Legends of the Old West: OUTLAWS Ep. 1 | “Black Bart: Outlaw Poet”
Host: Black Barrel Media
Host/Author: Chris Wimmer
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Summary:
In the premiere episode of "Legends of the Old West," Black Barrel Media delves into the enigmatic life of Charles Bowles, famously known as Black Bart—the Outlaw Poet. Host Chris Wimmer masterfully narrates Bowles' transformation from a gold-seeking immigrant to one of California’s most elusive and literary-outlined stagecoach robbers.
1. Introduction to the Old West and Early Robbery
The episode opens with a vivid recounting of an attempted stagecoach robbery on July 26, 1875, in Calaveras County, California. John Shine, a seasoned stage driver, faces an unexpected confrontation with a masked assailant demanding only the Wells Fargo express box.
Key Event:
- Ambush on Funk Hill: John Shine and his passengers experience what appears to be a meticulously planned robbery, marked by the bandit's unique approach of targeting only the express box rather than the passengers’ valuables. The encounter hints at the sophistication and selective nature of Black Bart's methods.
Notable Quote:
"I do not want your money. I only want boxes." – Black Bart (04:14)
2. Charles Bowles: From England to the Gold Fields
Charles Bowles was born in 1829 in Norfolk, England, and emigrated to the United States as a child. His early years on a farm in Jefferson County, New York, remained largely uneventful until the Gold Rush era ignited his adventurous spirit.
Key Points:
- Gold Fever: At 20, Bowles joined the 49ers, seeking fortune in Northern California's gold fields. His initial prospecting was fraught with hardship, leading to multiple failed attempts and the tragic loss of family members.
- Relocation and Marriage: In 1854, Bowles settled in Decatur, Illinois, where he married Mary Elizabeth Johnson and started a family, temporarily abandoning his gold-seeking ambitions.
3. Civil War Service and Recognition
With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Bowles enlisted in the 116th Illinois regiment, displaying notable bravery and leadership.
Key Events:
- Battle of Chickasaw Bayou (December 1862): Bowles fought valiantly despite the Union’s defeat.
- Injury and Recovery: In May 1863, Bowles sustained a severe wound during the Siege of Vicksburg but continued to serve, eventually achieving the rank of brevet first lieutenant.
- Post-War Life: After the war, Bowles returned home, only to be drawn back west by the persistent allure of gold in Montana.
4. Reinvention as Black Bart
Upon relocating to San Francisco, Bowles adopted the persona of Charles Bolton, a refined mining magnate. However, financial strains compelled him to resort to stagecoach robberies, marking the genesis of Black Bart's criminal career.
Key Points:
- Disdain for Wells Fargo: An altercation over water rights with men linked to Wells Fargo fueled Bowles' resentment, positioning the company as his primary adversary.
- Criminal Methods: Bowles’ tactics were characterized by meticulous planning, non-lethal threats, and leaving behind poetic notes—a signature that distinguished him from other outlaws.
Notable Quote:
"I've labored long and hard for bread, for honor and for riches, but on my corns too long you've tread, you fine haired sons of bitches." – Black Bart, 1877 (29:11)
5. The Art of the Robbery
Black Bart's robberies were methodical and showcased his cleverness in evading capture.
Key Techniques:
- Minimal Violence: Bowles targeted only the express boxes, refraining from harming passengers.
- Covering Tracks: He sabotaged his own footprints by wrapping his boots, capitalizing on his fear of horses to escape on foot swiftly.
- Poetic Messages: Each robbery concluded with a poem, infusing his criminal acts with a unique literary flair.
Notable Quote:
"Here I lay me down to sleep, to wait. The coming morrow, perhaps success, perhaps defeat and everlasting sorrow. Let come what will. I'll try it on my condition." – Black Bart, 1878 (30:30)
6. Escalation and Pursuit
As Bowles' notoriety grew, so did the efforts to capture him. The Wells Fargo detectives, led by James Hume, meticulously profiled Black Bart based on witness accounts and crime scene evidence.
Key Points:
- Increased Robberies: Between 1875 and 1879, Black Bart executed twelve robberies across California and Oregon, each reinforcing his reputation.
- Detective Hume's Profile: Hume’s analysis highlighted Bowles' slim frame, knowledge of the region, aversion to horses, and courteous demeanor—all factors that complicated the manhunt.
Notable Quote:
"He always carried a shotgun, but he never used it." – Detective Profile on Black Bart (34:24)
7. The Poet Outlaw's Legacy
Black Bart not only added to his criminal legacy but also enriched the folklore of the Old West through his poetic notes. His blend of sophistication and audacity made him a legendary figure.
Key Points:
- Cultural Impact: Bowles' unique approach set him apart, making his story a blend of crime and artistry.
- Unsolved Mysteries: Despite multiple robberies, Bowles evaded capture, cementing his status as an enduring enigma in Western history.
Notable Quote:
"Nothing lasts forever. And detective James Hume finally gets a lead on the masked bandit whom he has tracked for years." – Narrator (35:39)
8. Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode
The episode concludes with a glimpse into the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Black Bart and law enforcement, promising further exploration of Bowles' exploits and eventual downfall in the following episode.
Notable Quotes:
- Black Bart: "I do not want your money. I only want boxes." (04:14)
- Black Bart: "I've labored long and hard for bread, for honor and for riches, but on my corns too long you've tread, you fine haired sons of bitches." (29:11)
- Black Bart: "Here I lay me down to sleep, to wait. The coming morrow, perhaps success, perhaps defeat and everlasting sorrow. Let come what will. I'll try it on my condition." (30:30)
- Detective Profile on Black Bart: "He always carried a shotgun, but he never used it." (34:24)
Insights and Conclusions:
"Black Bart: Outlaw Poet" offers a compelling narrative that intertwines historical facts with the legendary aspects of Black Bart’s life. Chris Wimmer effectively highlights the duality of Bowles—a family man and sophisticated poet on one hand, and a cunning stagecoach robber fueled by personal vendettas on the other. The episode underscores the complexities of outlaw life in the Old West, where personal motivations and societal dynamics created some of history's most intriguing characters. As the season progresses, listeners are left eager to uncover whether Black Bart’s elaborate schemes will finally catch up with him or if his legend will continue to thrive undeterred.
Production Credits:
- Research and Writing: Michael Meglish
- Producer: Joe Garop
- Original Music: Rob Valiere
Next Episode Preview: Charlie Bowles ventures up to Oregon and returns to California, intensifying his robberies and challenging detectives until a significant breakthrough occurs.
Tune in Next Week: Join us for the second part of Black Bart’s saga, where his reign of poetic robberies faces unprecedented challenges from persistent lawmen.
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