Volume 7 , Issue 31

Blaine County Historical Background...

"OUTLAWS -- The ragged gypsum hills of Blaine County have many natural hiding places: gullies, gulches, rocks, caves, and brush. This added to scarcity of law enforcement made this area a natural haven for robbers and bandits. Many of Oklahoma's famous outlaw bands had hideouts in the area and crossed the county on their raids. In a Guide to Roman Nose State Park, Robert Fay devotes a several page section to outlaws of the area, stating that: Due to unsettled conditions during and after the Civil War period, this area became famous as the lair for notorious outlaws. These include Quantrill, James Brothers, Belle Starr, Younger brothers, Daltons, the Doolin gang, and Al Jennings. These people took advantage of the unsettled nature of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory, using places in these territories for their hideouts. During the 1890's the Dalton, Black-Yeager, Doolin, and Al Jennings gangs operated in the area. The Dalton and the Black-Yeager Gangs are reputed to have buried treasure at Roman Nose State Park, but the stories are questionable as most originated from members of the gangs while they were in jail in attempts to get jailers to release them in return for a share of the loot....." - Blaine County Historical Background   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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