What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 11am - 3pm Wednesday 11am - 3pm Thursday 11am - 3pm Friday 11am - 3pm Saturday 11am - 3pm

Dalton Defenders Museum

Name: Dalton Defenders Museum
Address: 814 Walnut, Coffeyville, KS, 67337, US
Telephone: (620) 251-5944
Price range: $
Rating: 5

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Dalton Defenders Museum

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Dalton Defenders Museum, Community Museum, 814 Walnut, Coffeyville, KS.
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The Museum includes many collections: mementos of the Dalton raid; exhibits of early Coffeyville history; mementos of Wendell Willkie who lived & taught in Coffeyville; mementos of baseball great Walter Johnson who lived in Coffeyville; and much more!

06/20/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 06.20.2026

The correct answer is...

A) Branding iron for livestock.

This fascinating piece is an antique branding iron likely from the 1800s to early 1900s, featuring a specific mark for livestock identification. Branding was an essential way to establish ownership and deter theft.

The long handle protected the user from the heat, while the heavy iron head was heated in a fire and then pressed briefly onto the animal's hide to leave a permanent mark.

We love sharing these pieces of agricultural history.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing fun! Stay tuned for our next History Mystery!

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The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

06/19/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 06.19.2026

We found this intriguing old iron tool and want to hear your best guesses! Take a close look at the photo and vote below:

A. Branding iron for livestock
B. Blacksmith’s shaping tool
C. Antique waffle or food press
D. Railroad or farm equipment tool
E. Early cobbler/leatherworking tool
F. Something completely different (tell us in the comments!)

Drop your guess in the comments below! ⬇️

The correct answer (and its fascinating history!) will be revealed tomorrow!

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique tool and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

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The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

06/13/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 06.13.2026

The correct answers were A and C!

This unusual leather item served two important purposes in horse care:

A) A leather hobble used to limit a horse's movement while grazing. This hobble has been identified as a Mormon Hobble of the 1840s-1850s, designed to keep horses hobbled during the night as a measure of protection against horse thieves.

C) A collar used to secure a shoe boil pad to help prevent a capped elbow in a working horse. The circular leather piece, often lined with horsehair, was designed to hold a protective shoe boil boot firmly in place. A “cap” refers to a bruise or swelling that can sometimes develop into an abscess if left untreated.

Artifacts like this remind us of the many specialized tools once used in the daily care and management of working horses.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing fun! Stay tuned for our next History Mystery!
--------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

06/12/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 06.12.2026

Take a close look at this unusual circular leather object with a center opening and buckle fasteners.

What do YOU think it was used for?

A) A leather hobble used to limit a horse's movement while grazing
B) An early flotation device for swimming lessons
C) A collar used to secure a shoe boil to prevent a capped elbow on a work horse
D) A cushion ring used by travelers on long stagecoach rides

Drop your guess in the comments below! ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique tool and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!
------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/23/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 05.23.2026

The correct answer was…

B. An Antique SAD IRON (HEATING IRON)

Before electric irons, these heavy metal irons were heated on a stove or fire and used to press wrinkles out of clothing and linens. The term “sad” in sad iron comes from an old word meaning solid or heavy — and heavy they certainly were!

Can you imagine ironing an entire family’s laundry with one of these?

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing fun! Stay tuned for our next History Mystery!

--------------------

The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/22/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY ITEM | 05.21.2026

Take a close look at this unusual antique contraption…

What do YOU think it was used for?

Was it…

A. A vintage camping stove
B. An antique sad iron/heating iron
C. A butter churn press
D. A railroad lantern warmer

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique item and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/21/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 05.20.2026

The correct answer was…

D) A BOOT and SHOE FITTING STAND!

This antique device was used in shoe stores to help properly measure and fit boots and shoes. Customers would place their foot on the stand while the shopkeeper checked sizing and fit for comfort and proper support.

Before modern shoe sizing tools and self-service shopping, specialized fitting stands like this helped ensure a perfect fit—especially when boots and shoes were often handmade or custom ordered.

It’s a fascinating reminder of how everyday shopping looked over 100 years ago!

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this unique artifact in person and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

Thanks to everyone who played along! We love seeing your guesses and stories—stay tuned for our next History Mystery.
--------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/15/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY ITEM | 05.15.2026

Take a close look at this unusual antique contraption…

What do YOU think it was used for?

A) An early shoe shining stand
B) A Victorian barber or dentist chair
C) A cobbler’s leather stitching tool
D) A boot and shoe fitting stand

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique item and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

------------------------------------------

The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/09/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 5.9.2026

The correct answer was…

D. PAPER/TOBACCO SHEAR

This hefty cast-iron cutter was used to slice to***co leaves, paper, and other materials with one powerful pull of the handle. Before electric machines did the work, tools like this helped shopkeepers and factory workers make quick, precise cuts every day.

And yes… it’s HEAVY.

Built from solid cast iron, this “ARROW” shear was made to survive years of hard work in to***co shops, print shops, and general stores in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Tools like this were often found in:
- To***co shops and cigar factories
- Print shops and paper businesses
- General stores and small workshops

Thanks to everyone who played along! We love seeing your guesses and stories—stay tuned for our next History Mystery.
--------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/08/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 5.08.2026

Can you identify this unusual antique tool from our collection?

Made of heavy cast iron and marked “CIPOLLES CO.” and “ARROW,” this hand-operated device once played an important role in everyday work many years ago.

But what exactly was it used for?

A. Apple cider press
B. To***co or cigar cutter
C. Leather strap punch
D. Paper or to***co shear

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique tool and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!
------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

Address

814 Walnut
Coffeyville, KS
67337

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11am - 3pm
Wednesday	11am - 3pm
Thursday	11am - 3pm
Friday	11am - 3pm
Saturday	11am - 3pm

Telephone

(620) 251-5944

Website

http://www.coffeyvillehistory.com/

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