Want to dive into the intriguing history of the Osage Nation? How did the discovery of oil on their land lead to unprecedented prosperity and a series of mysterious murders? What was the role of William Hale and the Burkhart family in these tragic events? How did the investigation by reporter Tom White and the relentless pursuit of justice by the Osage people reveal deep-seated corruption, racial prejudices and an enduring spirit of resilience? Discover this and more in our captivating exploration of the Osage Nation's remarkable history.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

In the beautiful Osage territory of Oklahoma, May is known as the "flower-killing moon," when the taller plants overshadow and outcompete the smaller blossoms. In this serene yet harsh landscape, Mollie Burkhart's life was disrupted on May 24, 1921, when her sister Anna Brown disappeared. 

Anna was known for her lively "sprees" of dancing and drinking, but this time she didn’t come back. Mollie was already haunted by the mysterious, swift death of her other sister, Minnie, three years prior.

The Osage tribe, once driven from their lands, found themselves sitting atop vast oil reserves in Oklahoma, becoming the wealthiest people per capita in the world. Yet with wealth came unwanted attention and danger. The public marveled at their prosperity, while old stereotypes of "wild" Indians persisted.

Gray Horse, Oklahoma, where Mollie lived, was a chaotic frontier town teeming with cowboys, fortune seekers, and outlaws. Mollie, though wealthy, lived modestly compared to her neighbors. She was one of the last to see Anna before her disappearance, and soon the entire town was abuzz with the news.

Anna's body was eventually found, decomposed and shot in the head, near Three Mile Creek. The murder shocked the community, already on edge from the recent disappearance and murder of another Osage, Charles Whitehorn. Suspicions fell on Anna's ex-husband, Oda Brown, but without evidence, he was released.

Mollie turned to her husband Ernest's powerful uncle, William Hale, known as the “King of the Osage Hills.” Hale, a former cowboy turned wealthy cattleman and local benefactor, vowed to find Anna's killer. Despite his efforts and the authorities’ investigation, the case remained unsolved, with rumors and suspicions swirling.

Mollie’s mother, Lizzie, soon fell ill and died, her death as mysterious as Anna's and Minnie’s. Mollie’s brother-in-law, Bill Smith, suspected poisoning. He believed all three deaths were connected to the Osage's oil wealth, hinting at a sinister plot targeting the tribe's fortune.

As Mollie grappled with her grief and the looming threat to her family and tribe, the shadow of death seemed to linger, driven by the dark allure of black gold beneath their feet.

Did the Osage Tribe's Oil Fortune Trigger a Sinister Plot of Murder and Mystery?

The Osage people, including ten-year-old Mollie, witnessed an incredible change when oil was discovered on their land, leading to a dramatic influx of wealth. This newfound prosperity, however, was underpinned by a centuries-long struggle for their territory. 

Originally, the Osage had vast lands stretching from Missouri and Kansas to Oklahoma, but through a series of treaties and forced relocations driven by U.S. expansion, they were eventually confined to a small reservation in Kansas. This hardship was compounded by settlers like the Ingalls family, who took Osage land despite promises of permanent ownership.

Mollie's parents grew up amidst this turmoil, maintaining their traditions while adapting to new realities. Her father, a respected tribal judge and warrior, and her mother, described as industrious, would go on sacred buffalo hunts, using every part of the animal, a practice that defined their connection to the land and their self-sufficiency. However, the buffalo's near extinction and policies of forced assimilation disrupted their way of life. The government pressured Osage men to farm and withheld annuity payments, causing widespread hunger and suffering.

Despite these challenges, the Osage managed to secure a reservation in Oklahoma, deemed unfit for cultivation by whites, thus avoiding further displacement. However, this land was later found to be rich in oil. The Osage cleverly retained rights to the oil beneath their land, leading to immense wealth once drilling began in the early 20th century. Figures like George Getty and Frank Phillips struck oil, transforming the Osage reservation into a booming oil field, attracting wildcatters and speculators.

