Red Jack Gang Outlaw Loot
The American West, a vast expanse of untamed land, served as a backdrop for countless tales of adventure, hardship, and lawlessness. Among the figures who carved their names into the annals of Western lore were the outlaws, individuals who defied societal norms and often lived by their own code. One such character was "Red Jack" Almer, the notorious leader of the Red Jack Gang, whose exploits in the Arizona Territory during the early 1880s have become the stuff of legend. This article delves into the story of Almer and his gang, their audacious stagecoach robberies, the pursuit by law enforcement, and the enduring rumors of hidden treasure.
"Red Jack" Almer, also known as Jack Averill, was the mastermind behind the Red Jack Gang, a group of bandits who targeted stagecoaches traveling through the Arizona Territory. The San Pedro River region, with its rugged terrain and sparse settlements, became a favored hunting ground for the gang. Stagecoaches, the primary mode of transportation for passengers, mail, and valuables, presented a tempting target for outlaws seeking to enrich themselves. The allure of gold, currency, and other precious items proved irresistible to Almer and his cohorts, leading them to embark on a series of daring robberies that would solidify their place in Western history.
The Red Jack Gang‘s modus operandi was characterized by careful planning, swift execution, and a willingness to use violence when necessary. Almer, a cunning and resourceful leader, possessed a knack for disguise and deception, often employing elaborate ruses to gain an advantage over his victims. His ability to blend in and outsmart his adversaries made him a formidable opponent for law enforcement officials and stagecoach guards alike. The gang’s reputation for ruthlessness further instilled fear in the hearts of travelers and residents of the Arizona Territory, making them a force to be reckoned with.
One particular incident that epitomizes the Red Jack Gang‘s audacious nature occurred on August 10, 1883, near Riverside, Arizona. The gang ambushed a stagecoach, intending to relieve it of its valuable cargo. However, the Wells Fargo guard on board vehemently denied that the stage was carrying any gold. In a surprising turn of events, a female passenger suddenly jumped from the stage and contradicted the guard, accusing him of lying. The woman, it turned out, was none other than "Red Jack" Almer himself, cleverly disguised in women’s clothing.
Almer, having witnessed the placement of gold beneath one of the seats, had signaled his men to converge on the stagecoach. When the guard attempted to draw his weapon, Almer swiftly produced a gun from beneath his flowing skirts and fatally shot the guard. With the guard out of the picture, the Red Jack Gang proceeded to loot the stagecoach, making off with approximately $3,000 in currency and gold. This bold and audacious robbery further cemented the gang’s notoriety and fueled the determination of law enforcement to bring them to justice.
The brazen nature of the Red Jack Gang‘s crimes and the escalating violence they employed prompted Sheriff Bob Paul to organize a strong posse to track down and apprehend the outlaws. Sheriff Paul, a seasoned lawman with a reputation for unwavering resolve, assembled a team of experienced deputies and trackers to pursue Almer and his gang. The posse embarked on a relentless pursuit, following the gang’s trail through the rugged terrain of the Arizona Territory, determined to put an end to their reign of terror.
After weeks of relentless pursuit, Sheriff Paul and his posse finally cornered "Red Jack" Almer near Willcox, Arizona, on October 4, 1883. Almer, refusing to surrender, engaged in a fierce gunfight with the lawmen. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, "Red Jack" Almer was fatally wounded by Sheriff Bob and his posse, effectively bringing an end to his criminal career. The demise of their leader marked a significant blow to the Red Jack Gang, effectively dismantling their operation and restoring a semblance of order to the region.
While the death of "Red Jack" Almer brought an end to the gang’s reign of terror, the legend of their hidden loot continues to captivate the imagination of treasure hunters and history enthusiasts. According to local lore, the Red Jack Gang buried their ill-gotten gains in various locations near their hideout in Willcox, Arizona. One persistent rumor suggests that approximately $8,000 in gold coins remains buried somewhere near Prescott, Arizona, awaiting discovery.
The allure of this hidden treasure has spurred numerous expeditions and searches over the years, with individuals and groups scouring the Arizona landscape in hopes of striking it rich. Despite the passage of time and the countless attempts to locate the buried loot, the treasure of the Red Jack Gang remains elusive, adding to the mystique and intrigue surrounding their story. Whether the treasure truly exists or is merely a figment of local imagination, the legend of the Red Jack Gang‘s outlaw loot continues to fuel the dreams of fortune seekers and keep the spirit of the Wild West alive.
In conclusion, the story of the Red Jack Gang and their leader, "Red Jack" Almer, is a captivating tale of outlawry, daring robberies, and relentless pursuit in the American West. Their exploits in the Arizona Territory during the early 1880s have become woven into the fabric of Western folklore, inspiring countless stories and legends. While the gang’s criminal activities were ultimately brought to an end by law enforcement, the enduring rumors of hidden treasure continue to tantalize treasure hunters and history buffs alike. The legend of the Red Jack Gang serves as a reminder of the lawless and adventurous spirit that once defined the American West, a time when outlaws roamed the land and fortunes could be made or lost in the blink of an eye.