days*, and the *Lucky Luke* comic series.

How did the Dalton Gang's story influence the Lucky Luke comic series?

The *Lucky Luke* comic *Hors-la-loi* depicted a fictionalized version of the Coffeyville events. The comical portrayal of the Dalton brothers as identical quadruplets proved popular, leading to their recurring role as antagonists in the series, often as cousins of the original gang.

What was the initial career of the Dalton brothers before they became notorious outlaws?

Before forming the Dalton Gang, Bob, Grat, and Emmett Dalton served as lawmen. They worked as deputy marshals for the federal court at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and also for the Osage Nation police force.

What was the significance of the "sixth man at Coffeyville" mystery?

Witnesses reported seeing a sixth man with the gang before the Coffeyville robbery, but only five outlaws were confirmed to be present. The mystery involves the identity of this person and whether Tom Evans was killed and buried as Bill Powers, or if Bill Powers escaped.

What was the nature of the Dalton Gang's hideout in Oklahoma?

The gang established a hideout by digging large rooms into steep hills in the cedar brakes on the Northern Canadian River, on property owned by Jim Riley. The area's deep canyons and dense vegetation provided an ideal hiding place, and Riley supplied them with food.

What was the outcome of the gunfight at Adair, Oklahoma, on July 14, 1892?

During the Adair robbery, the Dalton Gang exchanged fire with train guards. This resulted in the deaths of two civilians, Dr. W. L. Goff and Charles Brown, and injuries to two guards, while none of the Dalton gang members were hit.

What was the significance of the "sixth man at Coffeyville" mystery?

Witnesses reported seeing a sixth man with the gang before the Coffeyville robbery, but only five outlaws were confirmed to be present. The mystery involves the identity of this person and whether Tom Evans was killed and buried as Bill Powers, or if Bill Powers escaped.

What was the nature of the Dalton Gang's hideout in Oklahoma?

The gang established a hideout by digging large rooms into steep hills in the cedar brakes on the Northern Canadian River, on property owned by Jim Riley. The area's deep canyons and dense vegetation provided an ideal hiding place, and Riley supplied them with food.

What was the outcome of the gunfight at Adair, Oklahoma, on July 14, 1892?

During the Adair robbery, the Dalton Gang exchanged fire with train guards. This resulted in the deaths of two civilians, Dr. W. L. Goff and Charles Brown, and injuries to two guards, while none of the Dalton gang members were hit.

What was the significance of the "sixth man at Coffeyville" mystery?

Witnesses reported seeing a sixth man with the gang before the Coffeyville robbery, but only five outlaws were confirmed to be present. The mystery involves the identity of this person and whether Tom Evans was killed and buried as Bill Powers, or if Bill Powers escaped.

What was the nature of the Dalton Gang's hideout in Oklahoma?

The gang established a hideout by digging large rooms into steep hills in the cedar brakes on the Northern Canadian River, on property owned by Jim Riley. The area's deep canyons and dense vegetation provided an ideal hiding place, and Riley supplied them with food.

Dalton Gang Wiki: The Dalton Legacy: Outlaws, Lawmen, and the American Frontier

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The Dalton Gang: An Overview

Core Membership

The Dalton Gang was a prominent group of outlaws operating in the American Old West between 1890 and 1892. The core of the gang consisted of three brothers: Bob, Gratton ("Grat"), and Emmett Dalton. Their older brother, William Marion ("Bill") Dalton, while never participating directly in the gang's heists, served as an informant and strategist.

Primary Activities

The gang specialized in audacious robberies, primarily targeting banks and trains across the territories of California, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Indian Territory. Their operations were characterized by a blend of planning and daring, often executed in daylight, which contributed to their notoriety.

Origins and Reputation

Initially, the Dalton brothers served as lawmen, working for the federal court at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and later for the Osage Nation police. This background provided them with intimate knowledge of law enforcement procedures and the territories they would later prey upon. Their transition to outlawry was fueled by financial incentives and perhaps influenced by the exploits of their relatives, the James-Younger Gang.

From Lawmen to Outlaws

Family Ties

The Dalton family, led by James Lewis Dalton, had connections to notorious figures of the era. Their mother, Adeline Lee Younger, was the aunt of Cole and Jim Younger, members of the infamous James-Younger Gang. This familial link may have influenced the brothers' path, though the Youngers were incarcerated during the Daltons' active period.