The influx of wealth brought both prosperity and peril. Mollie's family faced a series of mysterious deaths, including her sister Anna and her mother Lizzie, suspected to be poisonings. Despite offering rewards and hiring private detectives, investigations stalled due to corruption and incompetence among local law enforcement. Even a federal inquiry was hindered by the murder of Barney McBride, an oilman sent to Washington to seek help, illustrating the dangerous and conspiratorial climate surrounding the Osage wealth.

The private detectives, including those from the renowned William J. Burns International Detective Agency, faced numerous challenges. They pursued leads, such as Anna's ex-husband and potential jealous rivals, but found little concrete evidence. Surveillance and infiltration methods yielded some insights, but the sheer number of suspects and the complexity of motives made the case difficult to unravel.

By the early 1920s, the Osage were embroiled in a deadly conspiracy as their newfound wealth made them targets for exploitation and murder. The death of William Stepson, another suspected poisoning, underscored the lethal lengths perpetrators would go to in their pursuit of Osage fortunes. This period of terror highlighted the dark side of the American dream, where greed and violence overshadowed justice and humanity.

Oil, Wealth, and Betrayal: The Dark Side of the American Dream in Osage Nation

Even amidst the sinister undertones of murder, the oil barons flocked to Oklahoma every three months. The likes of E.W. Marland, Bill Skelly, Harry Sinclair, and Frank Phillips would arrive in their opulent railcars for the grand auction of Osage oil leases. This event, often dubbed the "Osage Monte Carlo," was a spectacle in itself.

The auctions, which began in 1912, saw bids for 160-acre tracts soar astronomically. In 1923, a single lease could fetch millions, with the Million Dollar Elm providing shade for these high-stakes transactions. The bidding wars were fierce, sometimes erupting into physical altercations, as was the case when Phillips and Skelly fought while Sinclair walked away with a prized lease.

Colonel Ellsworth E. Walters, the charismatic auctioneer, energized bidders with his booming voice and colorful attire. The oilmen, armed with geological maps and intelligence from "rock hounds," knew that a single lease could either make or break them. Jean Paul Getty reminisced about the transformative power of striking oil, turning penniless wildcatters into wealthy men overnight.

The 1920s saw an influx of wealth into Osage County, transforming it into a bustling epicenter of commerce. However, the opulence attracted predatory attention. Federally imposed guardians monitored the financial affairs of full-blooded Osage, restricting their access to their own fortunes. This paternalistic system was rooted in racial biases, with guardians appointed based on the quantum of Indian blood.

The wealth disparity and the Osage's sudden affluence stoked jealousy and resentment among white Americans. Sensationalized stories painted the Osage as reckless spendthrifts, overshadowing their savvy investments and cultural practices.

Despite the economic boom, the Osage faced a grim reality. The Reign of Terror saw over twenty-four members of the tribe murdered between 1921 and 1923. The perpetrators, often shielded by corrupt local authorities, targeted the Osage for their oil wealth. The chilling murder of Henry Roan in February 1923 exemplified this brutality. Roan, an Osage with a $25,000 life insurance policy listing his friend Hale as the beneficiary, was found shot in the head in his car.

The community lived in fear, with many Osage installing 'fraid lights' around their homes to ward off the "grim specter" of death. Bill and Rita Smith, who were investigating the murders, became victims themselves when a bomb destroyed their home, killing Rita and severely injuring Bill.

The Osage Tribal Council, desperate for justice, appealed to the federal government, urging the Department of Justice to intervene. The arrival of Bureau of Investigation agents in 1925 marked a turning point, although Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman, suspected she was being poisoned and feared for her life.

This dark chapter in American history, marked by greed and bloodshed, reminds us that wealth can be both a blessing and a curse, especially when coveted by the ruthless. The legacy of the Osage Reign of Terror serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to seize power and fortune.

Did the World's Greatest Oil Barons Influence the Osage Reign of Terror?

