Coffeyville, KS
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Coffeyville, located in southeast Kansas, is the largest city in Montgomery County. It's famously known as the town where the Dalton Gang's final raid was stopped by brave citizens in 1892.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Coffeyville. It is a city in Montgomery County, Kansas, United States. Coffeyville is the most populous city in Montgomery County, though the county seat is located in the nearby city of Independence .
Date of Foundation and Age
Coffeyville was founded in 1869 as an Indian trading post by Colonel James A. Coffey . The city was officially incorporated in March 1873 . As of 2026, the city is 157 years old. Legend has it that the naming of the town was left to a coin toss between Col. Coffey and U.S. Army Captain Napoleon B. Blanton, a surveyor sent to lay out the town. Coffey won the toss, and the town was named in his honor .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Coffeyville is located in southeastern Kansas at coordinates 37°02′06″N 95°37′48″W . The city is situated along the west bank of the Verdigris River, about one-half mile north of the Oklahoma state line . It lies approximately 75 miles north of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and 60 miles west of Joplin, Missouri . The elevation of the city is 735 feet (224 meters) above sea level . Interestingly, a spot just north of the Coffeyville Country Club holds a unique distinction: it is the default center starting point of Google Maps when the map displays the 48 contiguous United States .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically, Coffeyville was a major shipping point for Texas cattle in the 1870s . From the late 19th to the early 20th century, following the discovery of natural gas in 1892 and abundant clay, the city became one of the largest glass and brick manufacturing centers in the nation . The development of the mid-continent oil field also led to the founding of several oil field equipment manufacturers . Today, its economy includes manufacturing and it serves as a trading and industrial center for the region . It is also the home of Coffeyville Community College .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the population of Coffeyville was 8,826 . It is classified as a small city. The city has seen a population decline from its peak in the mid-20th century, with the 2020 count being less than half of its 1960 population of 17,382 . The town of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, is a separate political entity located approximately one mile south of the city, just across the state line .
City's "Business Card" (in short)
Coffeyville is best known as the "town that stopped the Dalton Gang," where in 1892, the infamous outlaw gang was met by armed citizens in a dramatic shootout. This historic event, along with its well-preserved downtown and legacy as a former glass and brick manufacturing powerhouse, defines its unique character and small-town American identity .
Geography
Water Bodies
The primary water body associated with Coffeyville is the Verdigris River, which flows along the western edge of the city . The river is a significant geographic feature for the region. For outdoor recreation, Coffeyville State Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Anglers can try their luck catching bass, catfish, and crappie .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Coffeyville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated as "Cfa" . This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters, with precipitation distributed throughout the year.
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest month is typically August, with a record high of 113°F (45.0°C) set on August 4, 2012 . The coldest month is usually January, though the record low of -22°F (-30.0°C) was recorded on February 10, 2011 .
Based on 1991–2020 normals, average temperatures are :
- January: Average high of 44.8°F (7.1°C) / Average low of 24.1°F (-4.4°C)
- April: Average high of 69.7°F (20.9°C) / Average low of 47.8°F (8.8°C)
- July: Average high of 92.4°F (33.6°C) / Average low of 71.4°F (21.9°C)
- October: Average high of 71.5°F (21.9°C) / Average low of 49.6°F (9.8°C)
Precipitation and Humidity
Coffeyville receives a fair amount of precipitation, with an annual average of about 41.4 inches (1,052 mm) . The wettest months are typically late spring, with May being the wettest, averaging 6.06 inches (154 mm) of rain . Winter brings some snow, with an average of 7.7 inches (20 cm) in January .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Coffeyville is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are most moderate and comfortable for exploring the historic downtown and outdoor sites.
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up from cool to pleasantly warm, but this is also the wettest time of the year.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s to low 90s °F (around 32-34°C).
- Fall (September-November): Mild and generally pleasant, with decreasing precipitation and comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, with average highs in the 40s °F (4-9°C) and lows often below freezing. Snowfall is possible but not extreme.
Landmarks and Attractions
Dalton Defenders Museum
This museum is the cornerstone of Coffeyville's historical identity. It honors the heroic citizens who defended the town during the infamous Dalton Gang's attempted bank robbery on October 5, 1892 . The museum showcases artifacts from the raid, photographs, and exhibits that bring this dramatic chapter of frontier history to life, including the stories of the four citizens and one marshal who died protecting the town .
