Big City Tales

Dive into the incredible story of Isadore Blumenfeld, better known as Kid Cann, one of the most feared and influential mobsters in Minnesota’s history. From his humble beginnings as a Romanian immigrant to becoming the kingpin of Minneapolis’ underworld, Kid Cann's legacy is filled with bootlegging, bribery, and murder. Learn how he dominated the Twin Cities during Prohibition, evaded justice in high-profile cases like the Walter Liggett murder, and built an empire that stretched far beyond Minnesota. This is the complete story of Minneapolis' most notorious mobster. Key topics include Kid Cann’s involvement with the Chicago Outfit, the streetcar scandal, and his partnership with Meyer Lansky. Watch now to uncover the fascinating criminal history behind the man who ruled Minneapolis.

Explore the gripping story of Charlie "The Wop" Carrollo, one of Kansas City's most notorious crime bosses of the 1930s. From his humble beginnings as an immigrant to his rise in the criminal underworld, discover how Carrollo's loyalty to John Lazia and ties with political boss Tom Pendergast helped him control the city's illegal activities. Learn about his role in bootlegging, his dramatic takeover after Lazia's assassination, and his eventual downfall due to federal convictions. This documentary delves into the dark world of organized crime and the powerful alliances that shaped it. Join us as we uncover the life of a man who left a lasting mark on American history.

Discover the fascinating history of Devil's Night in Detroit. From its origins as a night of harmless pranks in the 1930s and 1940s to the destructive arson sprees of the 1970s and beyond, this video explores how Devil's Night evolved over the decades. Learn about the community's response with Angels' Night and how volunteers helped reclaim the night, transforming it into a safer, more controlled event. Dive into the stories, challenges, and resilience of Detroit through the lens of this unique tradition. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from Americas big cities. Today's video is brought to you by our friends at Oasis Space upright walkers and mobility equipment. Click the link below to view their full product line. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our channel. https://tidd.ly/3zQcViP

Dive into the turbulent history of the Purple Gang, Detroit's most infamous criminal organization. Led by the Bernstein brothers, this predominantly Jewish gang ruled the city's underworld during the Prohibition era with ruthless efficiency. From their origins in the immigrant neighborhoods of Detroit to their dominance in bootlegging and organized crime, learn about their violent rise to power, infamous crimes like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and ultimate downfall. Discover how the Detroit Mafia took over after their collapse and shaped the city's criminal landscape. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Discover the untold stories behind one of the most iconic events in American history – the Boston Tea Party. This video reveals 10 Things You Didn't Know About the Boston Tea Party, uncovering lesser-known facts and surprising details. Learn about the participants' clever disguises, the economic motivations behind the protest, and its dramatic impact on the American Revolution. Join us on this fascinating journey back in time and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive into one of the most tumultuous events in Boston's history with "Big City Tales." In this episode, we explore the Boston Police Strike of 1919, a dramatic confrontation between the city's police force and government officials that left Boston in chaos. Discover the reasons behind the strike, the key figures involved, and the devastating impact on the city. From the role of Commissioner Edwin U. Curtis to the involvement of Governor Calvin Coolidge, learn how this pivotal moment reshaped labor relations and catapulted Coolidge to national prominence. Join us as we unravel the complexities of balancing workers' rights with public safety in this gripping historical episode. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive into the incredible story of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, one of Boston's most unusual and devastating disasters. On a cold January day, a massive storage tank filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst, sending a wave of sticky destruction through the streets of the North End. This video recounts the tragic events, the causes behind the disaster, and the aftermath that forever changed construction regulations. Discover the impact on the community, the heroic rescue efforts, and the lasting legacy of this bizarre yet compelling chapter in Boston's history. Don't miss this gripping tale of industrial negligence, human resilience, and the sweet smell that lingered for decades. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive into the turbulent history of organized crime in St. Louis with our latest video, "Gangs of St. Louis: The Rise and Fall of the Green Ones and the Pillow Gang." This faceless documentary takes you back to the early 20th century, exploring the origins, power struggles, and eventual decline of two notorious Mafia factions. Discover the story of Dominick Giambrone, the early Italian Mafia boss, and how the rise of Vito Giannola and the Green Ones reshaped the criminal landscape of St. Louis. Witness the brutal conflicts with rival gangs like Egan's Rats and the Cuckoos, and the violent end of key figures like Alphonse Palizzola and Vito Giannola. Follow the Pillow Gang, from its early days under Pasquale Santino to the reign of Carmelo Fresina, and the betrayal that led to internal strife and continued violence. Learn how Thomas Buffa united the Mafia factions, leading to a single family that dominated the city's underworld. Through archival images and compelling narration, we recount the story of the St. Louis Mafia, including the mysterious murder of Thomas Buffa in a California vineyard and the modern era under Anthony "Nino" Parrino. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive into the gripping story of Tony Lopiparo, also known as "The Old Man," who ruled the St. Louis Mafia with an iron fist. From his early life on the streets of St. Louis to his rise as a powerful mob boss, this video explores his strategic use of violence, political connections, and criminal enterprises. Discover the secrets behind his leadership, the loyal lieutenants who supported him, and the ruthless tactics that kept his organization thriving. Watch as we uncover the dark history of one of the most influential figures in organized crime. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more fascinating tales from the criminal underworld.

