In this episode, Tim Harford tells the chilling story of the Osage Murders, where members of the Osage Nation were targeted for their newfound wealth from oil reserves. The investigation by lawman Tom White uncovers a vicious plot that leads to destruction and suspicion. The aftermath of the convictions and present-day struggles of the Osage Nation are also explored, highlighting the lasting impact of the murders. This cautionary tale is the basis for the film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The discovery of valuable resources like oil often breeds corruption, violence, and exploitation, as seen in the Osage's experience.
The legacy of the Osage murders highlights the ongoing legal battles and the need for justice and reparations.
Deep dives
The Plight of the Osage Nation
The Osage Nation, once a powerful Native American tribe, was pushed into buying land that was unsuitable for cultivation. By fortunate accident, it was discovered that the land held vast reserves of oil. As the oil flowed, the Osage tribe became unimaginably wealthy. However, this newfound wealth brought with it a host of troubles. Guardianship laws were used to exploit and steal from the Osage people. Several members of an Osage family, including sisters Minnie and Anna, were murdered, likely for their oil wealth. The investigation into these crimes was filled with corruption and cover-ups, but eventually, a former Texas Ranger named Tom White and the Bureau of Investigation uncovered the truth behind the murders.
The Resource Curse and the Devil's Excrement
The Osage experience demonstrates the resource curse, where the discovery of valuable resources like oil does not automatically lead to prosperity. Instead, it often breeds corruption, violence, and exploitation. The Osage had to endure the malicious greed of individuals who saw their oil wealth as an opportunity for personal gain. This curse of natural resource wealth has plagued other countries throughout history, such as Iraq, Iran, Venezuela, and Nigeria.
Unsolved Cases and Lingering Effects
While justice was served for some of the murders of the Osage people, many crimes remained unsolved. Corrupt officials destroyed evidence and protected the guilty, leaving many cases unresolved. Moreover, the trauma inflicted upon the Osage people has had lasting effects. Despite the passage of time, the Osage Nation still confronts ongoing legal battles to properly manage and distribute the remaining wealth from their oil reserves. The legacy of the Osage murders serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and the need for justice and reparations.
Minnie Smith grew sick quite suddenly. She had been young, fit and healthy - and the doctors were baffled when she died. "A peculiar wasting illness," they called it. Then, her sister Anna went missing. Her rotting corpse was found a week later, a bullet hole through her skull. When a third sister, Rita, was blown up in her own bed, a grim pattern was clear: the family was being targeted.
Lawman Tom White strode into town to investigate - and uncovered a vicious plot that chilled him to the bone...
This episode is based on David Grann's book, Killers of the Flower Moon, and is the first of two cautionary tales produced in association with Apple Original Films. The film of the same title is in movie theaters now. It's directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Robert DeNiro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone.
Next week, we'll hear more on this story from former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Jim Roan Gray.