Soapy Smith: A Very Bad Man

Jefferson "Soapy" Smith was one of the most skilled, and infamous, confidence men in United States history. He was "so dirty he made a crime out of soap." His life of crime is a ripping yarn and a cautionary tale that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
"Alias Soapy Smith," written by Jeff Smith, and can be purchased here: www.soapysmith.net/id50.html
Jeff Smith also does performances as his great grandfather, including the shell game and the prize soap racket. More on his FaceBook page: Alias-Soapy-...
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
www.thetiebar.com/?...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
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Script by THG
#truecrime #thehistoryguy #ushistory

[@JeffSoapySmith]

Hello, "History Guy." I am a great grandson of Soapy, as well as the author of Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel. While my family always appreciates people talking about Soapy, unfortunately, I noted right from the start that you used long outdated material. For instance, right at the start you talk about Soapy being a cowboy on a cattle drive. This was dis-proven decades ago. He was never a cowboy. The idea that he was one, comes from the poem, "Jeff & Joe," written in 1892. It's been since confirmed, via letters and from Soapy's own notebooks, that he got into sales in Texas, and moved into "cheap John" work, the equivalent of a jam-auction today.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I apologize for the errors, in this case references disagreed with each -other, but I take you as the definitive expert. Mr Smith's book is called "Alias Soapy Smith" and can be purchased here: www.soapysmith.net/id50.html Jeff Smith does performances at western shows as his great grandfather, including the shell game and the prize soap racket. More on his FaceBook page: facebook.com/Alias-Soapy-Smith-The-Life-and-Death-of-a-Scoundrel-217773494901812/?hc_location=ufi

[@homefront3162]

🍕🍕I Like Pizza🍕🍕

[@maxsteel8031]

your grandaddy sold my grandaddy some rancid soap! an cheated my other grandaddy out of a sack of GOLD! I DEMAND restitution with interest! If you choose not to do the honorable thing then I challenge you to a DUEL! Barring that, can I interest you in a game of finding the red queen?

[@TheNutriarat]

Tear his statue down.

[@erikjs]

johnmonk66 - That’s an unfair appraisal of Jeff Smith. Everyone in society has something to contribute. In Mr. Smith’s case, he is providing a valuable history lesson and at the same time, providing entertainment. EDIT: For clarity, the comment from johnmonk66 that I was responding to has since been deleted, but his comment was a disparaging portrayal of Jeff Smith.

[@jamesrobinson3663]

My depression era grandparents would laughingly call me “Soapy Smith” when I was telling a tall-tale...I finally know why 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@finished6267]

Haha. That's awesome. I'm gonna carry on that tradition in your honor.

[@Gaybraham.Lincoln]

I hope this is a lie. Then it's like a self fulfilling prophecy or something

[@frostyjim2633]

@@Gaybraham.Lincoln Behind his back, they called him 'dickhead'

[@slicksnewonenow]

HILARIOUS! I haven't thought about the name Soapy Smith in about 40 years... But I saw this video's title, and it reminded me that 'Soapy Smith' was the nickname that my Grandfather (who was in his 80s in the 1970s) used for ME when I was little. I always asked, "don't you mean SNUFFY SMITH"? And Grandpa would say "nope... Soapy was much worse" and then he'd always laugh. Thank for the great memory!

[@ronrupert4728]

There used to be a bar in downtown Denver named Soapy Smith's. I visited there frequently when I was a younger man but never knew the meaning behind the name. The title of your video here caught my eye. Thank you for bringing this story to me!

[@tonyabbate4462]

When I was in Skagway I was told that the miners were required to have a specific weight in supplies to proceed to the gold fields. The beginning of that route was the photo you had of that long line of miners trudging up the hill. They could not possibly carry all those supplies up the hill all in one trip. Soapy stole what they left behind and then sold it back to them for their return trips. Yes, he’s a true legend in Skagway.

[@ab-uz8sd]

Good reporting,research,thanks

[@johnbee7729]

Its called the Chilkoot Trail

[@johnkidd1226]

That requirement to have a certain amount of supplies was enforced by RCMP at the top of the pass where the trail entered Canadian territory. They registered every person who entered and ensured they had the required amount of supplies for each person. I believe they also denied Soapy Smith entry as a known undesirable at one point. Skagway was lawless compared to Dawson City and other gold settlements in Canadian Territory. The RCMP were already established in the Yukon before the miners arrived.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

I believe it was 2000 lbs of food/gear, if I remember correctly from my visit to Skagway ~1990.

