Hook Gang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hook Gang |
|
|---|---|
The Hook Gang of river pirates raided ship cargo in the mid-late 19th century along the New York City waterfront.
|
|
| Founded | c. 1866 |
| In | Corlear's Hook, Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York, United States |
| Years active | c. 1866-1876 |
| Territory | Corlear's Hook, Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York, United States |
| Ethnicity | predominantly Irish-American |
| Membership | 50-100 |
| Criminal activities | armed robbery, theft, hijacking, river piracy |
| Rivals | Patsy Conroy Gang short tails |
The Hook Gang was a group of river pirates and a street gang in New York City. They were active in the 1860s and 1870s. This gang was well-known in the Corlear's Hook area. The New York City Police Department stopped their activities in 1876.
The Hook Gang's Story
The Hook Gang started around the mid-1860s. This was after the American Civil War. They operated from the Corlear's Hook waterfront in New York. This area was along the East River. The gang had about 50 to 100 members. Some members were James Coffee and Tommy Shay. They were known for attacking ships and stealing cargo.
One time, James Coffee and Tommy Shay found a rowing club. They made eight rowers take them to the Brooklyn shore. When they were close, the rowers had to jump out. Coffee and Shay then took the boat.
A gang member named Slipsey Ward tried to steal a schooner. A schooner is a type of sailing ship. He attacked the crew near Pike Street. He was arrested and sent to Auburn Prison.
The gang's end began with a member named Wallace. He tried to steal a rowboat. But the boat had police detectives on a fishing trip. Wallace was arrested right away. This event gave the police an idea. They decided to create a special "Steamboat Squad." This squad focused on stopping river pirates. The police arrested the rest of the Hook Gang members in 1876. This finally broke up the gang.
More to Explore
- Charlton Street Gang
- Daybreak Boys
- Patsy Conroy
- Patsy Conroy Gang
- Sadie Farrell
- George Gastlin (Steamboat Squad)
