We love a good ghost story, especially if that ghost story happens to include some unique historical aspect of our state! There is one small town in Oklahoma that has a history of violence, gunfights, and outlaws. Settled in 1889, the town of Ingalls, Oklahoma, sprung up after the land rush and became home to about 150 residents. All that's now left of this eerie place is a few buildings that represent its outlaw history. When you visit this ghost town, you'll think you stepped onto the set of a Western horror movie. Could this perhaps be known as the scariest town in Oklahoma? Or maybe it's just a small town with a sordid past that is worth recognizing...you be the judge.
Many gangs were running rampant in Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s and one such gang, the Doolin-Dalton gang, frequented the small town of Ingalls quite often.
The Doolin-Dalton gang (along with many other gangs) used the town of Ingalls as a hideout place. The residents overlooked their behavior to reap the rewards of their lavish spending while in town.
In August 1893, after being in town several weeks, U.S. Marshals got word that the gang was around, hiding out at the local motel.
27 law enforcement officers showed up in town ready to arrest the gang, but when one U.S. Marshal fired upon the gang, a showdown erupted. Three U.S. Marshals and two citizens of Ingalls were killed that day. All but one of the Doolin-Dalton gang escaped, but the gang quickly fell apart.
The ghost town is now known for the "Battle of Ingalls."
Ingalls is located in Payne County about 10 miles away from Stillwater. All that remains are a couple of old buildings, including replicas of the actual hotel that was originally called Pierce O.K. Hotel, a stable, general store and saloon.
The ghost town has a very eerie feeling and is not the type of place you want to be in after dark.
Believe me...you will feel like the outlaws are still roaming this ghost town.
For the full history on Ingalls, watch the video below:
If you enjoy ghost towns and learning about the scariest town in Oklahoma, then you might want to take a road trip through Oklahoma and visit these ghost towns for a haunted experience! Go ahead, we already mapped out the whole trip for you! So all you need to do is hop in the car and decide if you're brave enough.
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