Near Talihina in Le Flore County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Outside the Law In Indian Territory
Photographed By Jason Armstrong, October 26, 2021
1. Outside the Law In Indian Territory Marker
After the Civil War, the Indian Territory became known as "Robber's Roost" and the "Land of the Six-Shooter."
Indian Territory was a criminal's paradise during the 1800s. The Choctaw Nation did not escape the impact. Seeking refuge where there was "no white man's law" or extradition, criminals simply crossed the border into Indian Territory. With the border just 15 miles to the east, imagine how many scoundrels camped here.
When Judge Isaac C. Parker ruled the U.S. Court in Ft. Smith, Arkansas between 1875 and 1896, escaping the law was no longer an option. Known as the "Hanging Judge" Parker and his 200 deputy marshals cleansed the territory of many famous criminals such as the Daltons, the Buck Gang, and Cole Younger
Judge Parker tried 13,490 cases and 9,454 resulted in guilty pleas or convictions. Parker sentenced 160 to death for capital crimes, and 88 were publicly hanged from the courtyard's gallows.
Caption: The Buck Gang. Photo courtesy Fort Smith National Historic Site.
The Choctaw government's judicial branch provided a court system, jury trials and law enforcement
Photographed By Jason Armstrong, October 26, 2021
2. Outside the Law In Indian Territory Marker
this page online
Erected by US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 34° 44.24′ N, 94° 43.627′ W. Marker is near Talihina, Oklahoma, in Le Flore County. Marker is on Talimena Scenic Drive (Scenic Highway 1) 11 miles west of U.S. 259, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located at the Horsethief Spring Recreation Area on the Talimena Scenic Byway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Talihina OK 74571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Where There is Water There Will Be People (here, next to this marker); Horsethief Spring (here, next to this marker); Life at Stapp (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (within shouting distance of this marker); Don L. Hoyt Pavilion (approx. 3 miles away); Emerald Vista (approx. 3.4 miles away); Cut Out and Get Out! (approx. 3.4 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps Co. 810 (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Talihina.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
