Holding Up the Town

The Vasquez Gang attacks Kingston, California.

December 26, 1873–around 7pm. Tiburcio Vasquez and about 11 of his men raid the central California town of Kingston. They tie up (and rough up) more than three dozen citizens and rob each building for a total of around $3000. After some time, four locals manage to arm themselves and open fire. One of the bandits is fatally wounded and the others speed out of town.

But Vasquez’s time is running short. Rewards reach $8000 for his capture ($6000 for killing him). He is caught less than four months later; he is hanged on March 19, 1875.