Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont

October 19th, 1864

October 19th, 1864

Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont
How Long Ago?

160 years, 4 months, 24 days ago

Location

Saint Albans, Vermont, USA

Category

Crime & Law

War/Conflict

American Civil War

People
  • Bennett H. Young
  • Allan Pinkerton
Links & References
Tags

Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont

Confederate agents from Canada executed a bold bank heist in Saint Albans, Vermont, robbing three banks in a single day. Led by Captain Bennett H. Young, the group stole over $200,000 in cash and valuables, making their escape as U.S. Marshal Allan Pinkerton coordinated the pursuit. The raid aimed to disrupt Union finances and illustrate Southern resolve as the Civil War approached its final phases, showcasing the lengths to which Confederates would go to gather resources amidst dwindling support.

Led by Captain Bennett H. Young.

Stole over $200,000 from three banks.

Successful in escaping back to Canada.

Increased security concerns for the Union.

What Happened?

In October 1864, a group of Confederate agents based in Canada orchestrated a daring bank robbery in Saint Albans, Vermont, targeting three banks. Led by Captain Bennett H. Young, the agents strategically planned the heist to coincide with a critical period of the Civil War, one where the Confederacy was struggling with dwindling resources. On that fateful day, the group, equipped and motivated, stormed into the banks, demanding cash and valuables from the stunned employees and patrons. Their meticulous planning allowed them to steal an estimated $200,000, a considerable sum at the time, equivalent to millions today.

The robbery not only aimed to secure funds for the Confederate cause but also sought to instill fear and demonstrate that the war was affecting even remote locations in the Union. Following the heist, the agents made their getaway, but they were pursued by law enforcement led by U.S. Marshal Allan Pinkerton. Despite the manhunt, Young and his men managed to evade capture, crossing back into Canada where they would remain elusive from Union forces.

The incident exemplified the desperation of the Confederate agents as they looked for any means to fund their struggle against the Union. It highlighted the porous border between Canada and the U.S., allowing Confederate sympathizers to launch operations from Canadian soil. The Saint Albans raid became one of the most audacious acts of the war, garnering substantial media attention and serving as a reminder that the conflict had many facets, including financial warfare.

Why Does it Matter?

The Saint Albans bank robbery is particularly interesting as it illustrates the lengths to which the Confederacy went to finance its war efforts in the latter stages of the Civil War. It not only disrupted local economies but also raised questions about the safety and security of Union territory, demonstrating how the conflict had complex effects beyond just military engagements. The audacity of the raid underscored the ongoing insurgency efforts of the Confederacy, leading to increased Union vigilance along its northern borders.

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