February 14th, 1929
Why is the Massacre of St. Valentine’s significant?
Setting
Popular Gangsters of the 1920’s
Reasons for Massacre
The Plan
That Morning on February 14th
The Getaway
Where was Moran?
Where was Capone?
Who was held Responsible?
On February 14th, 1929, seven men were lined up and pumped with 90 bullets from two tommy guns, a sawed-off shotgun, and an automatic colt pistol. Victims were mostly shot in the head and torso. The incident took place in the matter of minutes and left a bloody scene.
The setting took place in an unheated brick garage at 2122 North Clark Street, Chicago. The headquarters belonged to a popular gangster, “George “Bugs” Moran.
Gangsters found fame and fortune through speakeasies, breweries, brothels, and gambling joints. Many were so powerful, such as Moran and Capone that they were able to bribe many local official’s Al Capone and George Moran split the city of Chicago into two gangs. They fought for power, prestige, and money.
By 1929 Al Capone’s only threat was George “Bugs” Moran. Moran was the head of Al’s rival gang and in charge of the Rion O’Banion’s band of bootleggers.
Al was living in Miami when his associate, Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn visited him. McGurn had informed Al of Moran’s attempt to assassinate him. Al agreed to fund an assassination attempt, putting McGurn in charge.
McGurn was able to locate Moran’s headquarters behind the offices of S.M.C. Cartage Company. He carefully selected gunmen from outside the area so they would not be recognized as members of Capone’s gang. He hired four men named Fred “Killer” Burke, John Scalise, Albert Anselmi, and Joseph Lolordo. McGurn also hired lookouts in an apartment to watch the garage. He had stolen a police car and two police uniforms in order to carry out the plan. He instructed a local booze hijacker to contact Moran on February 13th, and say he has obtained a shipment of “Old Log Cabin” Whiskey. (Very good liquor