Legends of the Old West OUTLAWS Ep. 2 | “Black Bart: End of the Road”
10 snips
Mar 26, 2025 Delve into the thrilling world of Black Bart, one of the West's most infamous stagecoach robbers. Hear about his daring heists and the relentless pursuit by detectives that eventually unraveled his identity. Discover the challenges he faced, from weather to unprofitable jobs, and his clever strategies. The podcast also touches on his polite demeanor during imprisonment and the mysterious rumors following his release. Finish with a look at his last caper, leaving behind a cryptic poem that adds layers to his legendary story.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Family Man To Gentleman Outlaw
- Charley Bowles abandoned his family in Illinois and reinvented himself in California as Charles Bolton.
- He funded a flashy San Francisco life while secretly robbing stagecoaches as Black Bart.
Remote Ambushes Paid Off Big
- Bowles staged ambushes in remote spots like Jackson County and took mail and express boxes.
- A pair of Oregon robberies netted him the equivalent of more than $80,000 today.
Familiar Routes, Rising Risk
- Black Bart preferred familiar locations and escape routes, trading risk for speed and confidence.
- Increasing frequency of robberies raised his profile and provoked bolder responses from drivers.