What do you think?
Rate this book
The Notorious Ashley Gang: A Saga of the King and Queen of the Everglades
"The Notorious Ashley A Saga of the King and Queen of the Everglades" by Hix C. Stuart is an enthralling exploration of the life and exploits of John Hopkin Ashley, an American outlaw whose daring escapades earned him the title of the "Swamp Bandit" and "King of the Everglades." Set against the backdrop of southern Florida during the tumultuous years of the 1910s and 1920s, this gripping saga delves deep into the complexities of power, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of a daring life.
John Hopkin Ashley, born on March 19, 1888, quickly rose to infamy as a formidable figure in the criminal underworld. Operating from various hideouts in the Florida Everglades between 1915 and 1924, Ashley and his gang left an indelible mark on the region. The gang's audacious bank robberies, amassing a staggering sum of nearly $1 million, and their bold hijacking of illegal whiskey shipments from the Bahamas disrupted not only local communities but also led to a virtual cessation of rum-running on the Florida coast.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Ashley's criminal career was the daring two-man raid on the West End in the Bahamas in 1924. This audacious move marked the first instance in over a century that American pirates had attacked a British Crown colony, showcasing the extent of Ashley's notoriety and the boldness of his criminal endeavors.
Within the impoverished Florida "cracker" community, Ashley became a folk hero, seen as a symbol of resistance against bankers, lawmen, and wealthy landowners. His actions hindered Prohibition-era bootleggers in major cities, whose importation of foreign liquor undermined local moonshiners. In the eyes of many, Ashley was a modern-day Jesse James, with newspapers frequently drawing comparisons between the two notorious figures.
However, Ashley's activities drew the ire of Palm Beach County Sheriff George B. Baker, sparking a near 13-year feud that would ultimately lead to Ashley's downfall. The gripping narrative of the book climaxes with the deadly confrontation between Ashley and Sheriff Baker, resulting in the demise of the infamous outlaw and his three lieutenants in 1924.
"The Notorious Ashley Gang" is not just a historical account but a vivid and immersive journey into the heart of the untamed wilderness, where danger, love, and the indomitable spirit of those who sought to rule their kingdom come to life. Readers are invited to witness the captivating story of a man who became a legend in the Everglades, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with the echoes of a bygone era.
John Hopkin Ashley, born on March 19, 1888, quickly rose to infamy as a formidable figure in the criminal underworld. Operating from various hideouts in the Florida Everglades between 1915 and 1924, Ashley and his gang left an indelible mark on the region. The gang's audacious bank robberies, amassing a staggering sum of nearly $1 million, and their bold hijacking of illegal whiskey shipments from the Bahamas disrupted not only local communities but also led to a virtual cessation of rum-running on the Florida coast.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Ashley's criminal career was the daring two-man raid on the West End in the Bahamas in 1924. This audacious move marked the first instance in over a century that American pirates had attacked a British Crown colony, showcasing the extent of Ashley's notoriety and the boldness of his criminal endeavors.
Within the impoverished Florida "cracker" community, Ashley became a folk hero, seen as a symbol of resistance against bankers, lawmen, and wealthy landowners. His actions hindered Prohibition-era bootleggers in major cities, whose importation of foreign liquor undermined local moonshiners. In the eyes of many, Ashley was a modern-day Jesse James, with newspapers frequently drawing comparisons between the two notorious figures.
However, Ashley's activities drew the ire of Palm Beach County Sheriff George B. Baker, sparking a near 13-year feud that would ultimately lead to Ashley's downfall. The gripping narrative of the book climaxes with the deadly confrontation between Ashley and Sheriff Baker, resulting in the demise of the infamous outlaw and his three lieutenants in 1924.
"The Notorious Ashley Gang" is not just a historical account but a vivid and immersive journey into the heart of the untamed wilderness, where danger, love, and the indomitable spirit of those who sought to rule their kingdom come to life. Readers are invited to witness the captivating story of a man who became a legend in the Everglades, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with the echoes of a bygone era.
53 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.