Riding with the Devil

From Kansas City's Favorite True Crime & Cocktails Podcast

Today, we're listening in to the Going to Killing City podcast for a taste of history and true crime, centered in the Kansas City area.

We’re riding into one of the most infamous events in the history of the American Old West—the robbery of the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri. This event marks one of the earliest bank heists in American history and set the stage for the legend of Jesse James, a man once called "the worst man without any exception in America."

Tune in to hear more of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods.

On February 13, 1866, the quiet town of Liberty, Missouri, was forever changed when the Clay County Savings Association became the target of what is believed to be the first successful daylight bank robbery in American history. With military precision, a gang—suspected to be led by Jesse and Frank James—executed the heist, making off with a staggering $60,000.

In this episode, we dive into the details of this audacious crime, the tragic killing of a young student during the getaway, and the rise of Jesse James from Confederate guerrilla to notorious outlaw. We also explore Ron Hansen’s portrayal of Jesse James in his novel "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," which captures the dual nature of James as both a charismatic leader and a ruthless criminal.

Join us as we unravel the facts, myths, and legacy of Jesse James, the complex figure whose exploits continue to captivate and divide opinions even today. Whether seen as a Robin Hood-like figure or a cold-blooded killer, the tale of Jesse James is inseparable from America's outlaw history.