Raid on the Northfield Bank: The James-Younger Gang Meets Its Match

Historical Journeys with Dale Blanshan
On September 7, 1876, a band of desperadoes rode into the small Minnesota town of Northfield, intending to take from the good citizens there as much of their hard earned livelihood as possible. But for the robbers, it didn't quite work out as they had planned. Here's the story.

[@dks13827]

Lizzie May lived 1871 - 1947. Her Mom died when May was age 2. Dad shot when she was 5. Then step Mom died when May was 13.

[@johngaither3830]

I read a significant number of the men in the town and posse were civil war veterans and had experience confronting the enemy. They were not about to be cowed by some punks with guns and big horses. They had shot at men before and been shot at themselves. I believe their marksmanship spoke for itself. They defended their town with bravery and skill.

[@stevendouglascarr5517]

Absolutely...

[@stevendouglascarr5517]

My mom grew up a stone's throw from here in Owatonna and her grandfather fought in the Civil War so this story really resonates...

[@dks13827]

Yes.............. but only luck provided 2 brave men with SINGLE SHOT RIFLES to actually blast the bad guys !!!! :) If the citizens had even one Winchester and some ammo, could have put down several more outlaws.

[@seanmmcelwain]

My great great grandfather was a veteran of 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry who had a farm in Janesville MN. His unit fought Quantrill during the Civil War. According to family lore, after the Northfield Raid, Jesse James and some of his company watered their horses at gunpoint on the family farm. Just thought I’d add.

[@mencken8]

The James-Younger gang made two critical mistakes: they left their home ground where they had plenty of active and passive support, and they assumed that Northfield would be a pushover. Like most towns in that era, there were plenty of Civil War veterans in Northfield who would not shrink from some gunplay, and the rest, as they say, is history.

[@mencken8]

@GeorgiaConfederate1995 Except in Northfield, MN, apparently.

[@jonnelson6446]

I've read just about everything I could find on this robbery, and this is the single best account I've ever heard. You have photos and documents that I've never seen before and didn't even know existed. Congratulations from a history teacher! I will recommend this to all my American history students.

[@pheart2381]

I think we can class ourselves as world authorities on the topic now!

[@timothyernest6429]

Yes, most excellent research and scholarship.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Jon!

[@jonnelson6446]

@@historicaljourneyswithdale6165 My pleasure. And thank you! Keep up the great work.

[@robertschuenemann7390]

Interesting story. Fact is stranger than fiction, and reality is not often clean- cut (e. g. The robbers are immediately captured\killed. It was a drawn - out procession of situations, issues and occurances.).

[@davidmuir7711]

Excellent, just a pleasure to listen to you. How tough was Cole; he must have been a mean one. Thank you Mr. Blanshan.

[@circedelune]

Thank you. Sooo sick of seeing these villains represented as heroes. They robbed from the rich because the poor had nothing to steal, and they gave to themselves.

[@bjmartin5225]

Are ya now

[@bjmartin5225]

You are also yankee

[@PaperMakersAdeludedbroad]

They basically are heroes though

[@116cowboy]

Skin that smoke wagon you'll be daisy if u do

[@davidrice3337]

And killed innocent people - wonder how these sycophants would feel if it was their daughter or mother or wife who lost their life at the hands of Jesse James -

[@voraciousreader3341]

I grew up in far northwestern Wisconsin and my first husband was from the Iron Range of Minnesota. His father, born and raised in Virginia, MN, was a great one to tell stories, and, after regressing a bit he’d always say, “Well, an-a-way,” as a segue to his original story, exactly like Mr. Blanshan does! It’s such a Minnesota mannerism, I love it!

[@Baskerville22]

I liked your reference to Socialist politicians. I happen to believe that socialists are motivated by.... NOT a desire to better the lives of most people, but rather to crush out of human beings the desire to be free, secure, prosperous. Socialists hate that democratic, capitalist societies allow individuals the freedom to better themselves with hard work, innovation and ambition. They care not that all benefit from freedom & free enterprise; they would prefer that all were equally poor and without the option to work and achieve wealth or even economic security. Where rational individuals see FREEDOM. a socialist sees CHAOS.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Amen! Good comment. Socialism squelches incentive, motivation and innovation. Making something profitable checks all three boxes.

[@ronrobertson59]

I been to Northfield Minnesota I been in the bank they tried to rob. It is like a museum and is just like it was the day it was robbed by the Jame-Younger gang. It was a temporary bank while the new one was being built that mayby why it's still in original condition. They had Charlie Pitts ear on display too. My Dad was born in 1903 in 1910 or 11 he saw Frank James and Cole Younger at a personal appearance in Franklin KY. He had a post card photo of them he got at the time and had it until he died in 1974.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

It's amazing to stand right on the spot where the robbery took place, isn't it? Do you still have the postcard? I'd like to see it.

[@miked8227]

I like the way you tell the truth about the reality of these criminal actions. Injuring a little girl and killing innocent bystanders during their robberies. That’s the devastation of their acts.

