History lives on in Coffeyville

Historic charm

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Discover The Stories That Shaped Coffeyville

Step into the rich history of Coffeyville through historic landmarks, museums, and local traditions that celebrate the people and events that shaped our community. From Old West legends to hometown heritage, there’s a story waiting around every corner.

Aviation Heritage Museum

Monday-Friday: Closed

Saturday: 1pm-4pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm

Admission: Donations are accepted

Ready to take to the air? Catch a glimpse of Coffeyville’s role in aviation history at the Aviation Heritage Museum. Dedicated to early aviation and pioneer pilots of the area, the museum features memorabilia from the Coffeyville Air Base, a Funk airplane that was owned by Joe Funk, and many other displays. Coffeyville has witnessed aviation activities as far back as the year 1900. The first local flights begin by free balloon and the first airplanes were brought here during the Fair & Rodeo in 1909. The Museum is housed in a 1930’s era hangar that was used when the Big Hill Airport was in operation from 1933 to 1960. The hangar was constructed in 1933 as a Works Progress Administration project.

Brown Mansion

Tour Information:

March-October: Tuesday-Saturday: 1pm & 3pm

December: Candlelit Tours

Admission: $10

Take a step back in time to the elegant lifestyle of the early 1900’s.  This three story, historic home contains the original furniture, wall, floor coverings and a full basement. The main floor has nine rooms, including the dining room featuring a signed Tiffany chandelier. The second floor housed sleeping quarters with five bedrooms and three full baths, and a ballroom graces the entire third floor. The full basement includes the butler quarters, laundry, heating systems, walk-in ice box, wine cellar, Potting room, and more.

Dalton Defenders Museum

Hours:

Monday-Sunday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-3pm

The Museum includes many collections: Mementos of the Dalton raid;
exhibits of early Coffeyville history; mementos of Wendell Willkie who lived and taught school in Coffeyville;
mementos of baseball great Walter Johnson who pitched for the Washington Senators and lived in Coffeyville;
and much more!

Perkins Building/Old Condon Bank

Open To The Public To Tour

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturday-Sunday: Closed

The Perkins building is the most recognizable building in Coffeyville. It was the home of Condon Bank, one of two banks that the infamous Dalton Gang attempted to rob in 1892. It now is a tourist attraction and home to the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce.

Death Alley/Old City Jail

Walk the same path taken by the Daltons in 1892 as they attempted to
rob two banks simultaneously.
In Death Alley you will see the Old City Jail which has replicas of the Daltons as they were laid out following their death.
Three of the Daltons were killed in the alley while the fourth died while
attempting to flee Coffeyville.

Elmwood Cemetery

Visit Elmwood Cemetery just off Eldridge on South Walnut (Highway 169) and see the grave site of three members of the Dalton Gang. An old hitching post marks the graves. Emmett Dalton, the lone survivor of the gang, returned to Coffeyville many years after the raid and placed a permanent marker on the graves.

Isham’s True Value Hardware

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

Saturday: 8am-12pm

Sunday: Closed

Take a step back in time and explore the original hardware store from which many citizens obtained guns to stop the Dalton Gang.  Isham’s opened in 1870 and has had its doors open since, in their original location. This makes it the oldest hardware store in the state of Kansas & only 2 families have owned and operated it. As you retrace the footsteps of the Dalton Raid don’t forget to stop in Isham’s to hear some history and shop around. If Isham’s doesn’t have it, then you don’t need it!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, family trip, or local event, Coffeyville offers something for everyone. Explore local attractions, dining, shopping, and experiences that make our community one worth discovering.

For more information, contact the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at 620-251-2550 or email tourism@coffeyvillechamber.org.