[@beastboss1897]

I miss this: "Hi, I'm the History Guy; I have a degree in history and I LOVE HISTORY! If you love history too, then this is the channel for you."

[@thebigcheese606]

Well he is telling it in a different way than it really happened so........

[@wendychavez5348]

@@thebigcheese606, THG may be telling it in different words than others have used. It is nonetheless factual.

[@abacab87]

This is 2020, who's got the patience to listen through all that?

[@thebigcheese606]

@@wendychavez5348 bend and twist it. Its not real facts.

[@Doc_Tar]

I'd say the History Guy has given Jeff Smith the kind of remembrance he deserved, a cautionary tale.

[@zestygurl]

Working a modern casino it is one big con. Soapy would have loved it. What he did then the casinos do now including funding the police. It's happening now. More streamline corruption. He was by no means unique. Today he would be a CEO. Highly successful by this standards. To me that is not success at all. Sales is encouraged to con. You mean cautionary for how we allowed corruption to become mainstream acceptable as a "legit" business? My Soapy is transparent, non corrupt marketplace. photos.app.goo.gl/yYxgDs5QRvDBCFVx9 Our entire economic structure now is a con. That's reality. Spooky, I live in Colorado right now... My cousin was on the show "Prospectors" Amanda Adkins- in the Middle of a global con now. Called Markling. History repeats it seems. This round ethics does matter.

[@thebigcheese606]

Trolls.

[@JPER-cv2lq]

@@zestygurl; just like 45 he could even become President. It was proven in 2017 . A trump became the President. A modern Conman .

[@micavanderbasch1280]

I love this feed.... I hope it survives though this period of time when everyone is trying to erase history ?. “ ALL HISTORY NEEDS TO BE REMEMBERED!!!” Can’t change the past .

[@finished6267]

You shouldn't have lied Mica. I know where you hide. How's Vancouver Island? Still want to keep history alive and true?

[@aaronanderson7619]

@@finished6267 well that isn't weird at all... nope, not stalker shit in the least...

[@markbass9402]

A great story teller this History Guy. Another long lost art in America. Keep up the good work and hopefully inspire others to continue in your footsteps. Its priceless. Just sit and listen!

[@ringo4419]

When history guy said, he needed to find a place where a conman wouldn't have to keep moving on, I thought he was going to say Washington DC

[@williamsanders5066]

😂

[@jamesdriscoll9405]

Perhaps there was a depth beneath which he wouldn't sink?

[@jriver3145]

I thought he was gonna say New York

[@twillison8824]

Well said.

[@Rich6Brew]

In the UK we have two in Downing Street, and a whole host of understudies on the right side of the Houses of Parliament. No, really.

[@JeffSoapySmith]

On my Soapy Smith websites I have the following quote: "Upon the world he made his mark, and from him we learn how not to be one."

[@rickintexas1584]

Jeff, have you ever been to the Soapy Smith night at the Magic Castle in Hollywood?

[@JeffSoapySmith]

@@rickintexas1584 yes, for many years.

[@michaelporzio7384]

Just checked out your website! You are the real deal! I wonder what scams Soapy could have run using modern electronic communication (internet, social media etc) It would be epic. (unless you are a mark, of course)

[@Michael-du2fv]

@Custis Longly Any one who shoots someone and then cries out For God sake Don't Shoot! is the equivilent of a child who calls time out as soon as they are losing. He was a pos.

[@JeffSoapySmith]

@@Michael-du2fv Once you learn what actually took place, it is easy to see why he said what he did.

[@teamninety7563]

I watch this in the U.K. ON June 23rd 2020. How wonderful to hear, in a different context during your introduction, that history should be remembered if only that we might not repeat it.

[@michaelc.3812]

Wow, as a native Coloradan, this was a great story to hear. Having been born in Denver, been to Leadville and been to Skagway, a very informative story indeed. Thank you again!!!

[@Duececoupe]

All history, good and bad, deserves to be remembered....totally agree Mr. History Guy! 🍻

[@rcknbob1]

I'm a simple man. I see a very good story about a very bad man, I click. Thanks, Lance.