Historic Downtown Coffeyville District and Dalton Defenders Plaza
The historic downtown district features charming streets lined with buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . At the heart of this area is the Dalton Defenders Plaza. Visitors can walk the very streets and the alley where several of the Dalton brothers were killed, and if they look closely, they can still spot bullet holes from the shootout in one of the brick walls . The Old Condon National Bank (now the Perkins Building, c. 1890) is one of the key historic structures associated with the raid .
Brown Mansion
Built between 1904 and 1907, the Brown Mansion is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture and a prominent local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places . This grand home offers a glimpse into the life of one of Coffeyville's most prominent families during the city's boom years.
Walter Johnson Park
Named after Walter Johnson, one of the first five players ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and a Coffeyville native, this park offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities alongside the Verdigris River . It's a central hub for community gatherings and outdoor recreation.
Coffeyville Community College Art and History Gallery
This gallery serves as a cultural hub for the city, presenting rotating exhibits that highlight both regional history and contemporary art. It promotes creativity and learning through diverse artwork and educational programs .
Coffeyville State Lake
Located within easy reach of the city, Coffeyville State Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its clear waters provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking, with playgrounds and open spaces perfect for family gatherings .
Transport
Major Airports
Coffeyville does not have a major commercial airport within the city limits. The closest major airports are several hours away:
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is approximately 75 miles (121 km) south of Coffeyville .
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is approximately 212 miles (341 km) to the north .
Other Airports
For private and general aviation, the Coffeyville Municipal Airport is located a few miles northeast of the city along US-169 .
Bus Service
Intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines. Buses depart from Coffeyville and connect to major hubs like Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri . This is a primary option for ground transportation to and from the city.
Major Highways
U.S. Route 169 is the primary highway serving Coffeyville, connecting it to Tulsa to the south and other Kansas cities to the north. The city is also near the Oklahoma state line, providing easy access to Oklahoma's road network.
Museums
Coffeyville's identity is deeply intertwined with a single, dramatic event from the Old West, and its museums are a testament to that history and the town's broader heritage.
Dalton Defenders Museum
The most significant and famous museum in Coffeyville is the Dalton Defenders Museum . Owned and operated by the non-profit Coffeyville Historical Society, its main attraction is an unparalleled collection of artifacts from the infamous Dalton Gang raid of October 5, 1892 . On that day, the gang attempted to rob two banks simultaneously—a plan that ended in disaster for them and left four townspeople dead.
The museum houses a wealth of authentic items from the raid, offering a tangible connection to this Wild West shootout. Visitors can see:
- Original Guns: Including the gang's rifles and the very Winchester Model 1886 rifle, caliber .38-56, that is visible in the famous photograph of the dead gang members .
- Personal Artifacts: Items such as the gang's bullet belts, hats, money bags, and saddles used during the raid .
- Original Bank Doors: The actual doors and vault doorway from the First National Bank, which the gang attempted to rob .
- Historic Photographs: A large collection of images from the period, including a wall-size photo of the Dalton Gang's bodies following the shootout .
Beyond the Dalton story, the museum has expanded to include rooms dedicated to other facets of local history, such as the area's industrial past, Native American heritage, military history, and notable local figures like baseball legend Walter Johnson . The museum is located directly across the street from the historic Condon Bank building, another site involved in the raid .
Other Notable Historic Sites
The history of the Dalton raid extends beyond the museum walls into the city itself.
- Condon Bank (Perkins Building): Located in the Perkins Building, the Condon Bank was the second bank targeted during the Dalton raid. The building has been restored and is now listed as a National Historical Landmark .
- "Death Alley": Visitors can follow painted hoofprints along the alley just west of South Walnut Street, between 8th and 9th Streets. This path retraces the final, fatal route of the Dalton Gang during their shootout with the townspeople .
- Elmwood Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place of three members of the Dalton Gang. Their graves are marked by a permanent marker placed by the lone survivor, Emmett Dalton, who returned to Coffeyville many years after the raid .
Aviation Heritage Museum
For those interested in the history of flight, Coffeyville is home to the Aviation Heritage Museum. Housed in a building dating back to the 1930s, the museum is dedicated to early aviation and the pioneer pilots of the area. Its collection features memorabilia from the former Coffeyville Air Base, along with historic aircraft like a Funk airplane and "Breezy," which was owned by local aviator Joe Funk .
