Hot Springs gunfight facts for kids

The Hot Springs gunfight was a big shootout that happened on March 16, 1899. It took place in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a town in the United States. What made this fight unusual was that it was between two different groups of law enforcement officers! It happened during the time known as the Old West.

Why the Gunfight Happened

Hot Springs, Arkansas, was a famous spa town. But it also had a long history of illegal gambling. This led to a lot of violence by the late 1800s. Starting in the 1870s, two groups, the Flynns and the Dorans, fought for control. They wanted to control the gambling businesses in the city. Hot Springs had about 10,000 people then. These groups had many gunfights in the downtown area.

Local Leaders and Rules

Thomas C. Toler was the city's chief of police at this time. He was first hired in the early 1870s. This was by William Little, the first sheriff of Garland County. By the mid-1890s, Chief Toler had problems with Mayor W.W. Waters. So, Toler supported William L. Gordon in the 1897 mayoral election.

The Hot Springs Police Department had a reputation. People thought they helped the gambling businesses. They often helped collect money or made other businesses leave town.

Mayor Gordon chose Toler to be police chief again. But he told Toler to enforce new rules. These rules would limit gambling activities. Chief Toler did not agree with this. He wanted a more relaxed policy. He had strong connections with the gambling community. He did not want to lose these important connections.

Chief Toler and his police department did not like the new rules. But County Sheriff Bob Williams supported the mayor. Coffee Williams, the sheriff's brother, was also his main deputy. Coffee Williams often visited the gambling houses. However, he was still considered good at his job.

Tensions grew between the two law enforcement groups. This was because of the planned crackdown on gambling. There were several angry arguments between officers. From the outside, it looked like the sheriff was helping the mayor stop gambling. But the real reason for the conflict was about who would control the illegal money. It was a fight between the county sheriff's office and the city police department.

What Happened After the Gunfight

After the gunfight on March 16, 1899, there were many trials. The fight left two people hurt and five people dead. One of those killed was Johnny, Sheriff Williams's son. The bad feelings between the Hot Springs Police Department and the Garland County Sheriffs Office continued. This lasted into the early 1900s.

Frank Flynn was made to leave town after the shootout. This was done by a "Citizens Commission" started by Mayor Gordon. But illegal gambling did not stop. And problems within both law enforcement groups remained.

See also

In Spanish: Tiroteo de Hot Springs para niños