History Daily Con Man Soapy Smith is Shot Dead
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Jul 8, 2025 The tale of Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith, a notorious con artist, unfolds as he transitions from a victim of a carnival scam to a powerful criminal in Denver. Rising tensions in Skagway lead him to face growing opposition from locals demanding justice. The podcast chronicles his swindling escapades and the explosive confrontations with vigilantes, culminating in a deadly showdown that seals his fate. Soapy's rise and fall illustrate the wild dynamics of a lawless era, leaving a lasting impact on the bustling boomtown.
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Soapy's Shell Game Start
- Jefferson "Soapy" Smith lost a month's earnings on a shell game, which inspired him to learn cons for quick money.
- He found conning more profitable than cattle work and soon quit to become a notorious con man.
The Soap Scam Con
- Soapy's famous "soap scam" involved selling soap bars with cash hidden inside, tricking crowds into buying.
- The first "winner" was a planted gang member, ensuring profits while fooling the public.
Corruption Powers Soapy's Empire
- Soapy's rise owed much to paying off officials, enabling his criminal empire to flourish with little interference.
- However, reform movements eventually challenged this corruption, leading to his exile from Denver.