[@IlliniRob1]

I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I remember in elementary school, back in the 80's, taking a class trip on the ferry up to Skagway. We visited the graves of both Smith and Reid. I can still remember the spring smells on that rare sunny day and will always have a little place in my heart for Skagway.

[@Yeardmeh-oo8pj]

0:49 I love that word "Scoundrel"!!!! It's so old timey and such a damn good description that cannot be replaced by any other word to more accurately describe a certain individual or group of individuals

[@RG-3PO]

With all of the riots we a currently having in the US trying to destroy statues and history, it is often forgot how important it is to remember even bad history. Thank you History Guy for teaching ALL history.

[@J0hnBr0wnsB0dy]

Found the white guy in the chat. Bad take homie

[@joedeshon]

I study genealogy for the same reason you study history: it deserves to be remembered. In my family tree, I found a great-grandfather who was, by any account, not a good person. By studying him -- and what he did to my great-grandmother -- I could better understand the life decisions that my grandfather and my father made.

[@jjphank]

Genealogy and racism go hand-in-hand, that's where BLM and these 'anti-racists' are coming. the Bible says don't look to genealogies & racism will pop up in the last days. Jesus said that race Wars will happen towards His second coming but the Armageddon & the Gog and Magog war from Ezekiel 38 will happen after the race Wars. Not into religion? you need to be because you'll be kicking yourself if you don't get into God's religion, the right one. Don't want to be spiritual? you need to have a good talk to yourself if you don't like pain then you need to start being spiritual. And nobody's going to like the pain that hell provides so that means all of us need to be spiritual. start looking to the Bible references include: 1st Timothy 1: 4 don't go to genealogies Matthew 24: 6 and 7 race Wars but not the final Wars. Bible: 40 writers no contradictions means God wrote the Bible means you have no excuse on Judgement Day. Proverbs 18:1 to 2 through desire a man having separated himself, seeks and intermeddleth with all wisdom. a fool has no Delight in understanding but that his heart may discover itself.

[@xiaoka]

For understanding your own past and to pass on this valuable information to the future generations.

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@jjphank The Bible does not say a word about not looking up geneologies.

[@mooreevair]

@@jjphank no one's reading your novel on yt

[@wendychavez5348]

While I understand where J Hankins is coming from, it's kind of pushy to tell us we "need" to believe in any particular way because it's written in a book that not everyone accepts as factual. We make our choices, and that's between the individual and whatever he or she chooses to call the entity you and I know as God. Also, THG's videos are not necessarily the appropriate venue to preach to us.

[@yaelhart9206]

Thank you, History Guy! My favorite episodes are your tales of outrageous and interesting characters.

[@Chris_at_Home]

Thank you, I’ve lived in Alaska over 40 years and learned more about Soapy Smith watching you tell his story than I have in the last 40 years.

[@korolr]

Ditto for me. I lived in Whitehorse, Yukon.

[@whitedovetail]

In my eyes, history is never boring. It is our best teacher. Good video Mr History Guy!!

[@motors1103]

We were in Skagway in 2016 on the anniversary of Soapy's death. They remember him annually by toasting him at the town pubs and then, after an appropriate amount of fluid refreshment, everyone heads to his graveside and urinates on his grave. Unfortunately our cruise ship left before we were able to "honour his memory" with the locals. Would have been fun.

[@kencarp57]

I would PAY to do that!

[@Space.Ghost.]

150 years later and the town still gathers to pee on your grave. Legendary.

[@joncalon7508]

Spent many years in the region, though more in the Klondike and Whitehorse, and had never heard of this tradition...I guess this is one of those factoids that the tour guides on the White Pass trains aren't encouraged to share with the tourists who ride by his gravesite.

[@whirlpool851]

I can attest to the truthfulness of this tradition. But it is only a few. No mass peeing occurs.

[@whirlpool851]

We also moon the last cruise ship that leaves town in the fall. Definitely a unique little town.

[@mikelucas3119]

Sometimes - its just - when people ask you - "How do you know that?" You can say - because I know history. Really - how many can say that today? Not many. Thank you sir for all the posts you make - for you are doing all of us - even those who know history - a lot of good.

