The Hanging of George Kelley
An American tragedy
In 1896 robbers broke into the Junction Hotel in Wyoming, MN. Moments later two young men were dead, and a third man nearly so.
For three days, posses from all over the county pursued the ne'er-do-wells, and the final stand-off took place deep in the tamarack swamps outside North Branch, MN. When the smoke cleared, one of the fugitives was killed (lead poisoning, according to the coroner's report), and the other two captured.
Only one, George Kelley, was convicted of the murders. In 1897 Kelley became the only man ever executed in Chisago County, MN.
This is a story of America's enduring love affair with guns and with violence, and the personal story of how small towns cope with senseless tragedy.
More here.
For three days, posses from all over the county pursued the ne'er-do-wells, and the final stand-off took place deep in the tamarack swamps outside North Branch, MN. When the smoke cleared, one of the fugitives was killed (lead poisoning, according to the coroner's report), and the other two captured.
Only one, George Kelley, was convicted of the murders. In 1897 Kelley became the only man ever executed in Chisago County, MN.
This is a story of America's enduring love affair with guns and with violence, and the personal story of how small towns cope with senseless tragedy.
More here.