A Road Scholar Program by John Hallwas

An exciting lecture and slide presentation that delves into the dark side of Illinois history, from the frontier killers at Cave-in-Rock to later horse thieves, bandits, and murderers. Groups such as the Brown Gang, the Johnson Gang, and the Berry Gang - and outlaws like Joe Brice, Ed Maxwell, and Frank Rande - will be discussed, and then slides, based on lithographs and historic photographs, will depict some of the outlaws and the locations associated with their nefarious activities. The lecture will also include comments on the early lawmen and vigilantes who tracked down the desperadoes.