[@amp279]

I like the way you addressed the small detail of Soapys beginnings after his grandson commented, the fact that you could be open to correction when additional information is provided is the sign of a good youtuber, great stuff.

[@pmc9088]

I was waiting for him to con someone out of a boat. Every good story has a pirate...

[@rchalmers3]

Ole Soapy didn't need a boat for his brand of piracy!

[@markbrucker7022]

Has the history guy ever done a background story on Blackbeard, aka Edward Teach, I believe that is his Christian name.

[@dhm4044]

WARNING! The following is anecdotal: My Great Grandfather, John Fitzgerald, was Captain of Detectives in Tacoma, WA. during the 1890's and early 1900's. According to my grandmother, Catherine McGeough (nee Fitzgerald), who was a girl at the time, Soapy Smith made a stop in Tacoma while on his was to Skagway. At some point during his visit there he was confronted by Capt. Fitzgerald, who was known to one and all in Tacoma simply as "The Captain." The Captain advised Soapy that it would be in the best interest of his health if he were to vacate Tacoma no sooner than yesterday. Soapy, apparently being no one's fool, took The Captain's advice to heart and immediately left Tacoma for better climes (probably to Seattle where the steamships left for Alaska). In a nutshell, my great grandfather, according to my grandmother, ran Soapy Smith out of town. As stated, this is all anecdotal - stories my grandmother told me many, many years ago in the 1950's when I was just a dumb kid and didn't have sense enough to press for details. I wish I had! I had no idea, at the time, that Soapy Smith was, or would become, a historically significant character. I do recall that grandma McGeough did make mention of the "soap bar scam" and have always assumed that this was the reason for his confrontation with "The Captain." Who knows? Grandma also acknowledged the fact that Soapy had a "gang," but not while he was in Tacoma. As an aside; I have a solid gold, six point badge that was, according to the engraving on the backside, presented to "The Captain" by his fellow detectives on December 25th, 1901.

[@winnifredforbes8712]

DHM Meyers Wow! That's really interesting!

[@JeffSoapySmith]

Would love to hear from you, DHM Meyers!

[@canadianperspective3731]

Too cool! Thank you for sharing your history - it’s far more interesting than my “descending from a long line of horse thieves and traitors to the crown.”

[@dhm4044]

@@JeffSoapySmith Jeff, I would assume, by your name and photo, that you are "related." I have no way of verifying any of the stories that my Grandmother told me. Unfortunately I was quite young when they were told to me and didn't have the sense, or curiosity, to press for details. Damn my youth!!! I have, however, done a bit of research into the history of my Great- Grandfather, Capt. John Fitzgerald. Apparently he was one tough, 1st generation, Irishman who wouldn't back down from anyone. He was quite well respected in Tacoma because he was, in his day, "relatively honest." :) My only other "Soapy" story comes again, from my Grandmother. She told me that sometime in the very early 1900's a man came to call upon The Captain, socially, at their home in Tacoma. Grandma was somewhat taken aback by the man's appearance because, according to her, he looked like some one had "hit him in the face with an axe." After his departure she asked her father who the man was and he told her that he was once part of "Soapy Smith's gang." This would have been a few years after Soapy's "Skagway Years." Wish that there was more that I could tell you but that is pretty much the extent of Grandmother's "Soapy Smith" tales.

[@jjphank]

I can trace my ancestry all the way back to Adam and Eve through mitochondrial DNA. Bill Nye, Bill Maher, & Barry & Joe can trace their family tree all the way back to the Apes.

[@judyullmann7655]

I visited Soapy's grave in Skagway. A simple board marks his grave, while his killer has an elaborate tomb and a nearby creek named after him. There's an animated statue of him, standing at the bar, in a local museum, Jeff Smith's Parlor. Contrary to this report, he would appear to be buried in the cemetery, their graves are a short distance apart.

[@bushhippie7372]

Opposite of Jesse James and Bob Ford (Who Smith actually met in Creede)

[@chevydyall7619]

I listened to a two part podcast at 45mins a piece and you told the story so much better in far less time. Excellent work

[@RhettyforHistory]

This is some interesting history and it does contribute to the old adage that crime doesn't pay. It only makes you think that it does.

