McCarty Gang of the Northwest – Legends of America

The McCarty Gang, a notorious band of outlaws operating in the American Northwest during the late 19th century, holds a significant, albeit dark, place in the annals of Western lore. Led by the charismatic and ruthless Tom McCarty, a Mormon-raised bandit, this gang etched its name in history through a series of daring bank robberies and violent encounters. Beyond their criminal exploits, the McCarty Gang is also remembered for its connection to a young Butch Cassidy, whom Tom McCarty introduced to the allure and perils of a life outside the law.

The Genesis of Outlawry:

The McCarty brothers, Tom and Bill, embarked on their path of lawlessness in the 1870s, initially engaging in cattle rustling. This illicit activity served as a prelude to their more ambitious ventures. By the 1890s, the brothers had escalated their criminal endeavors, forming the McCarty Gang and setting their sights on robbing banks. The gang’s core members consisted of Tom and Bill McCarty, along with Tom’s brother-in-law, Willard Christianson, and other individuals such as Matt Warner and Bill’s son, Fred.

A Spree of Daring Robberies:

The McCarty Gang launched their bank-robbing spree in 1891, targeting the Wallowa National Bank in Enterprise, Oregon. This successful heist emboldened the gang, leading them to execute another robbery in Summerville, Oregon. However, their ambition soon led them to attempt robbing a train, an endeavor that ultimately failed.

In 1892, Bill McCarty and his brother-in-law, Matt Warner, ventured to Roslyn, Washington, where they held up a local bank. As an enraged crowd converged upon them, Tom McCarty intervened, opening fire and wounding two men. This act of violence underscored the gang’s willingness to use lethal force to achieve their objectives.

The Delta, Colorado Debacle:

The year 1893 marked a turning point for the McCarty Gang, culminating in a disastrous robbery in Delta, Colorado. The McCarty brothers, accompanied by their nephew, Fred McCarty, targeted a bank in the town. During the heist, Tom McCarty fatally shot the bank cashier, A.T. Blachey. The sound of gunfire alerted the town’s citizens, who swiftly responded by rushing to the bank. In the ensuing chaos, Bill McCarty and Fred McCarty were shot and killed by the enraged townsfolk.

Tom McCarty managed to escape the carnage and fled to Montana, where he sought refuge and assumed the life of a sheepherder. However, his past caught up with him around 1900, when he was killed in a gunfight in Bitterroot County, bringing an end to his life of crime.

The Fate of Willard Christianson:

Unlike his fellow gang members, Willard Christianson managed to evade a violent end. He settled in Utah and lived out his days in relative peace. Christianson passed away on December 21, 1938, at the age of 74, succumbing to natural causes.

The Legacy of the McCarty Gang:

The McCarty Gang’s reign of terror, though relatively brief, left an indelible mark on the history of the American West. Their daring robberies, violent encounters, and connection to Butch Cassidy have cemented their place in the annals of outlaw lore. The gang’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the allure and consequences of a life of crime.

Key Figures in the McCarty Gang:

• Tom McCarty: The leader of the McCarty Gang, known for his charisma, ruthlessness, and Mormon upbringing.
• Bill McCarty: Tom’s younger brother and a key member of the gang, participating in numerous robberies and heists.
• Willard Christianson: Tom’s brother-in-law, who joined the gang and participated in their criminal activities.
• Fred McCarty: Bill’s son and Tom’s nephew, who met a violent end during the Delta, Colorado, robbery.

Impact on Western Lore:

The McCarty Gang’s exploits have been immortalized in numerous books, articles, and films, solidifying their status as legendary figures of the Old West. Their story continues to captivate audiences with its tales of daring robberies, violent encounters, and the complex characters that comprised the gang.

The McCarty Gang’s story serves as a microcosm of the lawlessness and violence that characterized the American West during the late 19th century. Their exploits, though criminal in nature, have become an integral part of the region’s history and folklore.

I hope artikel ini memenuhi permintaan Anda!