Blackwell, Oklahoma Gunfight
The Oklahoma Territory in the late 19th century was a land of opportunity, attracting settlers, entrepreneurs, and unfortunately, its fair share of outlaws. Among the burgeoning towns dotting the landscape was Blackwell, a place that would, in December 1896, become the site of a brief but intense gunfight that would etch its name into local lore. This account delves into the events surrounding that day, examining the figures involved and the details that transformed a suspected bank robbery into a violent confrontation. The incident near Blackwell, Oklahoma, serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by law enforcement in a territory struggling to establish order amidst the allure of quick riches and the presence of hardened criminals.
In the weeks leading up to December 4, 1896, suspicion had fallen upon two men believed to be scouting a bank in Blackwell. Law enforcement, vigilant and determined to maintain order, began tracking the pair. Their investigation led them to a modest shack situated near Bert Benjamin’s ranch, a location just outside the limits of Blackwell. The Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight was about to unfold.
On that fateful day, a posse of six men, heavily armed and led by Deputy Sheriff Alfred Lund, converged on the shack. Lund, believing he had cornered a gang of bank robbers, took a tactical position, surrounding the small structure. With the element of surprise seemingly in their favor, Lund issued a clear and authoritative command, shouting, "Throw up your hands!" His intention was to apprehend the suspects peacefully and bring them to justice.
However, the response from within the shack was anything but peaceful. Instead of surrendering, the men inside answered Lund’s command with a violent eruption of gunfire. The sudden and unexpected volley of bullets shattered the tense silence, instantly transforming the scene into a chaotic and dangerous battleground.
The posse, caught off guard by the immediate and aggressive resistance, reacted in a variety of ways. The intensity of the gunfire and the realization that they were facing determined adversaries prompted three of the six posse members to retreat. Fearful for their lives, they turned and fled the scene, leaving Lund and two other men to face the outlaws alone. The actions of these men, while perhaps understandable given the circumstances, highlight the perilous nature of law enforcement in the Wild West and the courage required to stand against armed criminals.
Despite being outnumbered and facing a barrage of bullets, Deputy Sheriff Lund and his two remaining companions stood their ground. Displaying remarkable bravery and commitment to their duty, they returned fire, engaging the outlaws in a fierce exchange. The small shack became the epicenter of a desperate struggle, the air thick with smoke and the sounds of gunfire echoing across the surrounding countryside. The Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight raged on, a testament to the determination of both sides.
When the dust finally settled, the scene revealed the grim consequences of the violent confrontation. One of the outlaws lay dead inside the cabin, a victim of the posse’s determined defense. Another outlaw was wounded, adding to the evidence that the posse had prevailed in the immediate exchange. Lund and his men, though undoubtedly shaken by the experience, had successfully neutralized the threat, at least for the time being.
In the aftermath of the Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight, Lund initially believed that he had achieved a significant victory. He suspected that the deceased outlaw was none other than "Dynamite" Dick Clifton, a notorious ex-member of the Doolin Gang. Clifton was wanted for a string of bank robberies and carried a substantial $3,500 reward on his head, making his capture or death a major accomplishment for any lawman. The dead man was missing a finger, just like Clifton.
However, further investigation revealed a case of mistaken identity. The dead man, though resembling Clifton in some respects, was ultimately identified as Buck McGregg, also known as Dick Ainsley. McGregg was a petty thief, far from the notorious bank robber Lund had initially thought. This revelation underscored the challenges of law enforcement in a time when accurate identification was often difficult, and appearances could be deceiving.
The wounded outlaw, on the other hand, was identified as Ben Cravens, a known rustler and murderer. With Cravens in custody, the posse had apprehended a dangerous criminal, though not the high-profile bank robber they had initially sought. Cravens was taken into custody, but his story did not end there. Displaying the cunning and resourcefulness often associated with outlaws of the era, Cravens managed to escape from custody, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining law and order in the vast and often unforgiving Oklahoma Territory.
The Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight, though brief, offers a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of life in the Oklahoma Territory during the late 19th century. It illustrates the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, the prevalence of crime, and the often-blurred lines between justice and survival. The mistaken identity of Buck McGregg and the subsequent escape of Ben Cravens further underscore the difficulties of establishing order in a land where identities were fluid and the pursuit of justice was often fraught with peril.
While the Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight may not be as widely known as some of the more famous gun battles of the Wild West, it remains a significant event in the history of the region. It serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of those who sought to uphold the law in a challenging environment, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the outlaws who roamed the Oklahoma Territory in search of fortune and freedom. The legacy of the Blackwell, Oklahoma gunfight continues to resonate, adding to the rich and complex tapestry of the American West.