[@andrefalconer6537]

Well , I've allways been fascinated by the Wild West Times. & Have loads of Western Films aswell, Very interesting to Know the exact account on this Northfield Bank Hold up, It was to be a falier right from the Start they set foot in Northfield, Inacent people Murdered, Bank Manager, a child injured, Felt sorry for the Managers Wife & There Buitifull Daughter, Who lost her Dad , Who Brought income to the House. As we know Thanks to all the other Banks had a Collection to help them survive in life, Anyway, This was the Wild West as it was , I've nothing Personal against those outlaws, Only to say Jessie James was no Robin hood, Thanks from are History Man ? For Telling the Story about the Northfield Bank Hold up,& I believe this Gentleman himself does have a slight family History connection allso, 😊 God Bless you, Take care, ❤

[@dannycrockett9878]

I'll give you a perspective you won't often see. I spent 22 years in prison for bank robbery, most of it at the Atlanta Federal Correctional Center. I will tell you that the vast majority of bank robbers are all about being congenial and friendly, funny even, don't want any trouble. Being easy is one of the two reasons "we" pick bank robbery as a crime of choice, the other reason is because banks is where the money is. But I digress, so anyway, bank bandits are notoriously just as friendly as can be to both patrons and employees ... unless of course you stand up for what's right, disappoint them, make things unplanned happen, then people die. So the narrator here is 100% right when he calls 'em out as trash. I never hurt anybody, but I would have, I could have, and believe me when I tell you that banks may have changed, the safe's and the locks and all that, but bank robbers have not. The bank worker who was executed as the inside men left, for all intensive purposes, empty handed, was killed for one simple reason: anger. Whoever shot him, did so because they were disappointed at the gall of these Yankees that dared to deny them their take. I have always believed that the biggest mistake of the gang going North was giving up the very thing they were trying to give up: their notoriety. The reason I say that is that the Southern banks, even those on the Mason/Dixon line, were full of people that were in awe of these gangs, especially this particular one. The employees were generally terrified or star struck, or, dare I venture, even sympathetic to the Younger gang. So they go up North where things are quite a bit more orderly and lawful than Western Missouri or "Little Dixie" as it was known. These Northern folks would, at town meetings, speak about potential bank robberies and how the town should and would respond. These people, these hardscrabble farmers, shop owners, and the like were not in awe, scared, or sympathetic in any way of or to the Younger gang. The two things they were worried about here, and likely the only two things, were their friends and their money. There was no FDIC. If you money got taken and the bank didn't have it to give ya, tough luck folks. The employees, the brave men inside that bank, knew damn well what the repercussions were of giving up 15 or 20 grand to a robbery, so they stood strong. Such a shame. But I am just rambling with thoughts where Mr. Blanshan put on an impressive display of facts with pics and personal history. Loved every minute of it because although you might find a more exciting account of these events, you'll never find one as complete and factual. This was beautifully done, and it made me Blanshan's newest subscriber.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Danny! You bring up an intriguing point about staying where the notoriety had already been established. Since threats of harm are the bank robbers' stock in trade, I suppose the murder of Joseph Heywood could have partly been a cold blooded "Now you'll believe me!" to the next victim.

[@robertpowell9053]

Being a descendant of the Younger family: a contributing factor to the reason the gang was able to escape the law for so long was their attention to horses. The Younger family came from a strong equestrian background (their grandfather, a prolific trader and better and racer of horses famously put another son on a horse in the middle of a race when another son had just been thrown and killed by the same horse). Together with Jesse, they were able to keep their horses in better condition (sometimes aided by locals) and outrun any marshals.

[@Maverick65062]

Brown County Texas, Cole Younger and Frank James arrive with the County Fair as For the first time a Hot Air Balloon has come. Fun was had by all with no incidence's, as Frank walked about amongst the fair goer's and Cole was entertained at a nearby restaurant....... I got real questions. help Can anyone tell me about a Hot Springs where Jessi James, John Ringold, and William Bonnie met at the Williams Ranch or even if it was a dime store novel.

[@dollmore.8584]

My granddaughter was also a descendant from the younger's

[@bigglesbiggles4999]

Sounds like all of America claims to be related to the murderous Younger's....not something I would want to brag about

[@JC-ej3er]

@@bigglesbiggles4999 Why? If I could be transplanted to those days, I'd ride with em. Different times. Theres nothing wrong with being related to them.

[@vintagesavoiur]

@@bigglesbiggles4999 better than being with BLM... just an example

[@kevinfoley8105]

What a tremendous documentary and what a great narrator! Thank you Mr. Blanshan for a top notch video, so glad I found this and I look forward to seeing more of your work!

[@dks13827]

Dale, like me, you liked the happy ending of the movie Public Enemies !!!!

[@robertherbert8531]

Jesse James lived to be 104 years old. 6:03

[@donsimonds5186]

That was extraordinary. Of course I've heard of Jesse James in the younger gang but really knew very little history and you are an excellent narrator and investigator and revealer and I thank you for all your hard work, it really is very informative and most of all it teaches the futility of trying to get easy money with illegal means, it is a waste of life. Unfortunately it's the innocent people involved that suffer the most.

[@bjmartin5225]

It is a good account even if he is a yankee but i don’t if your one . In my part of the country we have tried to forgive but ya just can’t forgive a yankee !

[@r.a.facklam4851]

@@bjmartin5225 what makes you think we'll forgive you?

[@timothyernest6429]

Fascinating . Thank you for the more in depth back story to the failed raid on the Northfield bank and what occurred and happened both before and after the failed heist. Thank you sir, for a fine and informative history lesson.

[@peterfranklin1759]

A well worn story told in a number of movies, but Dale Blanshan tells a good tale and holds your attention. He keeps it truthful and therefore more authentic and where the exact truth isn't known (the exact position of the Youngers' capture for example) he tells you and gives reasonable assumptions, but doesn't dress 'em up as anything more. He also gives more detail than you'd expect and you can find in other resources. Enjoyed it, thanks.

