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Red River Plunge of Bonnie and Clyde

Field review by the editors.

Wellington, Texas

On June 10, 1933, Bonnie and Clyde were racing to get out of Texas and into Oklahoma. They were speeding north on US 83 when they missed a detour sign and plunged off an embankment into a dry riverbed. The crash destroyed their stolen car and drenched Bonnie's leg with battery acid, leaving her lame for the rest of her short life.

According to the historical marker at the site, Clyde's brother shot the daughter of the farm family that rescued them "while crippling the family car to halt pursuit."

Other accounts paint a more sympathetic picture of the gang, with Clyde offering the family some of his stolen money for their troubles.

The historical marker was dedicated in 1975, making it one of the earlier official roadside memorials to Bonnie and Clyde.

Red River Plunge of Bonnie and Clyde

Address:
US Hwy 83, Wellington, TX
Directions:
The marker is seven miles north of Wellington, near the entrance to Pioneer Park, which is on the southbound side of US Hwy 83 just north of the bridge across the Salt Fork Red River.
Admission:
Free
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Nearby Offbeat Places

Clyde's Ammo Clip, Bonnie's GloveClyde's Ammo Clip, Bonnie's Glove, Wellington, TX - 7 mi.
Blarney StoneBlarney Stone, Shamrock, TX - 18 mi.
False Blarney StoneFalse Blarney Stone, Shamrock, TX - 18 mi.
In the region:
Leaning Tower of Britten, Groom, TX - 51 mi.

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