Al Capone's Chicago

The Rise of Capone

  • 1920: Prohibition begins, providing a lucrative opportunity for organized crime due to the illegalization of alcohol; Capone arrives in Chicago from New York, invited by Johnny Torrio to join the Chicago Outfit.

    • Capone quickly rises through the ranks due to his ruthlessness and business acumen.

  • Chicago's central location as a railway hub and its access to the Great Lakes made it ideal for smuggling and distributing illicit goods, making it a prime location for bootlegging operations.

  • Capone initially controlled bootleg liquor and protection rackets in the Levee district, a notorious area known for its brothels and saloons, establishing his dominance in the city's underbelly.

  • He expanded into gambling and prostitution, consolidating power through violence and bribery, eliminating rivals and corrupting officials to ensure his control over various criminal enterprises.

Capone's Operations

  • Colosimo's restaurant: Where Capone cut his first deals, initially under the mentorship of Big Jim Colosimo before his murder, marking a pivotal moment in Capone's rise as he took over Colosimo's operations.

  • Cullerton Hotel: A brothel controlled by Capone; represents the sordid reality behind the glamor of the Roaring Twenties, highlighting the exploitation and vice that fueled Capone's wealth.

  • Green Mill Bar: A fancy establishment where Capone sold smuggled liquor, showcasing his ability to blend criminal operations with high society and demonstrating his influence across different social spheres.

  • Hidden tunnels: Used for smuggling and escape, providing Capone's operations with secrecy and security, allowing him to evade law enforcement and maintain a clandestine network.

Conflicts and Expansion

  • 1923: William Dever's election led to a crackdown on illegal activities, forcing Capone to move operations to avoid increased law enforcement and maintain his grip on the city's criminal landscape.

  • Capone relocated to Cicero, transforming it into a gambling hotspot by manipulating corrupt officials and ensuring a compliant local government, effectively creating his own fiefdom outside of Chicago.

  • 1924 election: Capone's men intimidated voters through violence and coercion to control Cicero's politics, demonstrating his willingness to use extreme measures to secure his interests.

  • Hawthorne Hotel: Capone's headquarters in Cicero, housing a bar, brothel, and gambling joint, symbolizing his control over the city and serving as a base of operations for his criminal empire.

Skyscrapers and Legitimate Business

  • Chicago's booming economy led to a skyscraper boom, reflecting the city's ambition and growth, despite the concurrent rise of organized crime.

  • Engineers used caissons to build on the marshy ground, a technological innovation that allowed for the construction of towering buildings, showcasing the city's commitment to progress and innovation.

  • Steel frame structures allowed taller buildings but required wind connections for stability, showcasing advancements in architectural engineering and the city's embrace of modern technology.

  • Chicago Board of Trade: Symbol of Chicago's new business elite and the city's economic power, representing the legitimate side of Chicago's booming economy.

Return to Chicago and the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre

  • 1928: Capone moved back to Chicago, setting up headquarters at the Metropole Hotel to reassert his dominance over the city's underworld, solidifying his control after a period of expansion.

  • Saint Valentine's Day Massacre: Capone's men, disguised as police officers, murdered seven members of Bugs Moran's gang, solidifying Capone's reputation for brutality and eliminating a major rival.

  • Thompson submachine gun (Tommy gun): Capone's signature weapon, used in the massacre, capable of firing \800 rounds per minute, instilling fear in rival gangs and the public and becoming a symbol of his ruthless power.

Downfall and Imprisonment

  • The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre led to increased scrutiny and pressure on Capone from law enforcement and the public, marking the beginning of his downfall.

  • Convicted of tax evasion in 1931 and sentenced to eleven years in federal prison, marking the end of his reign as Chicago's most powerful gangster, as authorities finally found a way to bring him to justice.

  • Spent time in Cook County Jail while awaiting his appeal, a stark contrast to his previous life of luxury and power, highlighting the consequences of his criminal actions.

  • His power declined, and he eventually died in Florida in 1947, weakened by syphilis and dementia, a tragic end to a notorious figure.

Legacy

  • Capone's legacy includes violence and vice, but also coincides with a period of significant business and construction growth in Chicago, a paradox of progress and corruption that defines the era.

  • Traces of his world remain in tunnels, empty lots, and historic buildings, serving as reminders of a tumultuous era in Chicago's history and the enduring impact of organized crime.