[@eleanorvaughan4352]

Best thing I’ve watched on KZbin for ages, makes a change from all the doom and gloom about at the moment 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jacobmccandles1767]

This is the answer to the modern gang problem.

[@dougmoore5222]

When I was a kid I used to spend my summers in Northfield at my uncle’s home. My uncle then being the president of the First National Bank in Northfield. When kids went down to the bank they could hold what was called Jesse James revolver, which they said he dropped during the robbery. Great town, and many great summers there.

[@guitarman1477]

I read somewhere this gun, or one of the guns of the gang, maybe a younger , went at auction for a couple million dollars , it’s on KZbin somewhere

[@williambolton4698]

Wonderful. I really like the way that the tale is told from a perspective that recognises who the good guys are. It has become commonplace these days to think of the robbers and killers as the heroes of such events thanks to Hollywood.

[@stevegrooms1142]

Some quick thoughts: 1) Buying so many fast horses was the robbers' first mistake. Since everyone was acquainted with horses, the gang became conspicuous since their horses were chosen for speed and endurance rather than farm work. 2) Banks didn't have insurance protection to replace stolen money, so townspeople had a real reason to defend their money. 3) Although nobody in the gang ever identified the killer of Heywood, Frank James fit the profile, as he was testy when crossed. 4) Few outlaws were excellent shots. Handguns are poor weapons when shooting at even mild distances, so the posse is likely to have had a big advantage if they had rifles. 5) A great book on this is Shot All to Hell by Mark Gardner.

[@timothyernest6429]

Add: It was late summer and extremely hot that day and at least 1 townsfolk noticed the long dusters a couple of the outlaws wore and so thought it odd that something long and relatively heavy for the season would be worn before autumn had even yet arrived. This aroused attention and suspicion as did the fact that they were strangers and not townsfolk or locals from nearby rural farms.

[@shooterqqqq]

Bob Younger, Charlie Pitts and Frank James were drunk when they entered the bank. They didn't expect Civil War veterans who would fight. Bill Chadwell was the only one who had a map and knew the area.

[@susanmccormick6022]

@@shooterqqqq That always puzzled me,the story that some of the boys were drunk.It makes so sense.

[@veryfine69]

The guerrilla tactics was why they were hard to catch.

[@dks13827]

@@susanmccormick6022 Criminals are not known for being smart.

[@hazzzee]

Thank you, Dale, your interest and hard work are very clear, I learned a great deal, peace & respect from the UK.

[@craigwhitham6680]

The issue I've always had of this story is everybody gets shot to pieces except frank and jesse... Maybe 1 of the James brothers avoids a bullet with the towns people raining down fire from all angles(Im not buying it).. Ok but while everybody else is getting killed or shot up BOTH James brothers escape virtually without any major wounds.... Then escape through south Dakota all the way back here to Missouri... It makes for a great story but maybe the truth is frank and Jesse were not even involved in that robbery.... Like many others they were allegedly a part of just to make the story sell more newspapers back then🤔... Of course they were involved in many robberies but this one's always been hard to believe ☝️🤔

[@manuelkong10]

Good thought

[@TheGuitarReb]

BREAKING NEWS: The James brothers were not in South Dakota. They were in Alabama.

[@spiderlegs50]

I don't believe they were there as well.

[@TheGuitarReb]

Jesse was wounded and they were NOT in South Dakota. They were in Alabama. That is why the story is so hard to believe.

[@craigwhitham6680]

@@TheGuitarReb alabama, south dakota, or alaska... Doesn't change the fact that all the other bandits were shot up really bad or killed yet Jesse and frank with bullets raining down from all angles were relatively unharmed and able to ride/get away... While againeverybody else who's last name wasn't James was seriously wounded, killed or captured.....something isn't adding up to this story... 2+2 has never =4 when it comes to this story and i believe it's because Jesse and frank James were never apart of this insanely botched robbery.... They were never there just like they were never at a lot of robberies they were blamed for 🤔

[@4321grp]

I was born and raised in Northwest Missouri not far from where the James and Youngers were from, This was a very detailed account of what happened. I have toured Jesse James house where he died.

[@JC-tv5zx]

Woow...never read, saw or heard something this good on that Northfield robbery...awesome

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, J.C.!

[@donmarlon5924]

Fascinating and wonderfully detailed! The best thing I've seen on this subject. Thanks so much.

[@andrewpage94]

Absolute excellent job of presenting the information you’ve accumulated.

[@helenclark7876]

outlaws r stink on stink, just go under the ground

[@MrDXRamirez]

Grandma could have her land tilled for nothing had she directed the curiosity people to dig in this field for the money and not in that one. Interesting and thorough, thank you.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

She mentioned a circle of thirteen trees that attracted to most attention from the diggers. I've never been able to identify it, though.

[@GranMastaDee]

This was much more interesting and rewarding than getting lied to by Robt. Redford and the Hollywood crowd who could care less about facts and truth. I got about 8 episodes deep into the American West series and just desperately found myself in need of some reality to flush out the BS. I did enjoy your little mini-dig at the political climate of current affairs! 'Steal from the rich..." part. Good Job Sir!

[@StevenTorrey]

That "socialism" you so disdain, puts minimal income into families, to they don't have to resort to bank robbery. After all, the word "desperado" ultimately means "of no hope."

