33 - Wild West Hornswogglin': The Tale of Soapy Smith
Summary
Hosts Charles and Hesse discuss the Wild West’s history of fraud, starting with Italian con artist Franco Malosso, who jailed for building a fake Roman amphitheater. They then profile Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, a notorious Denver grifter famous for his soap-wrapped-money scam. The episode details Smith’s rise, his takeover of Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush, and his eventual execution by the vigilante Committee of 101.
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode setup
Overview of famous American scammers
The fake Roman amphitheater scam in Italy
Whale watching tours as tourist scams
Transition to the Old West and Soapy Smith
Soapy Smith's early life and relocation
The origin of the 'Soapy' nickname
Detailed breakdown of the soap scam
The auction mechanics and crowd psychology
Soapy Smith's expansion and downfall in Denver
Soapy Smith's death in Skagway, Alaska
Westernized version of the silk scam
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