The Dalton Defenders Museum

The Dalton Defenders Museum, opened in 1963, is dedicated not to the criminals who tried to rob two banks in the town of Coffeyville. But, to the men who stopped them. Four of those men; Marshal Chas. Connelly, Lucius Baldwin, George Cubine, and Charles Brown, died in the battle. The citizens killed four of the bandits on October 5, 1892, and shot the fourth, Emmett Dalton, so severely they did not think he would live.

The museum itself has some very historical pieces of not only the Dalton robbery, but from several other famous Coffeyvillians, plus artifacts from a bygone era. They also have an “old town” set up inside the museum.

As far as small town museums go, this is one of the best I have seen. The exhibits while a bit primitive at times, are of first rate historical significance. Several of the guns used in the gun battle are there. One of safes from the bank, plus the doors (including bullet holes) are in the museum. In addition the lives of charter Baseball Hall of Fame member, Walter Johnson, and 1940 presidential candidate, Wendell Wilkie, are chronicled through several artifacts.

Rounding out the museum are many exhibits from the late 19th and early 20th century that you might find in a normal household. These brought back many memories from my mother, and even Margo and I, experienced some of them growing up. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids.

Would I do it again? An unequivocal, Yes! I have been to Coffeyville, twice. Each time we visited the museum. If I make it back again, I will make sure I have at least an hour to spend. You can spend more, if you have any interest in the main subject of the museum, the Dalton Raid. If you stop in Coffeyville for a bite to eat, don’t miss this little gem!