[@guitarman1477]

It’s hardly Robert Redfords fault is it? He has to follow a script

[@GranMastaDee]

@@StevenTorrey Most in those burgeoning times of our young history, by an extremely large margin, resorted to working and occasional help from Family. You would suggest that there are no criminals in socialist counties.

[@StevenTorrey]

@@GranMastaDee I made no such claim. Keep in mind that local township, even back in the early days of the nation, provided for those who could not provide for themselves. They devoted as much as 25% of the town budget to what we would call "welfare".

[@GranMastaDee]

@@StevenTorrey How ironic that you were given the name 'Torrey'. I'd be obliged otherwise young man to try and educate you on the ways of the world but I would be remiss to sully Mr. Blanshan's wonderful presentation with a debate here between the sane and the Socialist. I would instead strongly recommend that you try and wean yourself off of NPR, CNN, MSNBC, and the like and try to enjoy the wonderful results of the hopefully last stealection. Peace and Love to you Son.

[@tombenwell5867]

Well done. Enjoyed the history lesson and story.

[@annexton3795]

We've had a perfect crime in our little town of Krugersdorp in South Africa, where the robbers have never been found and it's been 45 years. They hired the shop adjacent to the bank and papered over the windows. Over the weeks they dug a tunnel down, across and up directly into the vault. Then on the Easter weekend, they must have broken into the vault shortly after closing time on the Thursday and had the 4 days to clean out the safety deposit boxes as well as all the cash - R 430 000, when the rand was more valuable than the dollar! Way back then a massive haul. I'm sure by now the robbers must be 75-80 years old and l wonder if their fortunes have lasted till now.

[@soursamurai]

Im from the area in western missouri where the youngers are from, in fact my family owns an old house that was built in the mid 1800s outside of adrian missouri where the youngers would stay periodically in between robberies & what not. I found this presentation to be very accurate to the best of my knowledge & very well done! I had a good time watching. You should do a video over the coffeyville robbery! The dalton gang tried to outdo their cousins (the youngers) by robbing two banks at one time in 1892

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

I do touch on the Coffeyville robberies in another, unpublished program. Another fascinating story.

[@silverstar4289]

In my community, there was an article of a woman in a nursing home. She was the daughter of the town marshal who was killed in that robbery.

[@guitarman1477]

@@historicaljourneyswithdale6165 can you show that here ?

[@andrefalconer6537]

Hi I'm from UK.Just Been listening to a Mr Blanshan, Regarding the Youngers & Jessie James, & Your self from Missouri, Allways been interested in The Wild West, A very well Documented story Every time i see any think regarding Missouri "Yes " Jessie James & the Youngers, I do envy yourself living in this part of America, Just reading your tex The Dalton Gang trying to raid to banks, i didn't know they were cousins, I love my Westerns like so many people, Oh, is that little old House still standing,? I'd like to think so , Anyway, God Bless your self & family & America, ❤

[@Stuck_Outside]

I Live in northfield! The defeat is a holiday there

[@benkoops1924]

Thank you for the tremendous account and narration and compilation of all the Magnificent seven, The James gang and Cole younger gangs. Appreciate the pictures and chronology of your report and testimony. I live in Kansas City and have been up to liberty in a few of those towns Clay county

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Ben. I finally made it to the Liberty bank, too. It's always fascinating to stand right on the spot and let your imagination run wild.

[@eleanorvaughan4352]

I’ve only had 2 holidays in my life’ I’m 48 and I only want to go and visit this part of America some day. I live in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@voraciousreader3341]

In Minnesota? Or the Midwest in general? You’ll find in Minnesota that the land changes drastically, from flat prairies in the west to heavily forested in the north (where the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is located, sharing the northern border with Canada). The eastern part of the state rides along the North Shore of Lake Superior in the north, which is simply gorgeous....I was born and raised in Superior, Wisconsin, across St. Louis Bay from Duluth, Minnesota, so I know that area very well. Duluth is extremely hilly, built on an ancient basalt mountain range. The eastern border of Minnesota runs along the Mississippi River, and as you get to the south of the state, the gorges and rock formations are beautiful. There’s always a large nesting area for bald eagles there, but you can look all that up if you want to. And, I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but every state has a motto that describes it, and Minnesota’s is, “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.” So there’s beauty practically everywhere you go! This got a little long, I’m sorry about that! I really love that state and all the people I’ve met and worked with, although I still live in Wisconsin and it’s my favorite place! I hope you get to make your trip soon!

[@jamesgalloway6180]

I would like to see more concerning the Youngers. Nicely done! Be safe

[@ronr.53400]

nice, happy safe travels, hopefully you will go

[@philbunston9663]

Sir I must thank you on several levels 1) very informative - I first read about this raid when I was sixteen ( and since have read more ) and you have added much detail and 'photos 2) your detailed narrative delivered in a calm and considered manner 3) you didn't blast me out of my chair with un - necessary ( so called ) background music . Thank You .

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Phil.

[@roberthenry9319]

Absolutely marvelous. Thank you, sir. Adelbert Ames was actually the Reconstruction governor of Mississippi, however- not Missouri. Gemeral Ames served as the appointed governor in Jacckson, Mississippi . That may seem like a small point, but it is actually rather huge. Best, R.Henry, M.D.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

I hate it when that happens. Thanks for the correction!

