The City of Sutter Creek was transformed last weekend for a reenactment of the last successful stagecoach robbery by local legend Black Bart. The town’s annual celebration takes you back 125 years to June 23, 1883, when the infamous highwayman Black Bart held up the Wells Fargo Stage on Main Street. The robbery netted him a total of 755 dollars in express boxes and U.S. registered mail. More importantly, it was the last successful robbery of his colorful career. Unlike the original robbery, the atmosphere last weekend was focused on fun, family and history. An assortment of locals donned traditional western garb and reenacted various well-choreographed shootout’s that hinted at the tension surrounding Black Bart’s hold up. At one point, the Sheriff and a posse of bathrobe clad vigilantes strode down the street for a showdown with Black Bart’s gang. Real blanks were fired and the air was filled with smoke and excitement. It is estimated that during his career, Black Bart robbed as much as 18,000 dollars from stages along mountain roads. It is also alleged that the real Black Bart was a cordial man who politely requested the money from his victims. Black Bart had a personal vendetta against Wells Fargo bank and refused to take any funds from other parties.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008 03:00
Black Bart Hold Up Days in Sutter Creek
The City of Sutter Creek was transformed last weekend for a reenactment of the last successful stagecoach robbery by local legend Black Bart. The town’s annual celebration takes you back 125 years to June 23, 1883, when the infamous highwayman Black Bart held up the Wells Fargo Stage on Main Street. The robbery netted him a total of 755 dollars in express boxes and U.S. registered mail. More importantly, it was the last successful robbery of his colorful career. Unlike the original robbery, the atmosphere last weekend was focused on fun, family and history. An assortment of locals donned traditional western garb and reenacted various well-choreographed shootout’s that hinted at the tension surrounding Black Bart’s hold up. At one point, the Sheriff and a posse of bathrobe clad vigilantes strode down the street for a showdown with Black Bart’s gang. Real blanks were fired and the air was filled with smoke and excitement. It is estimated that during his career, Black Bart robbed as much as 18,000 dollars from stages along mountain roads. It is also alleged that the real Black Bart was a cordial man who politely requested the money from his victims. Black Bart had a personal vendetta against Wells Fargo bank and refused to take any funds from other parties.