[@jjphank]

"A fool doing his thing will suddenly be destroyed without remedy." Proverbs says that. If you don't like pain you need to have a serious talk with yourself to avoid going into hell. Nobody's going to be able to take the pain of hell so you need to start being spiritual whether you want to or not, to avoid that. And then start reading the New Testament, that's the day and age we live in. God can answer everything and the way to go to heaven is Jesus of the Bible so you got to read the Bible to make sure you have the right Jesus.

[@Johnny-dp5mu]

hmm, not so sure; what is it they say: there's no such person that is an honest successful politician!

[@NVArt001]

This is probably the best channel on KZbin and one I don't watch nearly enough. Great story.

[@andreww9513]

As a science teacher, I wish you were my history teacher.

[@spudnickuk]

Thank you for spending the time and your research into Mr Soapy Smith Learning from history is valuable . I live in the UK. and as i grew up I was fascinated by gambling.. I played the first Casino computer games then got in to pubs and played slots. I was getting worse. so I went to las Vegas and spent time on the slots and won a few hundred bucks I thought to get a load of drinks and then go for a walk down the old Strip and their I could see and talk to all the professional Tramps that were living on the streets and had chat about their bad habits that ruined them , It was a horrible thing to see. So that is living history. So the moral to my story is, I gave up gambling because I could see what it can do. 35 years later and still no gambling. so if you don't have any history to learn from then more people would get into problems.

[@ae.8870]

Personally I believe that all history should be remembered, no matter how bad it be. It's really important to remember the past and learn from it.

[@danieljackowitz2343]

Hey History Guy! I was introduced to this story when I took my family on a cruise to Alaska. We stopped in Skagway, and took the 3-hour tour. I also love history, and it was fascinating to hear about Soapy Smith and his life and death in Skagway. I've seen his grave and the grave of the man who killed him. If you ever have the chance to get to Alaska, I recommend it. Especially if you can go on a cruise! Thanks for this, and all your wonderful videos!

[@christopherarner8322]

Love the 3 hour tour reference.

[@paxhumana2015]

Um, no, because three hour tours over water usually do not end up well. Sources: some fisherman, his skipper, a millionaire and his wife, a professor, his daughter, and a female movie star.

[@Charliecomet82]

Soapy is definitely a legend in Alaska-I learned about him from my uncle from Ketchikan.

[@mrmike2119]

I' thankful for you, History Guy, and others who have come forward in recent years to teach what was probably too embarrassing for textbooks. You are correct, history is not just about heroes, but all people in all parts of life. Everyone has a story. I'm just thankful enough that I lived long enough to see the "insignificant" earn their place in history.

[@6stringgunner511]

Hollywood STILL honors soapy Smith every year? Why aren't I surprised!!!

[@chapiit08]

Right on point.

[@rickintexas1584]

It is at the Magic Castle. Many magicians perform the 3 shell game and 3 card monte for entertainment purposes.

[@pkz420]

I'm glad you did a video like this. It is important to remember all history, not just the good people. I am disturbed by some recent trends to erase unpleasant figures from history, or make it taboo to discuss them.

[@christinebenson518]

Also, firing people for something their spouse said. Or saying you said something insensitive to today's standards 25 years ago. My aunt said it best when discussing politics " It's great you support Sanders for always being the same for the past 40 years. However, I'm a much different person at 60 than 20. I hope most people will grow and change."

[@lucygray6162]

Some people love playing the victim these days, and teach their children to do the same, instead of raising them to believe they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. Instead of being proud of ancestors who managed to survive, they prefer to wallow in victimhood. I can only imagine how ashamed their ancestors would be.

[@1259encore]

Best biography of Jefferson Smith I've ever seen or read! Thank You, I'm hooked!

[@knotgood9077]

TY for all your hard work and content contributions

[@justinmoore1992]

I just wanted to say, thank you for sharing this bit of history. I grew up in Skagway, and Soapy Smith is still a huge part of it's local history. Love the channel, keep up the great work!

[@williamsanders5066]

@THG, enjoy your videos! So glad I stumbled across your channel. The stories you tell are interesting and informative. Your 7 to 17 minutes of forgotten or unknown history enlightens my day and I can share the stories with my coworkers and roommates.

[@gregoryorr11]

We need people like Sir, to keep our history intact. History Guy I salute you! Thank you for your well put together videos and pleasant narration.