[@douglasturner6153]

Obviously not a Southern sympathizer. Some omissions about their Civil War motivations and reason for Lawrence, Ks. revenge raId. Good Democrats they took from the hard working and gave to the poor, themselves.

[@scottreynolds3565]

Great video Dale! I want to pass on a story that my father told me when I was a boy back in the 1970s. My Great Grandfather was born in 1866 and lived on a farm in Ringgold County, Iowa. Which is bordering the Missouri state line. Great Grandpa told my Dad that when he boy, the James Gang on several occasions would spend the night in the barn of their farm. They fed them supper. The James gang would leave early in the morning before anyone in the house was up. They always left a $20 Gold piece in the barn, as a thank you and we were never here. I don't know if the story is true but it certainly could be.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

I've heard perhaps a dozen similar stories. I think in order to give any particular one credence you'd have to correlate it with a known incident involving the gang. I've heard several stories of gang members around the time of the Northfield Raid that I discount because it is known that the gang members had money from a recent robbery and that they were staying in hotels and posing as cattle buyers or real estate investors. After the Raid they were staying out of sight. On the other hand, the great number of such stories makes one wonder whether some are actually true.

[@davidhall7275]

Excellent narration, your account is very interesting. Hard to read those maps though. Lakes, abutments, and towns all melt together in a green smudge. But the whole story is immensely interesting.

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

passing out guns without doing background checks? how un-civilized they are/were.

[@ahpook257]

I watched some of this wonderment of a talk last night and my youtube algorithm immediately suggested a film I hadn't seen in years because I'm English and coudn't remember its name. It's called "The Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid". It's a deleriously inaccurate account of the crime but it feels like there's a wider truth here about the period. Thanks Dale, always, for setting me right.

[@YouTuber-ep5xx]

Hi Dale. Enjoyed the vid. I am from Albert Lea. I can tell from that photo of the livery near the lake that the livery was probably not quite where the library stands today. The livery was, I believe, right about at Broadway and Fountain St. near the bandshell park, near where the Masonic building, which is now the community theatre (named for Albert Lea native actress Marion Ross) is, about two blocks northwest of the library. By the way, Albert Lea, clearly a northern town, is named for a confederate military officer! Colonel Albert Miller Lea was in a US Dragoons unit that in 1836 visited the site of what became known as Albert Lea, but wound up back in the south when the war broke out. He and his son Edward both participated in the 1863 Battle of Galveston, on opposing sides! Edward perished in the battle...

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks! I'll have to go back and look again.

[@daviddavis3389]

Great job Mr Dale, I'm an avid old west reader Mr self..forgive my typo where I somehow typed CNN mistakenly sir...tremendous effort.

[@abbdabs67]

very interesting story my great great grandfather was a good friend of frank and he along with my great grandfather helped frank look for his hidden gold in oklahoma....never found much

[@TheGuitarReb]

Knights of the golden circle.

[@netsurfers9357]

I really enjoyed how you told the story!... Definitely a subscriber now!.. My mother's last name is "Hayes" and they owned a horse farm in Kentucky!... The men were known as "The Hayes Gang" and the court had them make a promise that they would not cause any more trouble in order to live in the city of Louisville KY. My mother told me that they had blown up the court house so that their brother could escape, but I don't know if this is true. My Great Great grandfather Eli (Elsa) Hayes had killed a man from what I found out also. I don't know much about all of it, but have news paper clippings in digital format that I have gathered over time. My Great Great Grandmother was Daisy Belle Dishman, who claimed to be a Cherokee Indian and wore Cherokee clothing. Her husband was Eli (Elsa) Hayes.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Sounds like you should be writing a story, Netsurfer!

[@dks13827]

Such a great story..........and Dale does it very well. So many what if's here: What if Jesse ( or Frank ) got killed ? Save a lot of lives, folks !!!! What if the citizens had a few more minutes of warning, they could have had 5 to 8 guys with long guns walk to the bank door before anything started.

[@brianperry]

Hi, I'm from UK. About 1989 I visited my son who was a Pharmacist in Thunder bay Ontario. I rented a car and drove down the lakeside road into USA .to Grand Portage , Grand Marais, Two Harbors and Duluth. Deciding to carry on to Minneapolis it was whilst on the road I recognised the name Northfield from stories and the films The Long Riders and The Great Northfield Minisota bank raid..For someone from the United Kingdom its was like visiting the old West....Wild or not!... Thanks for rekindling a memory of long ago..

[@jonasantley9705]

War was what makes young men do this along with no father at home teaches I do what I want not discipline we all know this but war and being backed into a corner by the rail road with no way to know how to lead a house hold anew so this would be why duh

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

If that were true we would have had beaucoup crime in the years after WWII, but the second half of the 40's and the 50's were probably the best time in the nation's history. Then in the 60s the left launched a culture war on the U.S. The ACLU was charged with attacking religion, something they are still invested in. Not hard to figure out how we got to where we are today.

[@StevenTorrey]

Fascinating for a cold, cloudy Saturday afternoon.

[@dks13827]

Miller and Chadwell used to look better !!!! When they drank their morning coffee that day, they didn't know that in just a few hours they would be cadaver specimans.

[@gregfieg482]

Visit Northfield and step back into time. Few know it, but the gang spent the previous day watching a baseball game in nearby Minneapolis, perhaps thinking they would soon make easy pickings of the little bank in Northfield. Guess again, not only did they barely escape with their lives at the hands of the locals, their bankrupting ways would come to an abrupt halt. Today the historical little bank has been preserved for public view, looking exactly as it did in 1876. Stop by and see it, just a few miles from Interstate 35.

