Dalton Defender Days, Coffeyville, KS

On October 4 we attended the Dalton Defender Days right here in Coffeyville. Every year they hold this festival in honor of those who defended the community during the Dalton Raid on October 5, 1892. The Dalton Gang attempted to rob two banks in town at the same time when they were recognized. The townspeople armed themselves to confront the bandits. In the gun battle that followed, 4 local men were killed along with 4 of the gang. The fifth gang member, who was injured, went to jail.
We watched the re-enactment in the plaza and enjoyed listening to performances and walking around the booths.

Townspeople before the raid. One bank is at the right of the screen.

Two members head for the bank across the plaza after the other three entered the bank on the left.

The townspeople firing at the robbers in the banks on either end of the plaza.

The end of the battle.

Moving the bodies of the gang members to the bank.

The four dead Dalton Gang members in front of the bank windows and the injured one in front of the door.