Noisy Day At Coffeyville...!

Even the best laid plans can go really wrong. For the bad guys in the Dalton gang, this was the case at Cofeyville.

You might say that they had their backside handed to them on this day. I believe it's safe to say they got a reception they didn't expect.

Coffeyville Bank Robbery

Photo credit: Coffeyville Historical Society

The Dalton Gang was one of the most notorious criminal operations active in the Old West. Led by big brother Gratton “Grat” Dalton, the gang also contained brothers Bob and Emmett as well as several other members. On October 5, 1892, the Daltons attempted their most ambitious heist yet by robbing two banks on the same day.

They went to banks on the opposite sides of the street in Coffeyville, Kansas. However, they were successfully stalled by an employee who convinced them that the safe was on a timer, so they needed to wait before opening it. During this delay, Coffeyville residents learned of the heists, armed themselves, and waited for the criminals to come outside. Three residents were shot in the ensuing shoot-out. The marshal was killed, as were four members of the gang, including Grat and Bob Dalton.

Even so, the weirdest turn of events was reserved for younger brother Emmett Dalton. He survived the shoot-out despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. He spent the next 14 years in prison, and afterward, he went Hollywood. Taking advantage of his notoriety, he wrote a novel in 1918 about the Daltons called Beyond the Law. That same year, the book was turned into a Western, and Emmett played himself in the movie, as well as his two brothers. Afterward, he settled into an average life, getting married and becoming a real estate agent.

Ya know, I always thought that fame and fortune was more enjoyable if you were around to enjoy it! Call me crazy!

Coffee on the patio this morning. No gun-play here...I think!