[@susanmccormick6022]

I wish...!

[@Skycop51]

Thanks very great job. From Bangkok with love...

[@shawnjones8609]

My grandmother told me this story years ago. I believe it was her dad's dad (grandfather) who owned a business (not sure what kind) in South Dakota, just outside of Sioux Falls. One night, he had rubbed all his horses down and got them settled in and all. Next day, he went to the corral to check the horses and there were different horses, and they were all sweaty like they'd been run all night and looked worn out. Her grandfather had a theory that Jesse James or some of that group (the Youngers perhaps) came through and changed horses in the middle of the night. My grandma was born in 1907, so her grandpa would have been way back in about the time all of this happened. I guess there is evidence or stories that the James group or part of them came through that area at one time.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Not much of the James's route is known, but it is known that they went around through South Dakota, so who knows? The Youngers never made it past Madelia.

[@proverbs9103]

I'm a truck driver from Georgia and I always been interested in history and when I went through madelia I stopped and saw that marker they had where they captured the younger I always wanted to go see the reenactment which I think they used to do every year I don't know if they do it anymore

[@dks13827]

What if 5 minutes before the start of the robbery....... the bank staff was told to lock the doors and leave !!!!!! Or, what if 5 of the store owners grabbed their guns and pointed them out of a number of nearby windows !!!!!!!!!

[@larrygribaudo1092]

How many thought of the gospel for salvation? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Why the gospel? Where can any one go but to the gospel

[@jamesmodisette738]

Mr Blanshan is a wonderful story teller and paints a good picture of the robbery and its aftermath.

[@barbdiamond4924]

My great grandmother and the james boys mother were either sisters or first cousins according to the family story .... In those days the family only went to town (as a family) once a year .... And the gang came to the farm ... And my grandmother said no one could leave for fear of turning them in so they couldn't go to town .... And she carried a grudge (almost hatred) to her dieing day ...her maden name as Baxley but that was her (fraternal parents ) name they were from Kentucky.

[@philbunston9663]

Forgot to mention that your political observations are well respected in my circle .

[@mikenelson17]

Mr. Blanshan, your history is full of holes. Missouri was continually raided by a paramilitary group called Redlegs and Jayhawkers under the command of James Lane. Quantrill formed the Raiders to defend against them. The attack on Lawrence was to get Lane. In the Centrailia "massacre" Bill Andersons troops were outnumbered. Bloody Bill would not even have been in the Raiders had the Redlegs not abducted his sisters and crippled them. Jessie would not have been an outlaw had he been given amnesty like his brother (who's name was Alexander, not Frank)

[@susanmccormick6022]

Alexander Franklyn.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Quantrill's Raiders were nothing but Bushwhackers.

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

I hope you do some other outlaw documenteries! This one's so good!!!

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Kenny!

[@dantaylor4228]

I very much enjoyed this!! I lived in 1976 (the hundredth anniversary of the raid) in what was the hospital in Northfield at the time of the raid in 1876. Because it was the hundredth anniversary they had quite the shindig!

[@marilynprickett5991]

These Younger men were my distant relatives.

[@threatassessment606]

So you distant relatives committed felonies?

[@marilynprickett5991]

Evidently

[@vintagesavoiur]

@@threatassessment606 you are stupid if you have to ask that question.

[@stephenburke5967]

Having total scumbags as relatives is nothing to advertise with honor.

[@duncanidaho2097]

Thank you, Dale, for a superb account of this historic event. I remember watching the movie about it long ago. I will have to watch it again to see how well it jibes with your thoroughly research account. And realize how our tradition of freedoms has been protected by our precious Constitution and 2nd amendment reinforcing the notion that regular citizens should own firearms.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Exactly. If we lost our 2nd Amendment rights, the FBI could come in to our towns just like the James-Younger gang did.

[@skelelator]

My sister lives in Wi, after visiting her I did a gangster tour of the mid west and Northfield was one place I visited. Very interesting how your ancestors are part of the story. Thanks

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Did you get to St. Paul to see the gangster sites there?

[@skelelator]

@@historicaljourneyswithdale6165 No, I did not. I did East Liverpool OH, ( Charles Arthur Floyd), Greencastle IN, Mason City IA , Sioux Falls SD ( Dillinger) and Rexfield Park IA (Bonnie and Clyde)

[@71050505]

There's a famous quote by Mrs Younger: oh no, not again!

[@nagunaks2222]

I'm part of The Younger family tree. I'm also Alaskan Native and from a super chief blood line. I appreciate this video you have made. Very educational!

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Hi, Stefan. It would be interesting to know how you were related.

[@susanmccormick6022]

Stefan Taylor: Fascinating.The Youngers have always fascinated me.Especially Jim.Have you been to Lees Summit?Which daughter are u descended from?

[@johnjinglehimmerschmitt9802]

Very well done, presentation was prefect, new sub

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks. John!

[@ronhaworth5471]

Excellent

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

I think I read once that the old civil war gun was a Smith Carbine. I have an original.

[@dks13827]

IMO the robbers should have had some food, bandages, alcohol for wounds, and a change of horses ready to go west of town. That would require one person to do that part, of course.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

They had planned to go out of town to the West, but the good citizens of Northfield had other ideas.

[@jacobthayer236]

As a fellow Minnesotan thank you for this documentary. Love the way you tell the story, makes you feel like you were actually there.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Jacob!