In the sweltering summer of 1925, Tom White, a towering, sinewy former Texas Ranger, received an urgent summons from the new head of the Bureau of Investigation, J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover, known for his strict dress code and a penchant for control, needed White’s expertise on a matter of grave importance: the Osage murders.

White, an old-style lawman with a reverence for justice, had spent his life chasing fugitives across the frontier. Despite Hoover’s preference for college-educated agents, he knew he needed White’s seasoned skills to salvage the bureau’s reputation. The Osage murders, involving the brutal killings of wealthy Osage Indians, had become one of the bureau’s first major homicide investigations. Previous agents had failed, and Hoover, fearing a scandal that could end his career, turned to White.

Upon arriving at Hoover’s immaculate office, White was tasked with leading the investigation in Oklahoma. The case was a labyrinth of corruption and deceit, with local lawmen and private eyes muddying the waters. White, determined to succeed, assembled a team of undercover operatives, including his brother Doc, a former New Mexico sheriff, and John Wren, a rare American Indian agent with a knack for handling delicate cases on reservations.

Entering Osage County, White’s team blended into the community. The former sheriff posed as a cattleman, the ex-Ranger as a rancher, and Wren as an Indian medicine man. Their undercover work began to yield results, uncovering a tapestry of violence and betrayal. White’s methodical approach, influenced by new scientific techniques like fingerprinting, helped him separate fact from fiction.

One of White’s most significant challenges was the disappearance of crucial evidence. The skull of Anna Brown, a victim, had a bullet hole with no exit wound, indicating someone had tampered with the crime scene. Despite their efforts, previous agents had not cracked the case. White’s diligence paid off when he exposed false leads and corrupt officials who had hindered the investigation.

White’s investigation led to a dramatic breakthrough. He uncovered a plot involving multiple killers, each employing different methods to avoid detection. The meticulous work of White and his team, often risking their lives, began to unravel the conspiracy. They identified key suspects, corroborated alibis, and gathered irrefutable evidence.

In the end, White’s relentless pursuit of justice brought the Osage murderers to light, salvaging the bureau’s reputation and securing Hoover’s position. The case, a dark chapter in American history, highlighted the transition from frontier justice to modern law enforcement, with White standing as a bridge between the two eras.

Tom White: The Frontier Lawman Who Solved the Osage Murders and Revolutionized American Law Enforcement

Hoover was relentless in his pursuit of updates from Agent White, even chastising him for any delay. Hoover, though germophobic and often ensconced in his office, meticulously reviewed reports on the Osage murders.

He noted the identical manner of deaths of Anna Brown and Roan, a forty-year-old Osage Indian, and suspected Necia Kenny, an unstable woman married to an Osage man, might hold the key. Kenny implicated attorney A.W. Comstock, whom Hoover despised for past criticisms. Despite Kenny's mental instability, Hoover valued her leads over her potential as a witness.

White and his team dug deep, scrutinizing every suspect. By July 1925, White focused on Bryan Burkhart, whose alibi for the night Anna vanished seemed solid until witnesses placed him with Anna later that evening. This revelation cracked Bryan’s alibi wide open, prompting further investigation. White uncovered a timeline showing Bryan and Anna's movements through various speakeasies, accompanied by a mysterious "third man."

White's probe faced constant sabotage, with leaks and moles everywhere. Private eyes, possibly paid off, obstructed the investigation, even endangering informant Kelsie Morrison. White's team, at times convening secretly in the countryside, was advised to remain armed and cautious.

The case's complexity grew as White encountered double and triple agents. A private eye named Pike, initially hired to solve Anna's murder, was found to be part of a cover-up orchestrated by William Hale, a supposed protector of the Osage. Pike revealed that Hale had directed him to fabricate an alibi for Bryan, indicating Hale's deep involvement in the conspiracy.

In September 1925, White suspected Bill Smith, Mollie Burkhart's brother-in-law, had discovered crucial information before his murder. Despite Smith's dying declaration implying Hale and Ernest Burkhart were his enemies, the investigation revealed deeper layers of corruption and exploitation within the guardianship system over Osage estates. 

