Ingalls, Oklahoma

Ingalls is a census-designated place (CDP) in eastern Payne County, Oklahoma, about 9 miles east of Stillwater. The town was settled as a result of the "Unassigned Lands" land run in 1889, and had a post office from January 22, 1890, until October 31, 1907. It was named for Senator John J. Ingalls of Kansas. During the 1890s the population peaked at about 150, then began to decline.

History
Ingalls was a peaceful community that rarely ever had any commotion, until it became notable as the site of the Battle of Ingalls on September 1, 1893, which was a shootout between U.S. Marshals and the Doolin-Dalton gang.

A new post office, named Signet, Oklahoma, was established on a site slightly northwest of the old Ingalls townsite on June 21, 1921, and became part of a new community. The residents of the Ingalls part protested and the name was then officially changed back after its closure.

Only a few deserted, old buildings are still present on the Signet site, including replicas of the Ingalls Hotel, its actual name the Pierce O.K. Hotel, a livery stable, saloon, and general store. On the original site, a community building stands that served as the Ingalls School in the mid 20th century, and there are many homes new and old that house families who've had ties to the community for generations.