Downtown Bentonville in Benton County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Famous Outlaws that Robbed Bentonville
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, November 10, 2023
1. Famous Outlaws that Robbed Bentonville Marker
"As legend has it"
They have a connection to Bentonville. Notice how well dressed they are. They should be after robbing the Craig & Son's General Store right in this neighborhood. Disappointed to only get $200, they helped themselves to fine new suits and hats!
James T. Craig had his son Charles deposit most of the store's cash in the bank across the street just before the robbery.
The Craig's were a very prominent business family, constructing a number of buildings still in use today. The robbery is believed to have taken place at 113 S. Main Street now the home of LAWCO and on the Historical Register as the Craig building.
The gang escaped and rode back North. Tired from their crime spree (They had robbed a train at Cods Hill, Missouri on January 31, 1874. A couple of days before hitting Bentonville). Escaping, they crossed back into Missouri at Cavena. Possibly holding up a branch in Jacob's Cavern near Jane, Missouri. Later riding to a favorite hideout in a bluff shelter near the Elk River.
By now you've probably guessed that we are dealing with the famous "James Gang". There were at least 6 members of the gang involved: the James brothers, the 3 Younger brothers and probably Clell Miller.
Several of these men were shot by the citizens of Northfield, Minnesota
this page online
The legend lived on in this area when Hollywood come to Pineville Missouri in 1939, to make a movie of their exploits. The photo on the far left are actual images of Jesse James at the top left. Zerelda (Zee) Cobb, lower left and Frank James at the lower right. The photo on the far right are actors Tyrone Power as Jesse James at the top, Nancy Kelly as Zerelda (Zee) Cobb, Jesse's lover, lower left and Henry Fondoa as Frank James at the lower right
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Events.
Location. 36° 22.31′ N, 94° 12.52′ W. Marker is in Bentonville, Arkansas, in Benton County. It is in Downtown Bentonville. It can be reached from South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 S Main Street, Bentonville AR 72712, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas, on the Ozark Plateau, in the Cherokee Heritage Region, and in Osage Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ozarks. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Lawson Building (a few steps from this marker); Iris Louise McPhetridge Thaden (a few steps from this marker); Roy's Office Supply (within shouting distance of this marker); Peoples Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Terry Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Bentonville's Early History
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, November 10, 2023
2. Famous Outlaws that Robbed Bentonville Marker
More about this marker. The marker is in the alley between the 111 and 113 Main Street Buildings.
Also see . . . The Jesse James Gang Robs Bentonville Business (Bentonville Real Estate Company).
Excerpt: Little did we know that it was also the scene of a robbery by one of the United States' most famous gang of robbers, the James Gang. Sometime in February, 1874 - exact date unknown, the robbers, who were fresh off of a train robbery at Gad's Hill Missouri, headed to Arkansas after the robbery. The gang included Jesse James, brother Frank James, Cole, Bob, and John Younger, and maybe Clell Miller and/or Arthur McCoy. Soon after their arrival in Bentonville they robbed the Craig & Sons General store of around two hundred dollars, with various goods and merchandise as well. They apparently were not met with any resistance by the town citizens and rode out of Bentonville after the robbery was completed.(Submitted on December 21, 2023.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
