Sam Maceo

Sam Maceo (1894–1951) was an American businessman, nightclub owner, and mobster from Galveston, Texas. He, along with his brother Rosario, controlled a significant organized crime operation during the Prohibition era that included illegal liquor distribution, gambling, and prostitution.

Early Life

Sam Maceo was born Salvatore Maceo on March 31, 1894, in Palermo, Sicily. His family immigrated to the United States in 1901, settling in Louisiana before moving to Galveston in 1910.

Career

In the 1920s, during the Prohibition era, Sam and his brother Rosario, also known as "Rose", began their careers in organized crime. They started with a small bootlegging operation and eventually expanded into a large-scale illegal liquor distribution network.

In the 1930s, the Maceo brothers opened the Balinese Room, a nightclub and gambling den that became a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The club was known for its high-stakes gambling and top-tier entertainment, attracting performers such as Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope.

The Maceo brothers' operation also included a number of other businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and brothels. Their control over the Galveston vice scene earned them the nickname "the Maceo Crime Syndicate".

Death and Legacy

Sam Maceo died on April 25, 1951, in a Houston hospital. His death marked the end of the Maceo brothers' reign over Galveston's underworld. Despite their criminal activities, the Maceo brothers are often credited with transforming Galveston into a major tourist destination and contributing to the city's economic development.

See Also

• Organized crime in the United States
• History of Galveston, Texas