Back In The Day, This Quiet Oklahoma State Park Was An Outlaw Hangout
By Ashley|Published March 22, 2023
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Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma, tucked away in the rugged San Bois Mountains, has a long and storied history. In fact, was once an infamous hideout for some of the most famous outlaws in American history: Jesse James and Belle Starr. And while these days it is a peaceful state park, back in the day it seems like a wild west playground for these notorious figures.
Robbers Cave is now one of Oklahoma’s most popular state parks — but it will always be remembered as an outlaw hangout for two of America’s most notorious criminals: Jesse James and Belle Starr.
Belle Starr was known as the "Bandit Queen" and was a legendary figure in the Old West. She was famous for her criminal exploits and was known to have robbed banks and stagecoaches. She eventually moved to Oklahoma, where she became a prominent figure in the outlaw community.
Jesse James was also a well-known outlaw who terrorized the Midwest during the late 1800s. He was the leader of the James-Younger gang and was responsible for numerous bank and train robberies.
The story goes that Jesse James and Belle Starr frequented Robbers Cave during their crime sprees across the midwest. According to local legend, they would steal horses and other items from local ranches, then ride them back to the cave.
The park's rugged terrain and secluded location made it the perfect spot for outlaws to evade law enforcement. The park is also located near the border between Oklahoma and Arkansas, which made it easy for Belle and Jesse to escape to another state if necessary.
Today, visitors to Robbers Cave State Park can explore the park's many hiking trails, go fishing in one of the park's lakes, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. However, those with an interest in history can also learn about the park's outlaw past in the park museum.
If you're looking for an exciting and educational experience, a visit to Robbers Cave State Park is a must. You can follow in the footsteps of Belle Starr and Jesse James and explore the park's rugged terrain. Who knows, you may even stumble upon a hidden cave or secret hideout where the outlaws once sought refuge.
