Al Capone

Al Capone mother

Unemployed men queued outside a depression soup kitchen opened in Chicago by Al Capone, 02-1931 - NARA - 541927

Florida-Miami-Al Capones Mansion-1922-1

Al-capone-cell

Al Capone in Florida

Al Capone was a notorious American gangster who rose to fame during the Prohibition era in the United States. Born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, Capone was one of nine children. His parents were Italian immigrants, Gabriele and Teresa Capone. Despite his humble beginnings, Capone would go on to become one of the most infamous figures in American criminal history.

Early Life

Capone's early life was marked by typical immigrant struggles, but he was drawn to the life of crime early on. He joined the Five Points Gang in his youth, where he gained the nickname "Scarface," a moniker he despised, stemming from injuries he received in a bar fight. Despite his criminal activities, Capone was known for his charm and intelligence.

Rise to Power

In his early 20s, Capone moved to Chicago to take advantage of opportunities in the illegal liquor trade during Prohibition. He worked for gangster Johnny Torrio and eventually succeeded him as the head of the Chicago Outfit, which he expanded to include illegal brewing, distilling, and distribution of alcohol, along with gambling and prostitution.

Capone's method of maintaining his empire involved a combination of charm, generous donations to charity, and ruthless violence. His involvement in the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, in which seven members of a rival gang were murdered, marked the peak of his notoriety, although he was never found guilty of this crime.

Legal Troubles and Conviction

Despite his criminal activities, Capone eluded conviction for many years due to a combination of jury tampering, intimidation, and a network of corrupt officials. However, the federal government began to intensify its efforts to convict him, focusing on tax evasion as the most viable method. In 1931, Capone was finally convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. He served part of his sentence at the then-new Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, where his health declined due to syphilis.

Later Life and Death

Capone was released from prison in 1939 due to his deteriorating health and retired to his estate in Palm Island, Florida. He suffered from neurosyphilis, which led to his mental and physical decline. Al Capone died on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48.

Legacy

Al Capone's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, he is seen as a ruthless criminal who was responsible for countless murders and the corruption of public officials. On the other, he is sometimes romanticized as a modern-day Robin Hood figure, due to his charitable contributions and the public's fascination with his lifestyle during the Prohibition era. His life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows, cementing his place in American popular culture.