The area around Robbers Cave in Oklahoma was once the home of the Caddo and Osage Indians. The cave was a hideout for deserters from both Union and Confederate forces. After the war, fugitives, guerilla bands and gangs of robbers used it as meeting point.

The location of the cave lies hidden in a formation of sandstone hills. The cave has several useful features for outlaws, such as a fresh water spring in the cave, a natural stone corral at the base of the cliff for the outlaws' horses and a hidden exit that allowed them to escape unnoticed. It is also very close to the old Butterfield Stage Line. This location made it an ideal outlaw hideout for legends like the Younger brothers, and Frank and Jesse James. Female desperado Belle Starr had a cabin 30km to the north.