[@jacobthayer236]

@Historical Journeys with Dale Blanshan no, thank you!

[@dks13827]

Trying to dig up the $26 of bank money ??? Ha ha !!!!

[@Ullebulli]

Great story! Thank you for telling us. All the best from Germany.

[@AbidiAgunla]

Watching the movie took me here..quite an interesting story

[@mikebyram508]

good evening from South Africa - my knowledge of America is more or less limited to Geography lessons at high school back in the '60s - but include the Great Lakes - i didn't realize just what a mix of cultures live together in your country - from all over Europe - something similar to our European heritage in our republic - kind regards - I really enjoyed this show.

[@johnnycash2254]

Solid historical presentation, for sure. Though I’m not sure your political analogies are on point, so that detracted a bit.

[@timothyernest6429]

Fake martyrs whiny pretend snowflake alert,folks.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

It made me smile, because I've been in this fight for 50 years.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

And a few from The James Gang spent time in the Stillwater Minnesota prison. That prison was replaced by another prison in Bayport Minnesota. The old Stillwater prison was used as a school bus garage in the 1990’s. The school bus company moved out and developers put forth plans to redevelop the property into condos but local politicians resisted wanting to preserve the historical sight. Trespassing was a problem and people who ventured into buildings often saws ghosts. Then one night in the early fall of 2002 a fire started a burned the main building beyond recovery which then brought forth the redevelopment into a 5 building condo complex.

[@oldtimer7635]

Real scumbags have to say, no glory there.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Need more info.

[@rodgerosborn7124]

Thank you for a very informative acct. of the split up after the event between the boys and the rest of the gang. Being descendants of the James family on my fathers side , I have to say there is still some disagreements in the family as to the exact nature of the split.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

What are the family's thoughts?

[@bronzesnake7004]

You make delicious chicken!! ")

[@russlanedixieland]

I always enjoy hearing Historical documentaries and I understand that there are 2 sides to every story but it seems that this narrator leans towards the Union and doesn't really explain any of the atrocities that Union troops dished out on Confederate troops or civilians. Let's keep it fair

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

OK, lets, what's the South's record on slavery?

[@sunsettersix6993]

Very interesting lecture, Mr. Blanshan! I am so impressed by the amount of research you have done and the extensive photographic evidence you've accumulated! It was also very interesting to hear about your ancestors experiences at that time. I hope to see many more of your fascinating videos!

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Sunsetter!

[@silverstar4289]

His statement of the massacre at Lawrence KS is not accurate. It was reprisal for killings and similar Jayhawker attacks in Missouri. Never mentioned by historians and accounts of the attack.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

When the soldiers were not only unarmed but with serious wounds it's murder. Quantrill's Raiders were Bushwhackers. Despicable!

[@homerfj1100]

Thank you Dale. A thoroughly enjoyable presentation. (England).

[@justiceoriginals2406]

Historical accounting should not include your right wing editorial. By the way, you will accept and rely on Medicare and Social Security. Subsidized by socialist politicians along with your life's work contribution,assuredly. Not to mention all of the institutions that make your quality of life possible. You have a talent for history. Maybe stay away from areas you haven't taken the time to understand.

[@guitarman1477]

Shut up

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

Funny all the countries of the world that run socialism, marxism, maoism, communism suck hind tit to the United States. The Founders were studied men, they knew what they were doing, it's later generations that have bastardized the system somewhat. It has left us somewhat lazier and more cavalier about our liberty. Securing liberty was the main thrust. The Federal Government handing out monies from the federal treasury for expenditures not authorized by the Constitution is, um, unconstitutional. That's a recipe for the undermining of our liberty, the Founders sought to severely limit the power of the Federal Government. Any power taken by the federal government is power taken away from the people. Suffice it to say the federal government has far outreached their constitutional authority.

[@stevemurray5606]

Interesting subject but I disagree with some about the narrator, who did not appear prepared and obviously never heard of editing. He also could have kept his personal opinions to himself. Life after the Civil War was not as simple as this guy wants to present. It wasn't laziness that drove so many to crime. Atrocities committed by both sides figured prominently in their actions. Anyway I made it about halfway through when his comment about socialism was my final straw.

[@guitarman1477]

Steve, shut up….

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

I on the other hand, being an American, and loving the ideals and religious principles upon which this great nation was founded, loved it.

[@dutchhoke6555]

So, is that YOUR opinion ?

[@williamsteele1409]

lake crystal so Friday the 13th is a true story lol

[@danielkunert6244]

Thanks for your great presentation

[@majik_man]

The story of Jesse Removing his gun's and turning his back & adjusting a picture seems super hard to take seriously. I mean they are basically serving up a death on a silver platter in the form of a patsy. It seems rather obvious. Jesse was super smart & he suddenly becomes "overly ignorant" and serves himself up on a silver platter to get shot? It seems quite obvious they wanted to get shot by thier action's....to at least give the impression that he was dead. Someone died that day was it jesse James or just a cousin he gave a great deal of money towards his family to take a shot in the head and free himself from any future manhunts. His cousin's corpse would look close enough to him for it to work perfectly. I find it hard to believe anyone let alone Jesse would be so stupid as to set up his death with such careless action's leading up to the death....it more & more it seems they intentionally wanted it to happen. That corpse is a person whom looks close enough. And the pure Brillance of the plan....even with DNA it would prove real because it's a cousin. The man was genuis way ahead of his time...he was far too smart to get himself shot in the back of the head. He wanted it to happen. Famlies were big back then James had multiple cousin's of course being kin you know they would set the family up after death of the patsy. It all seem's like a brillant plan to set in motion just stand there and adjust a pitchure while they line up the shot so they don't miss...those action's weren't done out of mistake they were delibrate and quite intentional. Manhunt over instantly for his lifetime. Can't catch someone already dead.