[@tomdavies241]

our history seems to be changing rather quickly these days to fit a narrative

[@Trimtank]

The History Guy....each video I watch I learn so much more. Thank you!

[@whirlpool851]

I have told the story of Soapy Smith over a hundred times as a tour guide in Skagway. I enjoyed this episode greatly and even learned a few things.

[@SirWilliamKidney]

In the old DOS game "The Yukon Trail" you can go to Skagway and get cheated out of your money. Soapy Smith was therefore indirectly responsible for some terrible moments of mine, losing all my virtual money in this game as a child. I shake my fist at you, Soapy!

[@aaronanderson7619]

Classically hilarious. Hope the weekend finds you well, and with some of your imaginary cash becoming real

[@arekingi]

Today I learned than "con" is derived from "confidence", thanks 😅

[@craiggunsinger9970]

Con - convict

[@woody1320]

Or is it "congress"?

[@Peckerwood-502]

Thank you for making everything interesting and fun to listen to.

[@paststeve1]

Another "Ripping yarn" from my favorite history channel on KZbin. Thanks once again! You have helped immensely to keep me informed, educated, entertained and SANE during the CV-19 lock-up! I cannot wait to see how history will recount 2020! A ripping yarn, by any estimation.

[@sarjim4381]

I mean, how could we ever have history that deserves to be remembered if we couldn't talk about pirates, hardly the most virtuous of historical figures.

[@gododgers3491]

Loved this. Thank you!

[@darrylgunn9560]

A great work! Love it! Thx so much!

[@josephgehring919]

Glad to learn more about one of the outlaws that came to Alaska. My high school Alaska History class was not as in-depth as your video, but we learned most of the major information mentioned in the video about Soapy Smith.

[@Anthro006]

Damn cool story and a great bit of context for my home of Denver! We're still a city of crooks and gangs and very bad men but I somehow find comfort in the historical reliability of it all!

[@crawfordgalbraith73]

Thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to Soapy Smith. Your content and delivery were first class and your look is excellent. Keep up the good work. From England.

[@theresehopkins1581]

Love your videos Sir!! Excellent, as always!!!!

[@amessman]

ooooh a new intro? I like it

[@boterham7144]

Tom Sanders nice.. words dude..

[@J0hnBr0wnsB0dy]

Its very generic

[@63DW89A]

Thanks for filling out the life of "Soapy Smith". I'd read of the gunfight that ended Smith's life in SIXGUNS (Elmer Keith, 1961 edition), but knew nothing else of him. He may have been a scoundrel, but nonetheless he is a fascinating character whose story definitely is worth remembering. If nothing else he is a good "bad example"! As always, greatly appreciate your channel!

[@tombrown8800]

You get a thumbs up from me for mentioning Elmer Keith and his excellent read " Sixguns".

[@andreasutton1195]

Love your collection of hats and other unique, special treasures we can see in your videos! Would love to see more, actually. Also enjoying the educational and entertaining presentations as well as your wealth of knowledge!

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

Soapy is one of my favorite characters from the old west. Thanks for posting this.

[@Pfsif]

There are millions of Soapy Smith's in this World.

[@JasonLambek]

And one currently is President of the United States.

[@infinidominion]

@Roger Gertz did you just pickpocket us while distractin with that tldr😅

[@terryboyer1342]

@@JasonLambek Biden, Shiff or Schumer are President?

[@kencarp57]

And most are politicians... And many of those are in Congress...

[@Pfsif]

@@kencarp57 They are in every field you can think of.

[@hillbilly4895]

Great story...never heard of him till now. And yes, it figures that Hollywood would find it necessary to memorialize him. We are, after all, judged by the company we keep.

[@russwoodward8251]

Oh boy. Soapy set the stage for many more criminal organizations to follow. Great research and story telling. Thanks!

[@danielalfieri4205]

Excellent job and yes I want to remember all kinds of history, the pretty and the bad. Thanks

[@twzted_synapse221]

In 1994, while on my honeymoon, I was in Skagway and was able to stand before both graves. I was always fascinated by the story. Thanks for the incredible backstory! (By the way, Skagway is SO constantly windy, there's not ONE woman in town with hair longer than yours. LOL)

[@JeffSoapySmith]

Actually, "Skagway" means "home of the north wind."

