Cassidy’s First Crime

Butch hits a Colorado bank.

On June 24th, 1889, Butch Cassidy—still known as Bob Parker—pulled off his first major criminal act. He and Matt Warner along with Warner’s cousin, Tom McCarty, robbed the San Miguel Bank in Telluride of some $20,000. It’s believed either Warner or McCarty planned the job. They entered the bank when there was only one teller present, demanded cash, got on their horses and rode out of town. They placed a relay of horses so they could mount fresh ones along their escape route. By the time a posse was organized they were long gone.