There are plenty of places to visit in Coffeeville. The town isn’t as big as other Southern cities, but it still has something to offer visitors. If you’re visiting from a neighboring city, it might make sense to take a side trip to Coffeeville while you’re in the area. In addition, the town is near Grenada and Memphis, so you can easily take a side trip there from there.
Dalton Defenders Museum
One of the best things to do in Coffeeville is to visit the Dalton Defenders Museum. The museum was founded in 1963 and features Coffeyville history. Visitors can view memorabilia, artifacts, and photos from the time. There are also large group activities and arcade games available.
This museum displays artifacts from the Dalton Raid, which occurred in 1892. It was the result of the Dalton Gang’s attempt to rob two banks in Coffeyville at the same time. Emmett Dalton and his brothers Bob and Grat Dalton, as well as Bill Power and Dick Broadwell, were caught during the raid. Fortunately, the citizens of the town were alert and prevented the robbers from making their escape.
The Dalton brothers were professional outlaws. They robbed at least four trains in Indian Territory. During their last raid, they held up a Santa Fe train in Wharton, getting away with a few hundred dollars. Their gang was a team, and they worked well together. They even stole at least eight or nine horses. The posse tried to stop them but were unable to stop them.
The Dalton Gang committed many train robberies in Kansas and Oklahoma during the early part of the 19th century. By 1890, most of the outlaws were either dead or in prison. However, in 1892, the Dalton Gang was still active and clashing with the citizens of Coffeyville.
If you are visiting Coffeeville, be sure to visit the Dalton Defenders Museum. It will provide you with a rich background for the history of the town. This museum features a collection of artifacts related to the Coffeyville raid.
Isham’s Hardware
Isham’s Hardware is one of Coffeeville’s oldest businesses. It was established in 1870 and is still in business today. Only two families have owned the business and continue to operate it. The store has a rich history and an extensive selection of hardware.
Brown Mansion
The Brown Mansion is a three-story, 16-room building built by William P. Brown in 1904. Brown was involved in the construction process and personally selected all the wood. The first floor is made of pine and the second and third floors are made of maple and pecan. The wood in the home is free of knots.
The Brown Mansion is a great place to take a tour of the town’s history. The imposing, white mansion sits atop a hill. It was built for William Pitzer Brown, a businessman who had discovered natural gas in the Coffeyville area. In the year 1906, he created the Coffeyville Mining and Gas Company, which brought him wealth. His wife, Violet, lived to be four years old.
The Brown Mansion is a finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture contest. It is a historic landmark in southeast Kansas and has 16 rooms. The exterior features neoclassic architecture. It was built in 1906 and cost $125,000. Its interior has beautiful gardens and wooden stairways. It also boasts elegant rooms and captivating paintings.
Elmwood Cemetery
Visitors to Coffeeville will find some interesting historical markers at the Elmwood Cemetery. These are old grave markers often featuring religious symbols or personal reflections of the deceased. There are gravesites of famous citizens, including members of the Dalton Gang. Some of these gravesites are particularly interesting, as the grave of M. N. Anderson, a Coffeyville carpenter who died during the Dalton Raid, is one of the most notable.
The cemetery is also home to a ghoul. The ghost of a deformed child is said to walk the grounds at dusk and at night. Local legend has it that people who try to throw objects into the cemetery will never hear anything. Be sure to check if you’re trespassing before you visit the cemetery, and be respectful of the grave sites.
Visitors can explore the cemetery’s history and learn about its people. In 1889, J. H. Gregory married Clara May Beeson and moved to the area. He later bought a farm from Beeson, and the couple lived on it for the rest of their lives. The couple’s gravestone is located at Elmwood Cemetery.
The Dalton Defenders Museum, located in the Perkins Building, is another important place to visit. It tells the story of the Dalton Gang, and contains artifacts from the gang. There is also a button that plays a story about the Dalton Gang. You can also see a mural created by Don Sprague depicting the cowboys shooting in the cemetery.
Inter-State Fair and Rodeo
The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is an annual tradition for the Coffeyville community. It takes place in mid-August and features livestock shows, carnival rides, and fair food. The event recently installed a new sound system for the livestock show ring. You can attend this event if you live in the area or plan a trip to the area. However, the dates and times are subject to change.
The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is one of the most popular venues for live concerts and other events. The venue also hosts state fairs and rodeos. During the fall and winter seasons, the fairgrounds also hosts various seasonal events, including hayrides, circuses, and pop-up Christmas exhibitions.