Jesse James Robs Train: Wild West's First Heist
Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang ripped open a train car at Adair, Iowa, to steal $15,000 in gold and silver. This heist proved that outlaws could strike anywhere along the expanding rail network, compelling banks and railroads to hire private security firms like Pinkerton to guard their assets.
July 21, 1873
153 years ago
Key Figures & Places
United States
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Jesse James
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Jesse James 1847
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train robbery
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Adair, Iowa
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James-Younger gang
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American frontier
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Adair, Iowa
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Jesse James
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James–Younger Gang
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Train robbery
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American frontier
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gangs
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