“I consider bunco steering more honorable than the life led by the average politician.” These words were spoken by Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, a man who lived by them throughout his life. While his name might not be widely known today, Soapy Smith was one of the most successful con men of the Old West. He managed to unite a group of grifters and gunmen, creating a criminal empire not once, but three times. Whenever things got too risky or his pool of victims dried up, Soapy would simply move to a new city and start over.
Living such a life during the wild frontier days was filled with adventure, chaos, and danger. Soapy faced numerous attempts on his life and crossed paths with other famous figures of the West, like Bat Masterson and Sam Bass. He even barricaded himself inside a city hall with dynamite, facing off against state militia. Ultimately, his life ended in a gunfight. This is the thrilling story of Soapy Smith, the “King of the Frontier Con Men.”
Jefferson Randolph Smith II was born in late 1860 near Newnan, Georgia. He came from a wealthy family; his grandfather was a state legislator and plantation owner, and his father was an attorney. However, the American Civil War devastated their fortunes, forcing the family to move to Round Rock, Texas, in the mid-1870s.
Before becoming a con man, Smith unknowingly became part of Wild West history when he witnessed a shootout between Texas Rangers and the notorious outlaw Sam Bass. On July 19, 1878, Bass and his gang were confronted by a deputy, leading to a gunfight. Smith and his cousin watched as Bass was shot, and Smith allegedly shouted, “I think you got him!” Bass was captured and died from his injuries two days later.
Smith had several brothers who pursued respectable careers as attorneys, doctors, and a minister. However, Jeff seemed destined to be the black sheep of the family. As a teenager, he realized people found him trustworthy, and he decided to take advantage of this. After being swindled by a con man, instead of getting angry, Smith saw it as an opportunity to explore a world of possibilities.
He started small, moving between fairs and mining towns, selling cheap trinkets and fake jewelry. He learned classic scams like three-card monte and the shell game, where players had to guess which container held the ball, but the operator always ensured the ball was hidden elsewhere.
Soon, Smith found his signature scam, the “prize soap racket,” which earned him the nickname “Soapy.” According to legend, a police officer who arrested him for this scam couldn’t remember his name and simply wrote down “Soapy.” Whether true or not, the story stuck.
In this scam, Smith posed as a humble soap salesman who hid cash prizes inside some soap wrappers. Customers could win back their money many times over if they found a prize. He started this scam in Leadville, Colorado, where the bars of soap were initially cheap. As the supply dwindled, the price increased, and the remaining bars were auctioned off.
The scam’s success relied on people winning prizes in front of others to encourage more participation. However, the big winners were often his accomplices, or “shills,” who were in on the scam. This helped Smith maintain the illusion of legitimacy while making a fortune.
In 1879, Soapy moved to Denver, where he built a thriving criminal enterprise. The city was booming, with a relaxed attitude towards gambling, making it a prime target for swindlers. Initially, he continued with the soap racket but soon expanded his operations, uniting various con men and criminals under his leadership.
Soapy wasn’t your typical smooth-talking con man; he had a violent temper and was known as a mean drunk. He employed other violent men to ensure his gang maintained control, especially when angry victims sought revenge or rival gangs tried to encroach on his territory.
Despite his criminal activities, Smith portrayed himself as a community benefactor, donating to charities and getting involved in local projects. At the height of his power, he had around 100 men working for him and had police and politicians on his payroll. However, as anti-gambling reforms began to take shape, Smith decided it was time to relocate.
In 1892, Soapy moved to Creede, Colorado, seizing control of the growing town. He used various tactics to acquire properties and quickly established his presence. His main competition was a saloon run by Robert Ford, the outlaw who killed Jesse James. After Ford was assassinated, Soapy faced little resistance in establishing his operations.
During his time in Creede, Smith continued his usual scams and even introduced a bizarre attraction—a petrified man he named McGinty, which he displayed for a fee. However, as Creede’s boom faded, Smith found himself looking to relocate once more.
After drifting for a few years, Smith settled in Skagway, Alaska, during the Klondike Gold Rush. He continued his operations, hiring henchmen and establishing a saloon that served as his base. Despite his efforts to portray himself as a community pillar, a vigilance committee sought to remove him from town.