White’s investigation uncovered systemic graft where prominent white citizens, lawmen, and judges profited from the guardianship system, exploiting the Osage for their oil wealth. The Indian Rights Association documented these abuses, highlighting the widespread and ruthless exploitation faced by the Osage.

Despite these challenges, White and his team pressed on, piecing together the intricate web of deceit and betrayal surrounding the Osage murders.

Web of Deceit: The Relentless Pursuit of Justice in the Osage Murders

In September, an undercover agent posing as an insurance salesman struck up a conversation at a Fairfax gas station. The woman he spoke to revealed that William Hale "controlled everything" and recounted a story of Hale's workers setting fire to his land for a $30,000 insurance payout.

Tom White, investigating the suspicious death of Henry Roan and other Osage murders, discovered that Hale had manipulated Roan’s $25,000 life insurance policy, claiming Roan owed him money. White traced this back to a fraudulent creditor's note, revealing Hale's deceitful tactics.

Hale’s influence was widespread, controlling local law enforcement and even some federal officials. White’s investigation uncovered that Hale had attempted to buy Roan’s headright, a valuable share in the Osage tribe's mineral trust, but turned to murder when thwarted by legal restrictions. Mollie Burkhart, married to Hale’s nephew Ernest, inherited most of her family's headrights, funneling wealth indirectly to Hale.

White faced immense challenges, with no physical evidence linking Hale directly to the murders. He turned to the criminal underworld for leads, finding Dick Gregg, who revealed Hale had offered his gang $2,000 to kill Bill Smith and his wife, an offer they refused. Most potential witnesses, like Henry Grammer and Asa Kirby, were dead under suspicious circumstances.

Despite setbacks, White persevered. His investigation revealed Hale’s complicity in multiple murders and fraudulent schemes, but gathering concrete evidence was an uphill battle. Hale’s arrogance and perceived invincibility only fueled White’s determination. Amid growing pressure, White’s relentless pursuit was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, highlighting the profound corruption and challenges of early 20th-century law enforcement.

Unmasking Evil: Tom White's Battle Against Corruption in the Osage Murders

In October 1925, White received a tip about a prisoner, Burt Lawson, who claimed to know about the Osage murders. Desperate, White and Agent Frank Smith rushed to interview Lawson, a man with a criminal past.

Lawson confessed that he had been approached by Ernest Burkhart and Bill Hale to blow up Bill Smith's house but initially refused. However, after Hale promised him legal help, he agreed and executed the plan using nitroglycerin. His confession implicated Hale directly, bringing a breakthrough in the case.

As White dug deeper, he uncovered that Hale had systematically arranged for Mollie Burkhart to inherit her family’s wealth through murders, and there were suspicions that Mollie herself was being poisoned. Lawmen arrested Hale and Ernest Burkhart in early 1926, but Hale remained confident, believing his influence and wealth would protect him.

White faced setbacks, including the challenge of confirming Lawson's story and the legal complexities of jurisdiction. Despite these, he managed to secure new confessions. Ernest Burkhart, under pressure from his dying daughter and the weight of evidence, broke down and confessed to his involvement, providing crucial details about Hale's orchestration of the murders.

Hale, however, denied everything and even claimed White's agents had tortured him to extract confessions. This led to a scandal that threatened the case, but White's determination and the eventual cooperation of other conspirators like Kelsie Morrison kept the investigation on track.

The trials were sensational, drawing national attention and revealing deep corruption and prejudice against the Osage. Amidst threats and schemes to silence witnesses, the determination of the investigators and the fractured conscience of some conspirators began to turn the tide.

Finally, in June 1926, Ernest Burkhart pleaded guilty, a significant moment that helped solidify the government's case. Despite this win, White knew the fight was far from over, with many more trials and the ultimate challenge of convicting Hale still ahead. The Osage murders had exposed a grim reality of greed and corruption, but the relentless pursuit of justice provided a glimmer of hope for the victims and their families.

