The Oklahoma Territory, before becoming a state in 1907, was a region marked by lawlessness and the exploits of infamous outlaws. This historical timeline outlines significant events related to these outlaws, providing a chronological understanding of the area’s tumultuous past. Explore these key moments to gain insight into the history that shaped the Oklahoma Territory.
1866 – The James-Younger Gang Forms
Jesse James and his brother Frank, along with Cole Younger, form the notorious James-Younger Gang. They begin their crime spree, which includes bank and train robberies, and occasionally use the Oklahoma Territory as a hideout.
1874 – Belle Starr Marries Jim Reed
Belle Starr, who would become known as the “Bandit Queen,” marries outlaw Jim Reed. Together, they engage in criminal activities, including horse theft and robbery, making their home in the Oklahoma Territory.
1887 – The Dalton Gang Robs Banks and Trains
The Dalton brothers—Bob, Grat, and Emmett—form the Dalton Gang. They begin robbing banks and trains, often using the Oklahoma Territory as their base of operations. Their activities terrorize the region throughout the early 1890s.
1892 – The Coffeyville Shootout
The Dalton Gang attempts to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas. The heist goes awry, resulting in a deadly shootout. Most of the gang members are killed, marking a significant event in outlaw history.
1893 – Bill Doolin Forms the Wild Bunch
After the demise of the Dalton Gang, Bill Doolin forms the Wild Bunch, also known as the Doolin-Dalton Gang. They become infamous for their daring robberies and confrontations with law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory.
1895 – Cherokee Bill’s Reign of Terror
Cherokee Bill, a mixed-race outlaw born Crawford Goldsby, begins his crime spree, including robbery and murder. His actions terrorize the Oklahoma Territory until his capture in 1895. He is later executed in 1896.
1896 – Bill Doolin’s Demise
Bill Doolin is tracked down and killed by Deputy U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas near Lawson, Oklahoma Territory. Doolin’s death marks the end of the Wild Bunch’s major activities in the region.
1898 – Rufus Buck Gang’s Crime Wave
The Rufus Buck Gang, composed of African American and Native American outlaws, engages in a violent crime spree, including robbery, murder, and rape. The gang’s activities highlight the racial tensions and lawlessness of the time. They are eventually captured and executed.
1901 – The Capture of Henry Starr
Henry Starr, another infamous outlaw operating in the Oklahoma Territory, is captured by law enforcement. Starr, a Cherokee, is known for his numerous bank robberies and his connections to other famous outlaws.
1907 – Oklahoma Achieves Statehood
Oklahoma becomes the 46th state of the United States. The establishment of statehood brings increased law enforcement and a gradual end to the era of notorious outlaws and rampant lawlessness.
Explore the Outlaw History
This timeline offers a glimpse into the significant events that shaped the outlaw history of the Oklahoma Territory. Each event marks a pivotal moment in the region’s tumultuous past, contributing to the rich tapestry of stories that define Oklahoma’s heritage.
To delve deeper into these events and the lives of the outlaws who left their mark on the Oklahoma Territory, explore our collection of books at Osage Outlaw Press. Our well-researched and engaging books provide a comprehensive look at the history and legends of these notorious figures. Discover the true stories behind the myths and immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Oklahoma Territory.
