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

Talbot Gang Shootout

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016

1. Talbot Gang Shootout Marker

Inscription. On December 17, 1881 in the alley east, Mike Meagher, past Wichita Marshal and Caldwell Mayor was killed in a shootout with Jim Talbot and his gang. Also killed by the gunfire was George Spears, former policeman, who had changed to the Talbot side. The fight lasted long enough for a hardware store to pass guns and ammunition out to townspeople. Only 1 of the 4 gang members was convicted. Jim Talbot was one of those acquitted but was later killed, probably by Meagher's brother who was seen following Talbot from the courthouse in Wellington after Talbot's release.

Erected 1993 by The Caldwell Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1881.

Location. 37° 1.932′ N, 97° 36.408′ W. Marker is in Caldwell, Kansas, in Sumner County. It is on South Main Street (U.S. 81) south of East Central Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 South Main Street, Caldwell KS 67022, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and in Greater Wichita.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Last Chance Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); "Those Who Came Before" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Land Rush / Historic Marker Project

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Shooting Up Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Prohibition Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Stone Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Leland Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Murder of Marshal George Flatt (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 Colin, Lucinda, Caten and Maxey Wood, Flowers Plus, and The Caldwell Cherokee Strip Centennial Committee.

Also see . . . Legends of America article about the Talbot Cowboy Shootout. (Submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Wide view of Talbot Gang Shootout Marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016

2. Wide view of Talbot Gang Shootout Marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 769 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.