Art Galleries
For a taste of contemporary local culture, visitors can explore the Center for the Arts and the Terminal Art Gallery, both located downtown. These venues showcase a variety of entertaining and interesting art displays from local and regional artists .
Sport and Sports Legends
In Coffeyville, sports culture is dominated by the rich history and success of its community college athletics.
Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens
The Coffeyville Community College (CCC) Red Ravens are the heart of the city's sporting life. The college's athletic programs are a source of local pride and have a storied history, particularly in football. The Red Ravens compete in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) .
Football Program: The CCC football team is a powerhouse at the junior college level. A landmark achievement came in 1983, when the Red Ravens, led by Head Coach Dick Foster, won the NJCAA National Championship with an impressive 21-2 record over two seasons . The team plays its home games at the stadium on the CCC campus.
Famous Athletes: The college has been a stepping stone for several athletes who went on to play professional football.
- Will Cokeley: A standout linebacker for the Red Ravens from 1979-1980, Cokeley was a first-team All-American. He went on to play for Kansas State University and had a professional career in the USFL (Memphis Showboats), CFL (Montreal Alouettes), and NFL (Buffalo Bills) .
- Joe Stockton: A key member of the 1983 National Championship team, Stockton was an honorable mention All-American center. He later continued his football career at Pittsburg State University .
Other Sports: CCC also fields competitive teams in a variety of other sports for both men and men, including baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, track and field, and cross-country running. For women, the college offers basketball, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball .
Sporting Venues
While specific details on stadium names and capacities are not detailed in the search results, the primary hub for sports in Coffeyville is the Coffeyville Community College campus. It hosts the football games, basketball games in its gymnasium, baseball games at a dedicated field, and other athletic events. Local high school sports at Field Kindley High School also play a significant role in the community's sports fabric .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Higher education in Coffeyville is centered on one key institution that serves as an educational and cultural hub for the region.
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville Community College (CCC) , founded in 1923, is the city's primary institution of higher learning . It is a public, two-year college with a campus situated on 39 acres . CCC is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, quality education and training to meet the needs of the community and surrounding area .
Academic Profile: The college has a student population of approximately 1,474, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 22 to 1 . It offers a wide range of programs, including associate's degrees and certificates. Fields of study are diverse, spanning from liberal arts and sciences to career-oriented programs like Registered Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology, Fire Science, Welding Technology, Automotive Mechanics, and Business Administration .
Unique Features: CCC is known for its open admissions policy, accepting virtually all applicants regardless of high school rank or test scores, making higher education accessible to a broad population . The college participates in the Kansas Promise Scholarship program and offers various forms of financial aid . It has two libraries and provides distance learning options for students .
Historical Significance: For nearly a century, CCC has been a cornerstone of the community, providing not only academic instruction but also a rich campus life, cultural events, and, as noted above, a highly regarded athletics program.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Residents of Coffeyville and the surrounding region have access to comprehensive medical services through a dedicated regional medical center and a network of community health clinics.
Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
The primary healthcare facility in the city is the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) . Established in 1949, CRMC is a 501(c)3 municipal, non-profit hospital . It is licensed for 47 beds and serves a wide patient base. On an annual basis, the center provides care to more than 45,000 patients from several counties in both Kansas (Montgomery, Chautauqua, Labette, Allen, Neosho, Wilson) and Oklahoma (Nowata, Craig) .
- Services and Mission: CRMC's mission is to serve its patients and families with the highest quality healthcare. Over the decades, the hospital has continuously grown, expanding its facilities and adopting new technologies to stay current with modern medical practices and meet the needs of the community it serves . It is located at 1400 W. 4th St.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK)
In addition to the hospital, residents have access to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) . CHC/SEK operates multiple clinics in Coffeyville, ensuring accessible primary and preventative care .
- CHC/SEK Coffeyville Clinic: Located at 801 West 8th Street, this clinic serves as a central outpatient facility .
- School-Based Clinics: Demonstrating a commitment to accessible care for all ages, CHC/SEK also runs clinics in local schools, including the CHC of SEK Coffeyville Field School Clinic at 1110 West 8th Street and the CHC of SEK Coffeyville School Clinic at 102 South Cline Road . These clinics help provide convenient healthcare access for students. The clinics offer services from providers such as Julie Stewart, who specializes in Internal Medicine .