Early Law Enforcement Careers

Frank Dalton, the eldest brother involved in law enforcement, served as a deputy marshal. His death in the line of duty in 1887 marked a turning point. Grat and Bob followed, serving as deputy marshals and later joining the Osage Nation police force, where they earned salaries rather than relying solely on fees, a common incentive for lawmen.

The Shift to Crime

The brothers' careers as lawmen eventually dissolved, reportedly due to financial pressures and a growing disillusionment with the system. They began by stealing horses, a precursor to more ambitious criminal enterprises. Fleeing the territory after these initial offenses, they decided to form their own gang, leveraging their knowledge of the West and law enforcement tactics.

Law Enforcement Roles

Deputy Marshals

Grat Dalton took over his slain brother Frank's position as a deputy marshal at Fort Smith. Bob joined him, and both later served under Marshal R.L. Walker. Their duties often involved tracking fugitives and maintaining order in a volatile region.

Osage Nation Police

Bob Dalton, in particular, also served as part of the Osage Nation police force, which offered a stable monthly salary. This role provided him with significant influence and resources within the territory, which he later exploited for his criminal activities.

The Transition

The exact reasons for their departure from law enforcement remain debated, but financial motivations and potential corruption are often cited. Their intimate knowledge of the territories and law enforcement methods proved invaluable when they formed their own outlaw gang.

The Dalton Gang's Operations

Train Robberies

The gang's activities included several high-profile train robberies. Notable incidents occurred near Alila, California (February 1891), and Adair, Oklahoma (September 1891). These robberies often yielded significant sums, though the division of spoils sometimes led to internal conflict.

The **Alila robbery** involved masked men holding up a Southern Pacific Railroad train. Later accounts suggest Bob and Emmett Dalton were involved. The **Adair robbery** saw the gang secure approximately $18,000 after a shootout with train guards, during which a doctor was fatally wounded by stray fire.

Bank Robberies

The gang also targeted banks, often in coordinated efforts. Their ambition grew, culminating in the ill-fated attempt to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas. This strategy, while bold, proved to be their undoing.

The gang's operations extended to banks in towns like Red Rock, Oklahoma, and El Reno, Oklahoma. However, their most infamous attempt was the planned double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892, which resulted in a violent confrontation with townspeople and law enforcement.

Geographic Scope

While sensationalized accounts often exaggerated their reach, the Dalton Gang primarily operated in California, Kansas, Oklahoma Territory, and Indian Territory. Their movements were often dictated by pursuit from lawmen like Deputy Marshal Heck Thomas, who relentlessly tracked them.

The Coffeyville Raid: A Fatal Confrontation

The Plan

On October 5, 1892, Bob Dalton devised an ambitious plan to rob two banks, the C.M. Condon & Company Bank and the First National Bank, located across the street from each other in Coffeyville, Kansas. The objective was to execute the robberies simultaneously in broad daylight, aiming to secure a substantial amount of money and escape quickly.

The Execution and Downfall

The plan unraveled due to several critical errors, including the removal of the hitching post where they intended to tie their horses, alerting the townspeople prematurely. As the gang members entered the banks, armed civilians and the town marshal quickly organized a defense. A fierce shootout ensued.

The confrontation resulted in the deaths of Bob Dalton, Grat Dalton, Dick Broadwell, and Bill Powers. Emmett Dalton survived despite sustaining 23 gunshot wounds. Three civilians and Town Marshal Charles T. Connelly were also killed. The gang's attempt to rob two banks at once ended in disaster, effectively dismantling the organization.

Emmett's Fate

Emmett Dalton was captured, wounded, and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. He served 14 years in the Kansas State Penitentiary before being pardoned. After his release, he moved to California, becoming a successful real estate agent, author, and actor, often recounting his experiences.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Lingering Connections

Following the Coffeyville raid, surviving associates like Bill Doolin and George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb formed their own gangs, continuing the outlaw tradition. Bill Dalton, in particular, formed a new gang that operated briefly before he was killed in 1894.

Emmett's Recollections

Emmett Dalton's later accounts, notably his book "When the Daltons Rode," shaped public perception of the gang's history. While providing valuable insights, these narratives have also been subject to debate regarding their historical accuracy, with Emmett himself admitting to embellishments on his deathbed.

Cultural Resonance

The Dalton Gang's story, embellished by folklore and popular media, became a significant part of the American West narrative. Their exploits have been depicted in numerous films, songs, and books, cementing their place in popular culture as archetypal Western outlaws.

The Dalton Gang in Popular Culture

Cinematic Depictions

The dramatic events surrounding the Dalton Gang have inspired numerous films, often romanticizing their lives and the Wild West. Early portrayals like "When the Daltons Rode" (1940) and later films like "The Dalton Girls" (1957) and "The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang" (1979) explored their story.

