This Town In Utah Was One Of The Most Dangerous Places In The Nation In The 1920s
Visit Odgen’s Historic 25th Street today, and you’ll find a charming little avenue full of shops, pubs and cafes. The city has worked hard over the years to overcome the sketchy history that plagued the area from the time of the railroad workers, all the way through Prohibition.
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The railroad and local mining brought some unsavory characters to town. Electric Alley (a street that no longer exists in Ogden) was full of lonely miners and railroad workers wanting to blow their pay on liquor, women and opium. Shootouts were common, and the street was run by a local Madame who supplied the men with prostitutes.
The Prohibition Era started early in Utah when the State Legislature voted it into effect in 1917, with hopes to make Utah a dry state. In Ogden, the law had the opposite effect. It quickly became a money-making opportunity, and illegal businesses sprung up all over downtown Ogden, but particularly on 25th Street.
The tunnels made it easier to transport prostitutes and liquor from one place to another.
Prostitution, liquor and gambling were rampant, and with those vices came violence.
Al Capone is reported to have said that he wouldn't dare walk the streets of Ogden for fear of his life.
After Prohibition was repealed, the mob moved into Ogden, and gambling was the new favorite criminal activity. Ogden's 25th Street suffered from crime throughout much of the 20th century.
After Prohibition was repealed, the mob moved into Ogden, and gambling was the new favorite criminal activity. Ogden's 25th Street suffered from crime throughout much of the 20th century.
You'll find lots of quaint shops, cafes and pubs in these historic buildings now.
I lived in Ogden for several years and loved it – now it’s one of my favorite places to visit. Are you lucky enough to live there? Tell us about your beautiful city in the comments!
Ogden is also home to one of the last few grand hotels in Utah, and many people are convinced that it’s haunted! Take a look at our article about the Ben Lomond and see what you think.
Address: Ogden, UT, USA