On July 8, 1898, tensions escalated when Smith confronted the committee regarding a miner’s complaints about losing gold in one of his scams. He attempted to force his way into a meeting but was met with resistance. In the ensuing confrontation, Smith was shot and killed, marking the end of his notorious career.
With Soapy’s death, his gang quickly lost its power, and the townsfolk began to round up the remaining swindlers. The arrival of the U.S. Army prevented any lynchings, and many of Smith’s associates were arrested or expelled from town.
Research the various scams that Soapy Smith used throughout his life. Create a presentation that explains how these scams worked and why they were effective. Be sure to include visual aids and examples to help your classmates understand the mechanics of each scam.
Participate in a class debate about Soapy Smith’s legacy. Was he a clever entrepreneur or a criminal mastermind? Prepare arguments for both sides and be ready to defend your position using evidence from his life and actions.
Write a short historical fiction story set during Soapy Smith’s time in the Old West. Incorporate real events and figures from his life, but add your own creative twist. Share your story with the class and discuss how you blended fact with fiction.
Create a map that traces Soapy Smith’s movements across the United States. Mark key locations where he set up his operations and provide a brief description of his activities in each place. Use historical maps and resources to ensure accuracy.
Engage in a role-playing game where you and your classmates take on the roles of Soapy Smith and his gang. Develop scenarios based on historical events and work together to navigate the challenges of running a criminal enterprise in the Old West. Reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by Soapy and his associates.
**Soapy Smith – King of the Frontier Con Men**
“I consider bunco steering more honorable than the life led by the average politician.” Those were the words of Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, who lived by them for most of his life. His name may not be familiar to many, but Soapy Smith was one of the most successful con men of the Old West. He united grifters and gunmen into an organization and built a criminal empire for himself three times. Whenever a city became too dangerous for him or the pool of unsuspecting victims began to dry up, Soapy would pack up and move to another place, starting anew.
Unsurprisingly, a life like his during those wild frontier days was filled with adventure, mayhem, and violence. He faced numerous attempts on his life and interacted with other notable figures of western lore, such as Bat Masterson and Sam Bass. He once barricaded himself inside city hall, armed with dynamite, and fought to a stand-off against state militia. Ultimately, he met his end in a gunfight. All the elements are present for the thrilling tale of Soapy Smith, the man known as the “King of the Frontier Con Men.”
**Early Years**
Jefferson Randolph Smith II was born in late 1860 near Newnan, Georgia. He came from a wealthy family with significant influence in the area; his grandfather was a state legislator and plantation owner, while his father was an attorney. However, the American Civil War devastated the family’s fortunes, leading them to relocate to Round Rock, Texas, in the mid-1870s.
Before embarking on his life as a grifter, Smith unwittingly became part of Wild West history when he witnessed a shootout between Texas Rangers and the notorious outlaw Sam Bass. On July 19, 1878, Bass and his gang were confronted by a deputy who ordered them to disarm. They refused, resulting in a gunfight. Smith and his cousin had a front-row view of the events, and after one of the rangers hit Bass, Smith allegedly shouted, “I think you got him!” Bass was captured later that day and died of his injuries two days later.
Smith had several brothers; some became attorneys, others doctors, and one a minister. Jeff, however, seemed destined to become the black sheep of the family. As a teenager, he discovered that people found him trustworthy, which he decided to exploit. After a brief stint trying honest work, he encountered a con man who swindled him out of half his salary. Instead of being angry, Smith saw this as an opportunity, realizing a world of possibilities had opened up for him.
He started small, moving between country fairs and mining towns, selling cheap trinkets and fake jewelry. He learned classic scams like three-card monte and thimblerig, also known as the shell game. The game involved sleight of hand, where players had to guess which container held the ball, but the operator would always ensure the ball was hidden elsewhere.
**Smith Gets Soapy**
Soon, Smith found his trademark scam, the “prize soap racket,” which earned him the nickname “Soapy.” Allegedly, a police officer arrested him for this scam and, unable to remember his name, simply wrote down “Soapy.” While the origin story may not be verified, it’s as good as any.
In this scam, Smith presented himself as a humble soap salesman who hid cash prizes inside some soap wrappers. Customers who bought soap had a chance to win back their money many times over if they found a prize. He started this scam in Leadville, Colorado, where the bars of soap were initially cheap. As the supply dwindled, the price increased, and the remaining bars were auctioned off.
