Hole-in-the-Wall Gang – Hiding in Wyoming
Nestled within the rugged embrace of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming lies a geographical anomaly and historical enigma known as the Hole-in-the-Wall Pass. During the late 19th century, specifically the 1880s and 1890s, this remote location served as a sanctuary, a strategic base, and a symbol of defiance for a loose affiliation of outlaws collectively known as the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. This wasn’t a singular, unified entity, but rather a consortium of independent groups and individuals, each operating under their own leadership and pursuing their own criminal endeavors, yet united by their shared reliance on this secluded haven.
The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang wasn’t a formally structured organization with a central command. Instead, it was a cooperative network of disparate outlaw groups, each maintaining its autonomy while benefiting from the shared security and resources that the hideout provided. These gangs, often composed of cattle rustlers, bank robbers, and other desperadoes, utilized the pass as a refuge from the long arm of the law, a place to rest, resupply, and plan their next operations. The allure of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang‘s hideout stemmed from its geographical advantages and the unwritten code that governed its inhabitants.
The strategic brilliance of the Hole-in-the-Wall hideout lay in its natural defenses. The terrain itself acted as a formidable barrier, making it exceedingly difficult for law enforcement to approach undetected. The narrow pass, winding through the mountains, provided ample opportunity for outlaws to observe any approaching parties, giving them a significant advantage in any potential confrontation. The outlaws had constructed an infrastructure within the pass, including cabins for each gang, a communal corral for their livestock, and a livery stable for their horses. This self-sufficient community thrived on a unique set of rules, ensuring a degree of order and preventing internal conflict. One of the key aspects of this hideout was that the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang had the perfect location to not be found.
These rules included strict protocols for resolving disputes among gang members, prohibiting theft from other gangs’ supplies or stolen property, and maintaining a general sense of cooperation. While there was no overall leader of the coalition, each gang had its own chieftain who commanded respect and loyalty within their group. The hideout served not only as a safe haven but also as a winter refuge, offering shelter from the harsh Wyoming climate. The coalition of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang survived because of this unique location.
One of the most infamous groups associated with the Hole-in-the-Wall was Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch. This notorious gang, led by the charismatic Butch Cassidy and his close associate, the Sundance Kid, terrorized the American West with their daring robberies and audacious escapes. The Wild Bunch frequently sought refuge in the Hole-in-the-Wall, using it as a base of operations and a place to lay low after their exploits. A preserved 1883 log cabin, believed to have been used by the Wild Bunch, now stands at the Old Trail Town Museum in Cody, Wyoming, serving as a tangible link to this legendary era of outlawry.
The ranks of the Wild Bunch included a rogues’ gallery of colorful characters, each with their own unique skillset and reputation. William Ellsworth "Elzy" Lay, Harry "Sundance Kid" Longabaugh, Ben "Tall Texan" Kilpatrick, Harvey "Kid Curry" Logan, William "News" Carver, Laura Bullion, and George "Flat Nose" Curry were among the notorious members who rode alongside Butch Cassidy, cementing their place in the annals of Western lore. Their exploits, combined with the romantic allure of the Hole-in-the-Wall hideout, contributed to the enduring legend of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.
Beyond the Wild Bunch, the Hole-in-the-Wall attracted a diverse array of outlaws, each seeking anonymity and protection within its rugged confines. Camilla "Deaf Charlie" Hanks, Bob Meeks, Bob Smith, Al Smith, Bob Taylor, Tom O’Day, "Laughing" Sam Carey, Black Jack Ketchum, and the Roberts Brothers were among the many desperadoes who frequented the hideout, contributing to its reputation as a haven for the lawless. Even Jesse James, the legendary Missouri outlaw, was rumored to have visited the Hole-in-the-Wall, further solidifying its status as a central hub for criminal activity in the West.
The reputation of the Hole-in-the-Wall as an impenetrable fortress was well-earned. Over the course of its active existence, spanning from the late 1860s to the early 20th century, numerous posses attempted to penetrate its defenses, only to be met with fierce resistance. Shootouts were common, with the outlaws utilizing their knowledge of the terrain and their well-fortified positions to repel any incursions by law enforcement. Despite repeated attempts, no posse ever successfully entered the hideout and captured any outlaws, nor were any undercover agents able to infiltrate its ranks.
The Hole-in-the-Wall operated as a dynamic ecosystem, with outlaw gangs constantly rotating in and out, each contributing to its unique character. However, as the West became more settled and law enforcement became more organized, the allure of the Hole-in-the-Wall began to wane. By 1910, the hideout was largely abandoned, its purpose rendered obsolete by the changing times. The once-bustling encampment gradually faded into obscurity, becoming a forgotten relic of a bygone era.
Today, the Hole-in-the-Wall remains a potent symbol of the Wild West, a testament to the enduring allure of outlawry and the rugged individualism that defined the frontier. While the physical structures of the hideout may have crumbled and faded over time, its legend continues to captivate the imagination, inspiring countless books, films, and stories. The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang is an essential piece of the history of Wyoming.
The image of outlaws seeking refuge in a hidden mountain pass, defying the forces of law and order, continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The Hole-in-the-Wall serves as a reminder of a time when the boundaries between right and wrong were often blurred, and the pursuit of freedom and independence often came at a high price. The stories associated with the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang contribute to the rich tapestry of the American West, a region forever defined by its rugged landscapes, its colorful characters, and its enduring spirit of adventure.