Wilcox train robbery facts for kids

The Wilcox train robbery, also known as the Wilcox Holdup, was a famous train robbery that happened a long time ago, on June 2, 1899. It took place near a place called Wilcox in Wyoming, USA. A group of armed men stopped a Union Pacific train and stole a lot of money and valuables. At first, no one knew who did it, but later it was discovered that the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy and his gang, the Wild Bunch, were responsible.

What Was the Wilcox Train Robbery?

The Wilcox train robbery was a big event in American history, especially in the Old West. It was one of the most well-known train robberies of its time. The robbers managed to get away with a large amount of cash and other valuable items. This event showed how daring and organized some outlaw gangs were back then.

How Did the Robbery Happen?

The robbery was carefully planned by the gang. They chose a specific spot near Wilcox, Wyoming, where they could stop the train and carry out their plan.

The Plan and the Attack

In the early morning of June 2, 1899, the robbers waited for the Union Pacific train. They flagged it down just before it could cross a wooden bridge. Once the train stopped, the armed men forced the train crew to separate the engine, called a locomotive, from the rest of the train cars, known as carriages.

After the engine was driven across the bridge, the robbers used dynamite to blow up the bridge. This made it impossible for anyone to follow them quickly by train. It also trapped the train cars on one side of the destroyed bridge.

Blowing Up the Safe

With the train cars separated and the bridge destroyed, the robbers focused on their main target. They found a strong metal box, called a safe, inside one of the carriages. This safe was holding money and other valuables. The gang used more dynamite to blow open the safe. They then quickly grabbed the cash and other items before escaping into the night. Reports said they stole as much as $36,000, which was a huge amount of money back then.

Who Was Behind It?

For a while, the Wilcox train robbery was a mystery. Law enforcement didn't know who was responsible. However, over time, clues led them to a very famous outlaw and his gang.

Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch

The robbery was eventually linked to Butch Cassidy and his gang, the Wild Bunch. This group was one of the most famous outlaw gangs in the American Old West. They were known for robbing trains and banks. Butch Cassidy's real name was Robert LeRoy Parker. He and his gang became legends, and their crimes, like the Wilcox Holdup, are still talked about today.

What Happened After the Robbery?

After the robbery, law enforcement agencies, like the Pinkerton Detective Agency, worked hard to track down the Wild Bunch. The gang continued to commit other robberies, but they were constantly pursued. The Wilcox train robbery became one of the most famous crimes linked to Butch Cassidy and his gang, adding to their legendary status in the history of the American West.