The key to the scam’s success was that people had to win prizes in front of others to encourage more participation. However, the big winners were often his accomplices, or “shills,” who were in on the scam. This helped Smith maintain the illusion of legitimacy while profiting handsomely.
**King of Denver’s Underworld**
In 1879, Soapy moved to Denver, where he would build a thriving criminal enterprise. The city was booming, with a relaxed attitude towards gambling, making it a prime target for swindlers. Initially, he continued with the soap racket but soon expanded his operations, uniting various con men and criminals under his leadership.
Soapy was not the typical smooth-talking con man; he was known for his violent temper and had a reputation as a mean drunk. He employed other violent men to ensure his gang maintained control, especially when angry victims sought revenge or rival gangs tried to encroach on his territory.
Despite his criminal activities, Smith portrayed himself as a community benefactor, donating to charities and getting involved in local projects. At the height of his power, he had around 100 men working for him and had police and politicians on his payroll. However, as anti-gambling reforms began to take shape, Smith decided it was time to relocate.
**From Denver to Creede**
In 1892, Soapy moved to Creede, Colorado, seizing control of the growing town. He used various tactics to acquire properties and established his presence quickly. His main competition was a saloon run by Robert Ford, the outlaw who killed Jesse James. After Ford was assassinated, Soapy faced little resistance in establishing his operations.
During his time in Creede, Smith continued his usual scams and even introduced a bizarre attraction—a petrified man he named McGinty, which he displayed for a fee. However, as Creede’s boom faded, Smith found himself looking to relocate once more.
**Last Stop: Alaska**
After drifting for a few years, Smith settled in Skagway, Alaska, during the Klondike Gold Rush. He continued his operations, hiring henchmen and establishing a saloon that served as his base. Despite his efforts to portray himself as a community pillar, a vigilance committee sought to remove him from town.
On July 8, 1898, tensions escalated when Smith confronted the committee regarding a miner’s complaints about losing gold in one of his scams. He attempted to force his way into a meeting but was met with resistance. In the ensuing confrontation, Smith was shot and killed, marking the end of his notorious career.
With Soapy’s death, his gang quickly lost its power, and the townsfolk began to round up the remaining swindlers. The arrival of the U.S. Army prevented any lynchings, and many of Smith’s associates were arrested or expelled from town.
Soapy – A nickname for Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith, a notorious con artist and gangster in the late 19th century American West. – Soapy Smith was known for his clever scams and manipulation, making him a notorious figure in the history of the American frontier.
Smith – A person who works with metal, especially one who shapes metal by hammering it when it is hot and malleable. – Blacksmiths played a crucial role in frontier communities, providing essential tools and services for settlers.
Con – To deceive or trick someone, often for personal gain, typically through manipulation or fraud. – Many con artists thrived during the Gold Rush, exploiting the hopes and dreams of prospectors seeking fortune.
Men – Adult human males, often referenced in historical contexts to discuss roles, responsibilities, and societal expectations. – During the westward expansion, men often took on the roles of explorers, traders, and pioneers, shaping the development of new territories.
Frontier – The extreme limit of settled land beyond which lies wilderness, especially referring to the western US before Pacific settlement. – The concept of the frontier was central to American identity, symbolizing opportunity and the spirit of exploration.
Scams – Dishonest schemes or frauds, often designed to deceive people out of money or resources. – The Klondike Gold Rush attracted not only prospectors but also numerous scams targeting the unwary.
Denver – The capital city of Colorado, which became a significant hub during the Gold Rush era. – Denver’s strategic location made it a key supply center for miners heading to the Rocky Mountains in search of gold.
Alaska – The largest and most northern state of the United States, known for its vast wilderness and significant gold discoveries in the late 19th century. – The discovery of gold in Alaska’s Klondike region sparked a massive influx of prospectors hoping to strike it rich.
Gold – A precious metal that has been a symbol of wealth and a driving force behind exploration and economic expansion throughout history. – The California Gold Rush of 1849 was a pivotal event that accelerated the westward expansion of the United States.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, encompassing a wide range of topics and time periods. – Understanding history allows us to learn from past successes and failures, shaping a better future.
