Caldwell in Sumner County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Murder of Marshal George Flatt

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016

1. Murder of Marshal George Flatt Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

George Flatt (1853-1880), Caldwell's first city marshal, and a fearless gunfighter, was gunned down here the night of June 19, 1880, 2 months after leaving the police force. Flatt had argued with two police officers earlier in the evening and died in a hail of gunfire walking home. The mayor, new marshal, and the entire police force were arrested by the county sheriff. Only the marshal, William Horseman, faced a trial, and he was acquitted one year later.

Erected 1993 by the Caldwell Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1880.

Location. 37° 1.974′ N, 97° 36.408′ W. Marker is in Caldwell, Kansas, in Sumner County. Marker is on North Main Street (State Highway 49) north of East Central Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 North Main Street, Caldwell KS 67022, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shooting Up Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Newton Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Light Saloon / Chisholm Trail

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Land Rush / Historic Marker Project (within shouting distance of this marker); "Those Who Came Before" (within shouting distance of this marker); Talbot Gang Shootout (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Chance Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Prohibition Movement (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Caldwell.

More about this marker. Funded by donations from Vernon and Alleyne Elliott, Elliott - Schaeffer Mortuary.

Regarding Murder of Marshal George Flatt. Marshal George Flatt was shot and killed by a shotgun on Main Street during an ambush at approximately 1:00 am. He was 33 years old and had served 5 years as Marshal.

He is buried in an unmarked grave next to his son in Caldwell City Cemetery.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016

2. Murder of Marshal George Flatt Marker

View of marker near U.S. Post Office. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016

3. View of marker near U.S. Post Office.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.