One would think that the terms “St. Valentine’s Day” and “massacre” shouldn’t be in the same sentence, let alone in the same phrase. However, there is such a thing as the St. Valentine’s Day massacre – a massacre that has been the subject of conversation even up to now. Through the years, several versions have been passed around. This is why a lot of people are now confused as to what really happened on that fateful day in 1929.
Being a wise and knowledgeable man means that you should know your history. Here at Confitdent, we aim to equip you with all of the historical knowledge you’ll need – especially when it comes to power.
St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
Chicago used to be the home of some of the most powerful gangs in the early 1900s. Around 1929, two names stood out – Al Capone and Bugs Moran. They led their gangs in the so-called prohibition era conflict, with Al Capone leading the South Side Italian gang and Bugs Moran leading the North Side Irish gang.
The gang members knew that it was bound to happen, as both sides experienced murders apparently carried out by the other gang. For example, succeeding leaders to Dion O’Banion of the North Side gang were murdered, and the suspects were part of the Capone gang. They were the prime suspects because there was a motive, as Jack McGurn survived an attempt to his life by Frank and Peter Gusenberg. The North Side gang was also the prime suspects for the murders of Antonio “The Scourge” Lombardo and Pasqualino “Patsy” Lolordo who were close associates of Al Capone.
Obviously, the St. Valentine’s Day massacre happened on February 14 in 1929. Five members of the North Side gang of Bugs Moran, plus two other collaborators named John May and Reinhardt H. Schwimmer, were executed in a garage at 2122 North Clark Street. They were lined up at gunpoint, with witnesses saying that two of the shooters were dressed in a police uniform, while the rest wore an overcoat over their suit and tie.
The Primary Reason Behind the Massacre
While it’s true that revenge played a huge part in the execution, there was actually a business reason for the St. Valentine’s Day massacre. Bugs Moran was taking over several businesses owned by Al Capone, and they were fighting for control of the very lucrative bootlegging business in Chicago. This explains how there are theories that the North Side gang members were lured to that garage with the promise of a huge cut in a stolen whiskey shipment.
Some Things You May Not Know
There are actually several studies disputing the theory that they were lured to that garage with a promise of a huge cut. Their main dispute is the fact that most of the executioners were dressed in their best ensemble – something that’s not fit for unloading whiskey. Also, two associates of Bugs Moran were supposed to pick up stolen whiskey later that day.
Also, the plan was to execute Bugs Moran himself plus a couple of top lieutenants, not the North Side gang as a whole. It was rumored that one of the lookouts of Al Capone mistook someone else for Moran, when Moran himself was running late. If he arrived on time, he could have been part of the St. Valentine’s Day massacre himself.