Egan’s Rats: How They Ruled St. Louis Underworld

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.

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