San Francisco's Vigilate Committee

San Francisco was not only the banking center of the new west, but also the newspaper capital in the early days.  Like most mining towns in the new West Territory, San Francisco also boasted one of the most colorful history of criminals as well.  In 1849, criminals were recruited from Tasmania and thus began a notorious period of San Francisco's history.  Between 1849-1851, the town was swept by fire six times until the first Vigilante Committee was formed.  The Committee was an armed group of citizens with military backing that took to the street  to stop the rampant crime.

Next time - The most notorious and sensational crime of the day.