[@williambrightwell3351]

I love these videos sir. A great way to unwind after work

[@mike393000]

Great story! Thank you!

[@timspiker9550]

Everything you put out is awesome, but i do really love the stuff like this

[@charlesdudek7713]

Dates and faces change but human nature remains the same.

[@EsoTownBizz6500]

Bingo..

[@nosillalaluna7078]

History is so facinating . I love learning about obscure people or events . Thank you for all you hard work and your talent for telling a story, in the way ,a story should be told ✌️🙊🙉🙈👍

[@claystone7729]

Thank you for posting something I did not know History is Fascinating knowing nothing is New Under the Sun. God Bless you.

[@aebirkbeck2693]

He sounds like a modern day politician !!!!!

[@RJH_LIL]

Like our past Illinois governors.

[@aebirkbeck2693]

@@RJH_LIL I don't know about them as I live in Scotland but it certainly fits "the parcel of rogues" we have in Westminster :>)

[@John-ru5ud]

Send him to the White House!!

[@davidwhite4874]

......or Bill Gates.

[@captainandthelady]

@@John-ru5ud Why? He already lives there. ^L^

[@eyegorehertz761]

Soapy was an integral part of the Klondike story. Partially because of his gangs operations, the Mounties established the Yukon/Alaskan border where it is today.

[@OBXN]

After learning about Soapy Smith on a trip that included a stop at Skagway, it occurred to me that the character of the ambitious land stealing bad guy in so many Hollywood westerns was probably inspired by Soapy Smith.

[@williampetersen9915]

If you get a chance to see a movie titled "The Far Country" starring James Stewart, the character of Mr. Gannon (played by John McIntire,) was based on Soapy Smith.

[@dickvarga6908]

there were plenty more like Soapy Smith, he was the most famous.

[@bkohatl]

Thanks again, for helping us understand our past.

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I grew up in Atlantic City. We all know how honest that town was back in the day.

[@dominicguye8058]

Sorry. . .

[@Peasmouldia]

UK version of "schill" is known as a "feed". The variation on the shell game is "find the lady". Three cards, one of which is supposedly the Queen of spades. Thanks THG.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

Do we not still refer to people who go along with scams as shills though? Don't we accuse youtubers who take sponsorships/bribes from Raid fucking shadow legends as shills?

[@deanrao4805]

Brings back memories. I came across Soapy Smith's story around 1970 in a long article in one of my Grandfather's "Old West" magazines.

[@thomasrobertson8109]

Thank you for your Channel update God bless you

[@groermaik]

That story didn't even need a pirate! Thanks.

[@johndeltuvia7892]

His 'crimes' seem to me to be no worse than the average politician.

[@JeffSoapySmith]

Soapy told a newspaper reporter, "I consider bunco steering more honorable than the life led by the average politician." ― The Road (Denver newspaper), February 29,1896

[@blipco5]

Jeff Smith - Sad but true though the politicians make far more money.

[@daddygirlchanelhines4600]

Soapy sucks boring and bland

[@ziggy2shus624]

What!!!....The politicians have only gotten the people of the USA 25 trillion dollars in debt.

[@ndotl]

Careful now. Jeff Smith might just sue you for slander 😁

[@NitroBoarder17]

I've never heard this story. Its a fascinating tale. Thanks for sharing!

[@Jruth68]

Thanks for that lesson. I got to visit Soapy's grave once. I even read a book about him. However I just even learned more about him from you in this short clip.

[@Brimmlinn]

I would love to see an episode on the saying “One a day in Tampa Bay”. The Tampa, FL area was a large training center for pilots during World War 2 and there are very few people left who remember the phrase, and even less who know it’s origins. Thank you for the great content!

[@josephchase3240]

ONE A DAY IN TAMPA BAY WAS IN REFERENCE TO THE B26 MARTIN MARAUDER MEDIUM BOMBER WHICH WAS A VERY HARD PLANE TO FLY , IT HAD PROBLEMS ON TAKE OFFS WITH UNTRAINED PILOTS.THE B26 WAS SAID TO BE A " HOT ROD" BY THE MEN WHO FLEW THEM . FOR WHATEVER THE REASON A LOT ENDED UP IN TAMPA BAY ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF. THE B26 WAS ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE " BALTIMORE WHORE ".