Dive into the gritty history of the St. Louis Mafia with our latest video! Explore the lives of Vito Giannola and Alphonse Palizzola, two men who rose to power during the Prohibition era, shaping the criminal underworld of St. Louis. From their early beginnings in Sicily to their reigns of terror and eventual downfalls, this video uncovers the ambition, violence, and strategic minds that defined their leadership. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at the connections, conflicts, and legacies of these notorious mob bosses. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Welcome to Big City Tales, where we uncover the hidden stories of America's most fascinating cities. In this episode, we dive deep into the rise and fall of Egan's Rats, St. Louis' most infamous gang from the early 20th century. Learn about Tom Egan, the founder who transformed a group of street toughs into a powerful criminal organization, and the top men who continued his legacy after his death: William "Dinty" Colbeck, John "Pudgy" Dunn, and Harry "Cherries" Dunn. Discover how their involvement in Prohibition-era bootlegging, armed robbery, and political corruption made them both feared and respected in St. Louis. We'll also explore key events like the Carondelet Shootout, the intense rivalry with the Hogan Gang, and the eventual downfall of Egan's Rats as law enforcement closed in. This episode is filled with dramatic reenactments, historical insights, and unique visuals, including a creative depiction of gangster rats embodying the spirit of the era. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Explore the fascinating history of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, from its visionary design by Eero Saarinen to the monumental challenges and triumphs during its construction. Learn about the innovative engineering techniques, the labor disputes, and the dramatic moments that defined this iconic symbol of America's westward expansion. In this video, we cover: The early life and career of Eero Saarinen The design competition and the winning entry for the Gateway Arch Planning and funding challenges The groundbreaking ceremony and the start of construction Key construction phases and engineering innovations Delays and challenges, including labor disputes and weather conditions Accidents and safety measures during construction The completion and dedication ceremony The impact and legacy of the Gateway Arch today Join us as we delve into the rich history and enduring legacy of one of America's most iconic monuments. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Welcome to Big City Tales! In this video, we dive into the fascinating history of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, from its glamorous beginnings to its dramatic end. Discover how this iconic hotel shaped the Las Vegas Strip and became a hotspot for celebrities, gangsters, and billionaires. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