Films such as "Badman's Territory" (1946), "The Cimarron Kid" (1952), and "Death Alley" (2021) have featured or referenced the gang. The portrayal in "The Long Riders" (1980), about the Jesse James gang's Northfield raid, also draws parallels.

Musical and Literary Influence

The gang's legend has also been immortalized in music and literature. The Eagles' song "Doolin-Dalton" from their album "Desperado" is a notable example. Charles Portis's novel "True Grit" references the Daltons, and Ron Hansen's "Desperadoes" is a fictional memoir attributed to Emmett Dalton.

Comic Books and Animation

The Dalton Gang's story found a unique place in European comics, particularly in the Belgian series "Lucky Luke." The initial portrayal of the four Dalton brothers being killed in the Coffeyville raid led to the creation of their identical, bumbling cousins who became recurring antagonists in the series, appearing in films like "La Ballade des Dalton" (1978).

Key Figures and Events

The Dalton Brothers

Bob Dalton: Considered the leader, known for his ambition and planning. Killed at Coffeyville.

Grat Dalton: Served as a deputy marshal. Killed at Coffeyville.

Emmett Dalton: Survived the Coffeyville raid with numerous wounds, served prison time, and later became a writer and actor. Died in 1937.

Bill Dalton: Never participated in the main gang's heists but acted as an informant. Later formed his own gang and was killed in 1894.

Pivotal Moments

Law Enforcement Service: Early careers as deputy marshals and Osage Nation police.

California Operations: Robberies in Alila and Ceres, Grat's escape from Visalia jail.

Oklahoma Operations: Train robberies at Red Rock and Adair.

Coffeyville Raid (October 5, 1892): The gang's final, fatal attempt to rob two banks.

Associated Figures

Bill Doolin: Former associate who formed the Wild Bunch.

George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb: Member of the Dalton Gang and later the Wild Bunch.

Eugenia Moore: Alias "Tom King," Bob Dalton's lover and informant.

Heck Thomas: Deputy U.S. Marshal known for his pursuit of outlaw gangs.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Dalton Gang Wikipedia page

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Important Considerations

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon historical data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, interpretations and narrative framing may differ from primary historical consensus. The information presented is intended to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for academic study at the Master's level.

Historical Interpretation Advisory: The narratives surrounding figures like the Dalton Gang are often intertwined with folklore and legend. This presentation aims to balance historical fact with the cultural impact of their story, as reflected in popular media. Readers are encouraged to consult diverse historical sources for a complete understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Dalton Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Dalton Gang: An Overview 🤠

👥 Core Membership

💰 Primary Activities

📜 Origins and Reputation

From Lawmen to Outlaws ⚖️➡️💰

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Ties

💼 Early Law Enforcement Careers

🐎 The Shift to Crime

Law Enforcement Roles 🛡️

👮 Deputy Marshals

⚖️ Osage Nation Police

❓ The Transition

The Dalton Gang's Operations 🔫

🚂 Train Robberies

🏦 Bank Robberies

🗺️ Geographic Scope

The Coffeyville Raid: A Fatal Confrontation 💥

🎯 The Plan

🔥 The Execution and Downfall

⚖️ Emmett's Fate

The Aftermath and Legacy ⏳

🔗 Lingering Connections

✍️ Emmett's Recollections

🌟 Cultural Resonance

The Dalton Gang in Popular Culture 🎬

🎥 Cinematic Depictions

🎵 Musical and Literary Influence

✏️ Comic Books and Animation

Key Figures and Events 📚

👤 The Dalton Brothers

🗓️ Pivotal Moments

⭐ Associated Figures

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Dalton Gang: An Overview

Core Membership

Primary Activities

Origins and Reputation

From Lawmen to Outlaws

Family Ties

Early Law Enforcement Careers

The Shift to Crime

Law Enforcement Roles

Deputy Marshals

Osage Nation Police

The Transition

The Dalton Gang's Operations

Train Robberies

Bank Robberies

Geographic Scope

The Coffeyville Raid: A Fatal Confrontation

The Plan

The Execution and Downfall

Emmett's Fate

The Aftermath and Legacy

Lingering Connections

Emmett's Recollections

Cultural Resonance

The Dalton Gang in Popular Culture

Cinematic Depictions

Musical and Literary Influence

Comic Books and Animation

Key Figures and Events

The Dalton Brothers

Pivotal Moments

Associated Figures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations