Formation and Early Activities
- The Purple Gang was originally a loose confederation of independent criminals primarily composed of Jewish immigrants from Detroit’s lower east side.
- They were initially known as the Sugar House Gang and gained notoriety through hijacking alcohol smuggled by others across the Canadian border during Prohibition.
- The gang’s name origins are varied; explanations include it referencing a purple dye used during the Cleaners & Dyers War, a purple sweater seen at a name-change meeting, and other local lore.
Prohibition Era and Criminal Enterprises
- By the Prohibition era, Detroit had already become a hub for bootleggers thanks to the strategic location on the Canadian border.
- The Purple Gang controlled gambling, drug trade, and particularly liquor sales, becoming the dominant force in the Detroit underworld.
- Detroit’s illegal alcohol industry was second only to the automotive industry, peaking at $300 million annually, equivalent to billions today.
Violence and Infamy
- Known for their brutish methods, the Purple Gang reportedly killed over 500 rivals during the bootleg wars.
- They were implicated in violent events like the Collingwood Manor Massacre, where three members were murdered to prevent their treachery.
- The gang’s influence reached as far as Chicago, where they assisted in gang operations such as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Alliances and Political Influence
- The Purple Gang formed alliances with significant national crime figures like Meyer Lansky and Joe Adonis.
- Despite their crimes, witnesses were often too terrified to testify, leading to minimal interference from law enforcement.
- The Purple Gang’s political influence was partially enabled by corruption within local government institutions.
Decline and Disbandment
- The gang’s power began to wane in the early 1930s due to internal conflicts and betrayal.
- In 1931, key members were arrested for murder, marking the start of the gang’s downfall.
- By 1935, the Purple Gang disbanded as remaining members were either imprisoned, killed, or had fled.
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