Hold-Up at Baxter's Curve

The last train robbery was staged in 1912, just east of Dryden. Robbers boarded the train at Dryden, ordering the Engineer to stop on the first iron bridge at Baxter’s curve. There, they intended to cut off the baggage cars, rob the mail, packages, and passengers, then escape on horseback. The express messenger, David Trousdale, was able to distract one of the robbers by offering to show him the most valuable package. When the robber put his gun aside to take the package, Trousdale struck him with an ice mallet, killing him instantly. Then, using that robber’s gun, Trousdale was able to shoot the other thief, Ben Kilpatrick, a member of the Wild Bunch. Graves of the last train robbers are at the Santa Rita Cemetery.