Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Flynn-Doran Battle
— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
1. The Flynn-Doran Battle Marker
Hot Springs had attained a great deal of notoriety as a gambling town by the early 1880s. In 1884 a dispute between the operators of gambling establishments ended in a shootout near here. This shootout, known as the Flynn-Doran Battle, left three people dead.
Erected by City of Hot Springs.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 34° 30.751′ N, 93° 3.25′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7) and Bath, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk, by a streetlamp post. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 502 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bathhouse Row (a few steps from this marker); “We Bathe the World” (within shouting distance of this marker); Ozark Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs Flood of 1923 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamar Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckstaff Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Flynn-Doran War. The Flynn-Doran War was an early 1880s struggle for control of gambling in Hot Springs between the gang of Frank “Boss Gambler” Flynn and the forces of rival James K. Lane and his chief hired gun, S. A. Doran. (Mark K. Christ, Encyclopedia of Arkansas) (Submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Gangsters, Thugs, and Mafia in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The 1884 shootout wasn't the first act of street violence tied to Frank "Boss Gambler" Flynn: A newspaper editor who crusaded against gambling was shot by the mayor, then later attacked by a prominent businessman before being gunned down by someone else. (Kathy Weiser-Alexander, Legends of America) (Submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
3. The Hot Springs Shootout 1899 -- Lawmen vs Lawmen. After Doran was shot dead in 1888, Flynn continued to control illegal gambling in Hot Springs through the 1890s. That changed after
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
2. The Flynn-Doran Battle Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
