Historical Marker Program

Younger’s Bend

Muskogee County
Location: on OK 71, approximately 1 mile east of Lake Eufaula Dam
Coordinates: 35.301111, -95.338889
Material: Aluminum
Sponsor(s): Dr. Ron and Donna Hood
Topics: Law and Order; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

Formerly a strong southerly bend in the Canadian River was located here. The course of the river was permanently changed after the construction of the Lake Eufaula Dam in 1964. It is thought that the bend is named for Cole Younger who served in the Civil War as a member of Quantrill’s Raiders and operated in this area 1862-64. After the war, Cole Younger and his brothers would join Frank and Jesse James to form the James-Younger Gang. Although visited by many other famous Outlaws of the time, Younger’s Bend is best known as the home of Sam and Belle Starr 1880-1889. Both lived here until the separate events of their untimely deaths. It remains the quiet final resting place of Belle Starr. “On the Canadian River …far from society, I hoped to pass the remainder of my life in peace.” Belle Starr

Note: This marker was reported damaged on 12/23/2024.