Law and OrderTexas Forts Trails

Frontier Texas celebrates Texas Independence Day with a reenactment of a gun fight between an outlaw and a lawman. Fun for all ages, many families enjoyed watching history come to life, right in front of their eyes. Frontier Texas acts as a liaison, between the past and the present. Telling the story of past, charismatic individuals and how their path’s intertwine with the Texas Forts Trail.

Santa Claus Bank Robbery

In December of 1927, Marshall Ratliff, Henry Helms, Robert Hill, and Louis Davis conspired to rob the National Bank of Cisco. While staying at the boardinghouse of Mrs. Herron, the four outlaws concocted the now infamous robbery. For fear of being recognized by the citizens of Cisco, Ratliff dressed in an Santa Claus outfit.

The Bad Santa

On December 23, 1927, the four men entered into the bank, all unmasked, except for Ratliff. As they robbed the bank, they acquired three hostages.

During their escape, Marshal Ratliff and Louis Davis were seriously wounded. Robert Hill and Henry Helms were apprehended on December

20, 1927, in Graham Texas. Ratliff, Helms, and Hill were put on trial. Henry Helms received the death penalty, while Ratliff and Hill received ninety-

nine year prison terms. In November of 1929, citizens of Eastland county took the law into their own hands. They kidnapped Marshall Ratliff and

hung him in downtown Eastland.

Mobley HotelThe Mobley Hotel houses pictures and news articles pertaining to the Santa Claus Robbery.

The Chase In 1874, Harding murdered Deputy Charles Web of Brown County. Armstrong lead a country wide manhunt for Harding. Armstrong obtained Harding in Pensacola, Florida. Harding was brought back to Comanche, Texas, tried and sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for the murder of Charles Web.

John Barclay Armstrong was a famous Texas Ranger, his spirit and determination earned him the nickname,

McNelly’s Bulldog.

John Wesley Hardin was a murderous, outlaw, who began killing when he was a teenager.

Emma D. Banister Born: October 20, 1871

Husband: Sheriff of Coleman County, John Banister

Fact: After her husband’s death on August 1, 1918, Emma was elected to finish her husbands term as Sheriff. She became the first woman sheriff in United States history.

The Old Jail Art Center Reilly Nail inherited the old

Shackelford County jail building, in 1968. In 1980, Reilly and Bill Bomar, combined their collections of 20th Century modern art and Asian art. These collections formed the first permanent collection of the Old Jail Art Center of Albany, Texas. The Old Jail Art Center has since grown. In 1984, 1996, and 2009 the Old Jail Art Center received additions to the structure by architect Arthur Weinman. The Old Jail Art Center has become a staple in the community of Albany, drawing attention and visitors from all over.

Junius W.

Peak

Texas

Ranger

Sam Bass

Train Robber

The Pursuit In 1878, Sam Bass and his gang robbed four trains within twenty-five miles of Dallas. Junius W. Peak was ordered to create a special detachment of rangers, to hunt down Sam Bass and his gang. On July 19, 1878 in Round Rock, Texas, Peak and his rangers engaged in a shoot out with Bass and his gang. The next morning, Peak found Bass lying injured, outside of town. Bass was obtained and taken back to Round Rock, where he later died

The Old Jail Museum Complex is located in Palo Pinto County. Visitor’s get to step back into time when touring the old housing structures. They get a chance to see how people in the past used to live. The most interesting structure is the old Palo Pinto County Jail. When entering the structure, one first see’s where the jailer and his family would reside. The second floor leads to a hangman’s noose and a trap door. Outside the structure are holding cells, where prisoners would spend time out in the yard.

Clyde Barrow and Bonnie

ParkerFamous robbers and

murders

Frank HamerTexas Ranger

The Dynamic Duo From 1932 to 1934, the dynamic duo known as Bonnie and Clyde, with the help of their gang, robbed dozens of banks and murdered at least 13 individuals, including two police officers. On May 23, 1934, former Ranger Frank Hamer ambushed Bonnie and Clyde on a rural Louisiana road. They unleashed an enormous amount of bullets into the car, killing the notorious duo.

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