Autumn of Deceit: The Unraveling of a Sinister Plot Behind the Osage Murders

In the sweltering heat of July 1926, the trial of cowboys Hale and Ramsey for the murder of Henry Roan commenced, gripping the redbrick courthouse in Guthrie with tension. Hale, a manipulative mastermind, even attempted to bribe and intimidate witnesses, including Blackie Thompson, to avoid testimony against him. With overwhelming evidence, the jury’s impartiality was crucial. Many questioned if a white jury would ever convict one of their own for killing an American Indian. 

Spectators packed the courtroom as Prosecutor John Leahy laid out the charges against Hale and Ramsey. Ernest Burkhart, previously implicated in a murder conspiracy, testified that Hale had initially planned to kill Roan with poisoned moonshine. This revelation confirmed the Osage tribe's long-held suspicions about systematic killings through contaminated alcohol.

Despite Hale’s composed demeanor on the stand, the prosecution rested with confidence. Yet, when the jury deliberated, they were deadlocked, raising suspicions of bribery. The trial ended in a hung jury, but the government, undeterred, prepared for a retrial. White uncovered a conspiracy to obstruct justice, including bribes and threats by defense attorney Jim Springer.

During the retrial, the prosecution presented a streamlined case, and a jury finally convicted Hale and Ramsey of first-degree murder, sentencing them to life imprisonment. The verdict was a landmark moment, with newspapers proclaiming, "KING OF OSAGE HILLS GUILTY OF MURDER." Mollie Burkhart, whose family had suffered immensely, found some solace in the verdict but knew the scars of the past were indelible.

As the Osage community sought justice, Tom White, now warden of Leavenworth prison, encountered Hale and Ramsey once more. White’s tenure at the overcrowded “Hot House” prison was marked by a riot and an escape attempt where he was taken hostage and severely wounded. His bravery saved lives, and he continued to treat prisoners with fairness, earning their respect.

Years later, White, reflecting on the Osage investigation, sought to document the case’s significance. Despite his efforts, publishers found the account unremarkable, and the story faded from public memory. White’s dedication to justice and fairness, even in the face of personal danger and systemic corruption, remained a testament to his character.

J. Edgar Hoover capitalized on the Osage case to bolster the FBI’s image, though he omitted earlier missteps. White’s legacy as a steadfast lawman who sought the truth endured quietly, overshadowed by Hoover’s rising star. The deeper, more sinister layers of the Osage murders, however, remained concealed, a chilling reminder of the darkness that justice sometimes fails to fully illuminate.

Justice in the Shadows: The Landmark Osage Murder Trials and the Devotion of Tom White

In William Faulkner's words, the past becomes a shadowy world where people are reduced to initials and nicknames, their legendary actions shrouded in time. In Oklahoma, much of that past has faded—gone are the oil fields, the railroads, the outlaws, and the boomtowns that once thrived. Pawhuska, however, endures with its courthouse, schools, and as the capital of the Osage Nation, which heroically ratified a new constitution in 2006.

In 2012, as a reporter from New York, David Grann ventured to Pawhuska to uncover details about the nearly century-old Osage murder cases. At the Osage Nation Museum, Kathryn Red Corn showed him photographs of the 2,229 tribe members who received headrights in 1906, including Mollie Burkhart and other victims of the Reign of Terror. 

A section of a panoramic 1924 photograph was conspicuously missing because it depicted William K. Hale, the orchestrator of the murders. Red Corn revealed that the Osage had removed Hale's image to prevent forgetting the atrocities, unlike the rest of America.

Margie Burkhart, Mollie Burkhart's granddaughter, shared her family's painful history with Grann. Ernest Burkhart, Mollie's husband, betrayed the family in a calculated plot for oil headrights, leading to the murder of several family members. Margie's father, Cowboy Burkhart, lived with the haunting knowledge of his father's crimes. Despite this, the Osage people continue their cultural traditions, gathering annually for ceremonial dances that symbolize their resilience and unity.

