Gangster Museum of Arkansas

Gangsters were most known back in the eras of the Great Depression and the Prohibition. It came at a time when the traditional paths of sustaining themselves and a family was almost impossible. This instability caused many men and women to turn to criminal to gain monetary success, which was so heavily valued during this time. The success gave them power and eliteness that was only obtainable through this lifestyle. Gangsters were a big influence on crime and police in Arkansas during the 1930s. 

One of the first exhibit in the museum showcases Leo Patrick McLaughlin, the mayor of Hot Springs from 1927 to 1947. He is known for opening up the city by reopening Oaklawn Racetrack. This laid the stage for his infamous gambling ring that he and other influential members of society saw over. Gambling in Arkansas was illegal at the time. This attracted many of the other gangsters mentioned in this museum. These gangster came for the party but stayed for the profit.

Many of the gangster just passed through to take in the illegal splendor and the spa but some stuck around and developed their kingdom. Owen Vincent Madden is an interesting gangster that saw the development of gambling in Hot Spring and in 1940 started the Southern Club. The gangsters were always protected under McLaughlin's laws and law enforcement. Once, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, a New Yorker gangster, was walking down Bath House Row with the chief detective of Hot Springs Police Department when he was approached by an NY state detective saw him. Eventually, the detective approached Luciano and asked him to come back to NY with him he replied with a quick no thanks and that was the end of it.

The Gangster Museum of America was established in 2008 by Robert Raines, supported by Historical Attractions, Inc. There are seven galleries that offer a close look in the gangsters that ruled America and found sanctuary in the spas of Hot Springs, Arkansas. These can be viewed for $15 for general admission, $14 for senior, 6$ for children ages 8 to 12 and children under the age of 8 get in free. The museum can be found on Central Ave surrounded by restaurants and other attractions of downtown Hot Springs.

“Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano (1897–1962).” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, January 28, 2020. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/charles-lucky-luciano-3690/. 

“Gangster Museum of America.” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, March 19, 2019. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/gangster-museum-of-america-5918/. 

“The Gangster Museum of America: Where You Won't Be Gambling on a Good Time, but Betting on a Sure Thing.” The Gangster Museum of America | Where you won't be gambling on a good time, but betting on a sure thing, n.d. http://tgmoa.com/. 

“Owen Vincent Madden (1891–1965).” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, May 21, 2019. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/owen-vincent-madden-1702/.