[@timothyernest6429]

Some major reasons why this bank job failed : 1. Poor advance planning. 2 . Not yet autumn it was a hot sunny day and some of the outlaws were wearing unseasonably, somewhat heavy , long dusters. This fact both drew attention ad suspicion. 3. None of the visitors to that small Midwest village were recognizable as town folk or locals from nearby rural farms. 4. As the video presentation points out, some of the bank robbery gang were drunk. Drinking alcohol impairs judgment. 5. As things started to go awry those guarding the bridge area exit were forced to leave their assignment in an attempt to rescue those outlaws suddenly under fire. 6. Their horses lacked adequate food packs , for both long escape runs. 7. Yes , the brave teller who refused to hand over the bank's money was courageous and clever , but the leader of the outlaws lacked IQ and quick on his feet thinking. Had he went to the other tellers and threatened to blow that other teller's brains out, then the lead teller would have almost certainly told James and his 2 other cronies inside the bank, " OK, I lied about the time lock you drunken fools . You need not kill my collegue, just turn the handle to the safe, and the money is yours so spare killing the bank employee please." 8. A major reason, then as now, why most bank robbery attempts fail is that they spent way too much time inside the bank trying to extract the money. 9. A pre heist planning errror: prior to robbing the bank they should have cased it more meticulously to see or notice first hand where and which drawers other money was located. 10. The selfish, wreckless, and greedy failure to abort and leave town when it became apparent that the robbery was going south. 11. Never ever a good idea to harm let alone purposely murder any innocent citizens. 12. They should have had a couple spare horses ready just outside town.That way if any of your horses is shot dead by townfolk, you will still have a spare source of travel to get away.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Good points all.

[@williamdonnelly224]

Very interesting and well presented, thanks.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks!

[@imdeplorable2241]

Excellent presentation, sir. As a boy growing up in Florida, all I ever knew about the "Cole-Younger gang" was what I had heard or seen on TV westerns. What you have given me is an accurate, historical account of that time. Thank you very much. Well done.

[@daviddavis3389]

Just to enlighten you and for your historical growth, the gang was known as the James-younger gang ..the eldest and more experienced ruthless Younger's first name was CNN Cole,Cole is younger...there was also Bob Younger, John Younger, and Jim Younger...they were some deadly and heaseless Gangsters ..Jesse was the gangs leader Although, Jesse's older brother was frank James ..Frank was the quiet and reserved one...Jesse was the more dangerous and certainly the assertive member..it took the Pinkerton detectives about 10 years to catch and suddue these desperation.

[@jfinkle1]

What a fascinating documentary! Well researched Thanks so much!

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, Joe.

[@JohnAllen-gg1oz]

There is a story in my family, related by my Great Grandmother who was a child of 5 or 6 at this time, that on that day they witnessed horsemen riding hell bent for leather across their pasture near Dundas. They had no idea of the raid at Northfield until the next day.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

There are many family legends which end up being inconsistent with the facts. Yours is not inconsistent. The outlaws mainly traveled on roads when they had horses, but they had been followed for a short distance that first day, and knew they would soon be followed by hundreds more, so it's very possible that they took evasive measures by leaving the road for a short time.

[@richardpowell1664]

I found this account very interesting despite it definitely having a Northern bias. My grandmother said Frank was a very dear sweet old man who used to set her on his lap & read too her when she was a small child. He was her favorite Uncle. Cole was definitely the old bull of the woods for this gang & a certified very tough hombre.

[@waynecarroll1310]

The tale is very much told with a Northern bias and in a voice that is like chalk on a blackboard.

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have been to the Northfield cafe(used to be the bank) the bullet holes in the bricks are still there.

[@bethluther3950]

Really enjoyed the trip into our history. Thanks!

[@johnhudak3829]

OUTSTANDING! You did an amazing job on this and I have already watched it twice! BRAVO!

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

Thanks, John.

[@guitarman1477]

Brilliant

[@tjmul3381]

Thanks for the story. I felt as if we were sitting around a pot bellied stove trying to stay warm while a gale of freezing rain tapped against the windows and walls of the hardware store. Somebody said, "Hey Dale, why don't you tell these visitors what you've found out about the Famous Northfield Bank Robbery that happened right here...right inside where we're sitting and in the street just spitting' distance from this very spot." I found myself closing my eyes and listening to the tale. I can find little fault with the story-telling. May I suggest that you talk to some local high schoolers or acquaints that might be similarly taken by this history and have alittle more Tech - savvy than you and I possess. With an editing application, the graphics can be worked on for readability and a way of following the journey across these fields and river-crossings with a laser-pointer or such. With alittle polishing up of the graphics, this would be a presentation worthy of the local museum you mentioned. Once covid is under control, I look forward to a road trip to see these grounds where desperate murderous rouges and brave men played their dangerous game of "cats and mice". Again, my Thanks for your gift. There is something special about hearing it from someone who grew up where it happened.

[@historicaljourneyswithdale6165]

You sound like a pretty good storyteller yourself, TJ!