newsgathers

Nestled in Oklahoma, the abandoned town of Ingalls offers a captivating journey back to the untamed era of the American Wild West. Once a bustling hub, located merely ten miles east of Stillwater, this area dramatically contrasts with its current quiet state. In the late 1800s, its streets pulsed with activity, characterized by wooden structures, active saloons, and the constant sound of horse hooves. Ingalls became a refuge for notorious figures like the Doolin-Dalton Gang, whose exploits in train and bank robberies kept both law enforcement and residents on edge throughout the 1890s. The tension escalated into the infamous Battle of Ingalls on September 1, 1893, a fierce gunfight between the gang and U.S. Marshals that resulted in numerous casualties, marking the beginning of the end for both the gang and the town.

Today, Ingalls stands as a silent testament to its storied past, inviting visitors to wander through its decaying buildings and cracked foundations. The air is thick with history, where rusted signs and tumbleweeds evoke vivid images of the outlaws and lawmen who once roamed these grounds. Among the notable sites is a replica of the Old Ingalls Hotel, a central location during the 1893 shootout, where 'Arkansas Tom' Jones famously fired upon U.S. Deputy Marshal Thomas Hueston from an upstairs window. Other historical landmarks include the Wilson General Store, which once provisioned the town, and the R.M. Saloon, rumored to be the starting point of the Doolin-Dalton Gang's confrontation with the Marshals. For those eager to delve deeper into Oklahoma’s frontier history, a three-hour journey northeast leads to Picher, a former mining town now recognized as 'America’s most toxic ghost town' due to the enduring hazards from lead and zinc mining.

For modern adventurers contemplating a visit to Ingalls, contemporary travel methods are advised despite the persistent cowboy spirit in Oklahoma, celebrated annually at one of the nation's largest outdoor rodeos in Guymon. The most convenient access point is Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, approximately 80 miles southwest, which offers flights from various U.S. locations. From the airport, renting a car and driving across the vast plains provides the ideal means to explore Ingalls and its historical surroundings. Given that Ingalls is no longer inhabited, ridesharing services and taxis are virtually nonexistent, making a personal vehicle essential. Stillwater, merely a 15-minute drive away, serves as an excellent base for overnight stays, offering a selection of cafes, eateries, and accommodations. Visiting Ingalls is more than just a trip; it is an immersive experience that transports one back in time, offering a poignant glimpse into the rugged vitality of the Wild West through its silent ruins, perfect for anyone drawn to history, photography, or the allure of America's less-traveled paths.