Younger's Bend - Near Porum, OK
N 35° 18.066 W 095° 20.367
15S E 287286 N 3908945
Oklahoma Historical Marker commemorating this area as the former Younger's Bend, which was changed considerably when Lake Eufaula was built. With ties to the James-Younger gang, it is best known as where Sam and Belle Starr lived.
Waymark Code: WMMCYF
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 09/02/2014
Views: 17
There is a trail up to Belle Starr's grave, where her old, broken headstone has been replaced, and folks seem to have more respect for the grave now than they once did. Instead of the graffiti that can still be seen on the faux crypt, they leave coins or flowers. Nearby, her old cabin has been rebuilt. Note that this is private property, and they are very clear about advising you about that: Be on your extra-best behavior. The historical marker is visible from Highway 71, and is about nine miles southwest of Porum, OK. There is room for parking here, but please don't block the gate.
The marker has identical text on both sides, and it says:
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
Oklahoma Historical Society 2013 Dr. Ron and Donna Hood
County: Muskogee
Record Address::
Highway 71
Porum, OK USA
Web site if available: [Web Link]
Rate the Site: 
Date Erected: 2013
Sponsor (Who put it there): Oklahoma Historical Society/Dr. Ron and Donna Hood
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Visit Instructions:1 - Must visit the site in person.
2 - New Photo required.
3 - Give some new insight to the marker/site.