In Fairfax, now almost a ghost town, Margie showed Grann where the Smith house once stood. Fate had spared her father and aunt from an explosion that killed other family members. Reflecting on this, they both struggled to comprehend the depths of Ernest Burkhart's betrayal.

Decades later, the wounds of the Reign of Terror still affect generations. The search for justice continues, as evidenced by the Vaughan family's relentless pursuit of the truth behind W.W. Vaughan's murder. Despite the passage of time, the Osage people's story is one of enduring pain and remarkable resilience, a testament to their strength and unity in the face of unimaginable betrayal and loss.

Can the Osage Nation Ever Truly Heal from the Shadows of the Reign of Terror?

In May 2013, Pawhuska's Constantine Theater showcased a recording of the Osage ballet Wahzhazhe, reflecting the tribe's rich history and connection to classical dance. The Osage, known for producing legendary ballerinas like Maria and Marjorie Tallchief, have a past entwined with both triumph and tragedy. Maria Tallchief once described her father’s wealth from oil and the subsequent violence their family endured, including a firebombed house and murders for headrights.

Wahzhazhe, meaning "Osage," depicted their journey from freedom on the plains to facing European exploitation and the oil boom. The ballet vividly portrayed the Reign of Terror, a period of rampant murder for Osage wealth. The performance was emotionally charged, especially for those with personal ties to the history, like Margie Burkhart, who felt a deep, visceral reaction to the portrayal of her ancestors' suffering.

Research into the Osage murders uncovered a grim pattern: pervasive conspiracy and violence targeting the tribe for their oil wealth. The murders extended beyond the Reign of Terror, with countless deaths uninvestigated or covered up. Guardians of Osage wards often orchestrated these killings, driven by greed. Historical accounts and personal investigations reveal a staggering death toll, suggesting hundreds of Osage were murdered.

One poignant case was that of Mary Lewis, killed for her headright in 1918, highlighting that the violence began earlier and lasted longer than previously thought. The systemic nature of these crimes was evident, implicating numerous community members, including doctors, bankers, and law enforcement.

In the present day, the Osage continue to face challenges, like the unauthorized construction of wind farms on their land, a new form of exploitation. Despite legal battles, the tribe struggles to protect their sovereignty.

The legacy of these murders lingers, with many families still seeking justice and closure. The Osage community remains resilient, determined to honor their history and protect their future, echoing the enduring spirit of their ancestors. The blood of their forebears cries out, demanding recognition and remembrance.

Echoes of the Past: The Osage Ballet Unveiling a History of Triumph, Tragedy, and Resilience

The history of the Osage people in Oklahoma reveals a stark contrast between their immense oil wealth and the profound tragedies that accompanied it. The Osage, despite being driven from their lands, found fortune beneath their feet in the form of oil reserves, becoming the wealthiest people per capita. However, this prosperity attracted predators who exploited and murdered them for their wealth.

Mollie Burkhart's family suffered greatly, with mysterious deaths linked to a larger conspiracy targeting their oil riches. The Osage murders, often referred to as the "Reign of Terror," revealed deep-seated corruption and racial prejudices, with the tribe's financial autonomy severely restricted by federally imposed guardianships.

Tom White, a determined lawman, played a crucial role in investigating these murders amidst systemic obstacles. His relentless pursuit of justice, supported by a team of undercover agents, eventually led to significant breakthroughs, exposing the orchestrated killings by figures like William Hale.

Despite the grave injustices, the Osage people demonstrated remarkable resilience. They continued their cultural traditions and fought to preserve their legacy, even removing the image of their tormentor, Hale, from historical records to prevent erasure of their tragic past. The ballet Wahzhazhe encapsulates their rich history and the indomitable spirit that defines the Osage Nation today.

Home

Trending Books

News & Mags

Relax

Curated

Collections

Key Ideas & Notes

Insights

Highlights & Bookmarks

Listening History