Okeene, Oklahoma

Due to their ruggedness and the lack of law enforcement officers during 1800’s the Gypsum Hills around Blaine County became a natural refuge for outlaws and the like. Many of Oklahoma’s famous outlaw bands had hideouts in the area and crossed the county on their raids [1].

The first outlaw most likely to take refuge in Blaine County’s Gypsum Hills did so during the American Civil War (1861-1865)[1]. William Clarke Quantrill, wanted for murder and horse theft in Kansas, fled to Missouri in 1860. With the onset of the War he joined the Confederates leading a small guerrilla force “Quantrill’s Raiders” This group which included the infamous “James brothers” staged raids from Kansas into Missouri. Union forces soon declared him an outlaw, while the Confederacy officially made him a captain. After a raid on Lawrence, Kansas (a Union stronghold) Quantrill fled to Texas and in 1865 died on a raid into Kentucky [2].

William Clarke Quantrill was possibly one of the most dangerous men to fight in the Civil War. Despite this, he and his guerrilla warrior’s actions are generally given scant acknowledgment by most Civil War authors.

Three authors who have undertaken detailed research into this notorious guerrilla leader are:

* Edward E. Leslie - The Devil Knows How to Ride,
* Duane P. Schultz - Quantrill’s War and
* Albert E. Castel - William Clarke Quantril

Others soon followed Quantrill and during the 1890s the Dalton, Black-Yeager, Doolin, and Al Jennings gangs operated in the area. Apparently the Dalton and the Black-Yeager Gangs buried treasure in Roman Nose State Park, however, the stories are questionable as most originated from imprisoned gang members attempting to bribe their jailers to release them in return for a share of the loot [1].

There are some good books available on outlaws in Oklahoma including:

* Oklahoma Renegades: Their Deeds and Misdeeds
* Oklahombres: Particularly the Wilder Ones
* Black, Red and Deadly
* Outlaws on Horseback

as well as many that deal with outlaws and the old west in general.

Numerous web sites also exist about the old west and the characters who played major roles in the myths, legends and facts. Two notable ones containing information pertaining to aspects of Blaine County are New Perspectives on the West from PBS and the Oklahombres, a web site dedicated to Oklahoma’s outlaws and lawmen. The information on Zipp Wyatt and Blaine County’s Only Legal Hanging (reproduced here) were obtained from the Oklahombres site.

References
1: Fay, Robert.
Guide to Roman Nose State Park
2: New Perspectives on the West PBS Organization