Breaking the Black Hand Mafia - New Orleans, LA - June 16th, 1908

Published on September 6, 2019
Duration: 7:52

This video details a historical confrontation between Pietro Giacon, an Italian immigrant wine merchant in New Orleans, and members of the Black Hand mafia on June 16th, 1908. Facing extortion, Giacon armed himself with a .35 Winchester repeating rifle and defended his home, killing three and wounding one of the four mafia members. The incident is presented as a pivotal moment that significantly weakened the Black Hand's influence in the city.

Quick Summary

On June 16th, 1908, Pietro Giacon, an Italian immigrant wine merchant in New Orleans, defended his home against the Black Hand mafia. Facing extortion, Giacon used a .35 Winchester rifle to kill three attackers and wound one, significantly weakening the syndicate's influence in the city.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to French Quarter History
  2. 00:43Little Palermo and Italian Immigration
  3. 01:03The Giacon Family and Wine Business
  4. 01:30Organized Crime and the Black Hand
  5. 02:02The Black Hand Confronts Pietro Giacon
  6. 02:37The Shootout Begins
  7. 03:55Aftermath of the Shootout
  8. 04:24Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
  9. 04:39Decline of the Black Hand
  10. 04:52Beauregard-Keyes House Today
  11. 05:10Conflicting Historical Accounts
  12. 06:19Interpreting the Event
  13. 06:43Corrado Giacon's Later Role
  14. 07:14Conclusion and Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 16th, 1908, in New Orleans involving the Black Hand mafia?

On June 16th, 1908, Pietro Giacon, an Italian immigrant wine merchant in New Orleans, confronted four members of the Black Hand mafia at his home. After facing extortion, Giacon used a .35 Winchester rifle to defend himself, resulting in the deaths of three attackers and the wounding of one.

How did Pietro Giacon defend himself against the Black Hand?

Pietro Giacon armed himself with a repeating rifle chambered in .35 Winchester. When Black Hand members made threats and one allegedly drew a .30 caliber revolver, Giacon opened fire, neutralizing the attackers.

What was the significance of the June 16th, 1908 incident for the Black Hand in New Orleans?

The confrontation at Pietro Giacon's home was a pivotal event that significantly weakened the Black Hand's power and influence in New Orleans. The community's support for Giacon, who was seen as a hero, contributed to the syndicate's decline in the area.

Where did the confrontation between Pietro Giacon and the Black Hand take place?

The confrontation occurred at Pietro Giacon's home in what was then known as "Little Palermo" in New Orleans' French Quarter. Specifically, the shootout took place on the back gallery of the house, which has since been enclosed and is now the dining room.

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