, California, USA
1878 - July 26 – In California, the poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The empty box is found later with a taunting poem inside.
![]()
In 1878, on July 26th, the notorious American West outlaw known as "Black Bart" pulled off his final successful heist in California, marking the end of his elusive criminal career. Black Bart, whose real identity remains a mystery, targeted a Wells Fargo stagecoach, a common target for bandits due to the valuable cargo it transported. On this occasion, Black Bart managed to steal a safe box from the stagecoach, which later turned out to be empty. However, what made this robbery particularly memorable was the taunting poem left behind by Black Bart inside the empty safe, showcasing his clever and flamboyant style.
This event further added to the legend of Black Bart, who was known for his unique approach to banditry, often leaving behind witty and poetic messages at the scenes of his crimes. Despite his criminal activities, Black Bart was seen as a sort of gentleman bandit, as he never harmed anyone during his robberies and was known for his polite demeanor. The mystery surrounding his identity and his poetic exploits have made Black Bart a fascinating figure in the history of the American West.
July 26, 1878
Visit California, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.