The Bummers Gang of Colorado
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of daring outlaws, legendary lawmen, and dramatic conflicts that shaped the frontier. While many stories revolve around high-stakes robberies and gunfights, some narratives focus on lesser-known, yet equally intriguing, groups that contributed to the unique character of the era. One such group is The Bummers Gang of Colorado, a collection of petty thieves and loafers who operated in the burgeoning town of Auraria, now part of modern-day Denver, during the mid-1850s. Their story, while lacking the grand scale of some other outlaw sagas, offers a glimpse into the everyday challenges and social dynamics of a rapidly developing frontier community.
Auraria, a settlement that would later merge with Denver, was a product of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. The discovery of gold in the nearby mountains sparked a massive influx of prospectors, merchants, and opportunists, transforming the area into a bustling hub of activity. This rapid growth, however, came with its own set of problems. As the population swelled, so did the incidence of crime, ranging from minor offenses to more serious transgressions. Amidst this backdrop, The Bummers Gang of Colorado emerged, carving out a niche for themselves as opportunistic pilferers rather than hardened criminals.
Unlike notorious gangs that terrorized the West with bank robberies, train heists, and violent encounters, The Bummers Gang of Colorado were a different breed. They were characterized by their indolence and penchant for petty theft, earning them the moniker "Bummers." Their crimes were generally of a small scale, reflecting their lack of ambition and perhaps a desire to avoid serious consequences. The gang’s activities included pilfering clotheslines, relieving farmers’ wagons and marketplaces of their goods, and other similar acts of opportunistic thievery.
Life in Denver during the gold rush was often chaotic and unpredictable. The influx of people from diverse backgrounds created a melting pot of cultures and social classes, leading to a mix of opportunity and conflict. With saloons and gambling dens dotting the landscape, the city quickly gained a reputation as a place where fortunes could be made or lost in an instant. This atmosphere of lawlessness and social upheaval provided fertile ground for petty crime to flourish, and The Bummers Gang of Colorado were quick to take advantage of the situation.
The activities of The Bummers Gang of Colorado, while seemingly insignificant on their own, gradually wore on the patience of the law-abiding citizens of Auraria. The constant petty thefts and disruptions created a sense of unease and insecurity, prompting the community to take action. The breaking point came on January 30, 1860, when a farmer’s wagon was robbed of a substantial number of turkeys. This incident, perceived as a particularly brazen act of thievery, ignited the simmering resentment towards the Bummers and sparked what would become known as the "Turkey War."
The theft of the turkeys served as a catalyst for the citizens of Auraria to organize and confront The Bummers Gang of Colorado. Suspicions immediately fell upon the group of known loafers who proudly identified themselves as the "Bummers." Fueled by frustration and a desire to restore order, the community formed a citizens committee to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. The committee quickly identified four individuals as the prime suspects: Thomas Clemo, William Todd (alias Chuck-a-luck), William Harvey, and William Karl (alias Buckskin Bill).
Upon being identified as the culprits behind the turkey theft, The Bummers Gang of Colorado responded with defiance. Rather than submitting to the authority of the citizens committee, they chose to confront their accusers. The gang members armed themselves with guns and pistols and began to parade through the streets of Auraria, openly displaying their weapons and threatening the peace and security of the town. This show of force was intended to intimidate the citizens and deter them from pursuing further action against the Bummers.
The situation escalated further when the Bummers began to target individuals who had identified them as the thieves. They halted peaceable citizens, threatened them with weapons, and even fired upon two witnesses who had testified against them. Fortunately, neither of the witnesses was injured in the attack. These acts of intimidation and violence demonstrated the Bummers’ willingness to escalate the conflict and further cemented their reputation as a threat to the community.
Recognizing the escalating danger posed by The Bummers Gang of Colorado, the citizens of Auraria turned to a military company that had been formed earlier in the month to maintain order in the city. The military company was called upon to guard the city during the night, preventing the Bummers from carrying out their threats and further disrupting the peace. The presence of the military provided a sense of security and helped to deter the Bummers from engaging in further acts of violence and intimidation.
In response to the Bummers’ defiance, the citizens of Auraria held another meeting to discuss the situation and formulate a plan of action. After deliberation, they passed a resolution demanding that several members of The Bummers Gang of Colorado leave the city under threat of hanging. This ultimatum was a clear message that the community would not tolerate the Bummers’ criminal activities and was willing to take drastic measures to restore order.
Faced with the threat of hanging and the overwhelming opposition of the community, the identified members of The Bummers Gang of Colorado chose to flee Auraria. They scattered to parts unknown, effectively bringing an end to the "Turkey War" and dissolving the gang. While their departure brought relief to the citizens of Auraria, the story of the Bummers serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities of life on the American frontier.
The story of The Bummers Gang of Colorado, though not as widely known as other tales of the Wild West, provides valuable insights into the social and economic dynamics of a rapidly growing frontier town. Their petty crimes and the community’s response to their activities reflect the struggle to establish law and order in a chaotic and often lawless environment. While the Bummers may not have been legendary outlaws in the traditional sense, their story is a part of the rich and diverse tapestry of the American West.