In this episode of Big City Tales, we dive deep into the captivating history of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. From its visionary beginnings with Billy Wilkerson to the notorious takeover by mobster Bugsy Siegel, the Flamingo has a story filled with ambition, glamour, and ruthless control. Join us as we explore: Billy Wilkerson's Hollywood dreams and the birth of the Flamingo Bugsy Siegel's extravagant vision and the mob's grip on the casino The financial struggles, mob conflicts, and Siegel's tragic end The rise of corporate ownership and the transformation of Las Vegas Discover how the Flamingo transitioned from being a mob-controlled venture to a legitimate, corporate-owned icon of the Las Vegas Strip. This video is a must-watch for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the blend of crime, business, and entertainment that shaped one of America's most famous cities. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Join us in this comprehensive exploration of Al Capone's life, the infamous gangster who led the Chicago Outfit during the Prohibition era. In this video, we delve into Capone's rise to power, his reign of terror, and his eventual downfall. From his early days in New York City to his peak as Public Enemy No. 1. Finally his years in prison and declining health. Buckle up it's quite a ride. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

In this episode, we uncover the fascinating history of El Rancho Vegas, the first major resort on the Las Vegas Strip. From its visionary founder Thomas Hull to its groundbreaking amenities and tragic end, discover how El Rancho Vegas set the stage for the bustling entertainment capital we know today. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive deep into the history of Chicago's infamous North Side Gang with our comprehensive playlist, "Chicago Deep Dives - The North Side Gang." This series takes you on a journey through the rise and fall of one of the most notorious gangs of the Prohibition era, exploring the lives and legacies of its most prominent leaders. In this playlist, you will discover: Earl J. "Hymie" Weiss: From his early life as Henryk Wojciechowski to becoming the fierce leader of the North Side Gang, explore Weiss's ruthless tactics, strategic mind, and his ultimate demise in a hail of bullets near Holy Name Cathedral. Dean O'Banion: The founding father of the North Side Gang, known for his charismatic yet deadly presence in the Chicago underworld. Learn about his beginnings, his role in the gang wars, and the dramatic events leading to his assassination in his own flower shop. George "Bugs" Moran: The man who succeeded Weiss and led the North Side Gang through some of its most violent clashes with Al Capone's Outfit, including the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Vincent "The Schemer" Drucci: The short-lived leader known for his cunning and strategic alliances, who met a tragic end during a confrontation with police. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Step into the shadows of the early 20th century and uncover the gripping story of Johnny Torrio, the brilliant criminal mastermind who laid the foundation for the notorious Chicago Outfit. This faceless documentary takes you through Torrio's journey from the streets of New York to the heart of Chicago's underworld, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping organized crime in America. 🔍 In this video, you'll discover: Torrio's early life and his rise to power His mentorship of Al Capone and the birth of the Chicago Outfit The deadly gang wars and betrayals that defined the Prohibition era Torrio's legacy and the formation of the National Crime Syndicate 🎥 Featuring: Rare historical photos and dramatic reenactments Insights into the numbers racket and bootlegging operations The infamous hits and assassination attempts that marked Torrio's reign. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from America's big cities.

Dive deep into the tumultuous world of Prohibition-era Chicago with this gripping narrative of Dean O'Banion and the North Side Gang. From the backrooms of flower shops to the chaotic streets, we explore the heated rivalries, betrayal, and brutal violence that defined this era. In this video, you'll discover: The treacherous dealings between Dean O'Banion and rival gangster Angelo Genna. The infamous raid on the Sieben brewery and its explosive aftermath. O'Banion's last days, his betrayal, and the meticulously planned hit that marked his end. The dramatic events at O'Banion's flower shop and his lavish funeral.

Step back in time to the fateful night of October 8, 1871, when a small spark ignited one of the most devastating urban fires in American history. "Inferno: The Great Chicago Fire of 1871" takes you on a vivid journey through the Great Chicago Fire, exploring the timeline of events that led to the rapid spread of the flames, and the heroic efforts of firefighters and citizens as they battled the inferno. Using historical images and a compelling narrative, this video unveils the disaster, the impact on the city, and the resilience that paved the way for Chicago's rebirth. Witness the fire that forever changed the landscape and spirit of a great city. Like and Follow Big City Tales for more intriguing stories from Americas big cities.