[@kurtb8474]

History is worth remembering and learning from.. It's full of good things and bad things. It's not there for us to like or dislike. There's no reason why it should be erased.

[@inconnu4961]

If I retold your personal history to anyone who would listen, emphasizing especially your misdeeds, would you STILL feel the same way? Its easy to state when you feel sufficiently distant from the story, but when it is your own testimony, its far more uncomfortable.

[@calicrixthemodprofessorpol2625]

My group would perform at the historic building and venue called soapy Smith’s in Denver on market Street. We were told that it was a restaurant/ brothel back in the 1890s. For some reason I never question the name Soapy Smith. All of these years later we still perform in Leadville and Denver. I stumbled on the title of this video and knew I had to get educated on the man’s name sake. Thank you for a concise presentation.

[@RsDefcon]

This intro is timeless and and extremely relevant without direct reference, kudos.

[@Gl6619]

I’m normally not into videos where it’s basically a talking head, but you keep it interesting and really bring the story to life..good job, I subscribed a couple of days ago...

[@tonyk1584]

There once was a fellow named Jefferson Smith who went by the sobriquet "Soapy" An entrepreneur of the scam artist trade, who knew that all greenhorns were dopey If you're just off the boat, and he was around, twas a fact that it wouldn't be long That in under an hour you'd be out in the street, and all of your cash would be gone

[@raydunakin]

Well done!

[@tonyk1584]

@@raydunakin thanks

[@JeffSoapySmith]

LOVE IT!

[@JeffSoapySmith]

Hope you don't mind. I shared your poem on my Soapy Smith Facebook group. facebook.com/groups/297285738118/

[@tonyk1584]

@@JeffSoapySmith I went and looked. I am honored. Thanks for the attribution too.

[@SrTubular]

Another fascinating story... great channel

[@jamesburnett7085]

Thank you, history guy, and thank you for pinning Jeff Smith's rebuttal to the top of the comments section. When we care about history, of course we care to know the truth, which, unfortunately is often elusive. Those who have nothing to hide also have nothing to fear. The best among us appreciate being corrected when we are wrong, and no one is perfect. So thank you, Jeff Smith, and thank you History Guy.

[@rick43pen]

We had a saying in the navy about Skagway. " Skagway, where men are men, and sheep are nervous."

[@frtls]

These new intros and transition are different and it scares me.

[@J0hnBr0wnsB0dy]

The intro tune was not good and the intro sequence was very generic. Idk who this editor is, THG should make something unique and history related

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

LOL it is just an animated logo.

[@davimattos7081]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Mr. Guy, the animated intro is ok (maybe the soundtrack is a bit too "oriental"), but the font chosen for subtitles is hard to read, especially with the shadow effect of the letters. Big fan here, truly.

[@davimattos7081]

Now I see that there are several new intros! Nice.

[@J0hnBr0wnsB0dy]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel sorry THG. My comment was a little to blunt. Love to see you are trying new things but I think something more tailored to your channel specifically would be AWESOME. Huge fan, ty

[@stevehumphrey667]

I just found your page today and think it's FANTASTIC! Looking forward to watching everything. The Boston molasses flood, my home town, is next

[@the4thway51]

Excellent presentation !

[@keddy5627]

If history were taught like this in school, students would be hooked!

[@smallworldbigworld-yi3xw]

But then the world would be a better place ; )

[@TomPauls007]

When you’re in Skagway, take the Skagway Streetcar Co tour. They have very talented guides that highlight (low-light?) this guy and show the graveyard where he was dumped. Our guide was very humorous.

[@danieljackowitz2343]

My family went two years ago and took the tour. It was wonderful, funny, and very enlightening! We saw Soapy's grave, 3 feet outside the cemetery!

[@kevinhanegan8900]

Great tour and a wonderful family that runs it.

[@HyperSarcasticAvocado]

Shut up! You're one of Soapy's Steerers. I'm not following your advice

[@TomPauls007]

Hyper Sarcastic Avocado uh oh - we’ve been exposed!!

[@appalachianimagination2023]

Great Story! This was the first episode I have listened to and now I’m a subscriber!

[@amachtinger]

Love your work, Professor!