In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we explore the fascinating lives of two notorious figures from American history: Jefferson Randolph Smith II, better known as Soapy Smith, and Poker Alice Ivers. We discuss Soapy's rise as a con artist in the Wild West, his infamous prize soap scam, and the organised crime he led in Denver. The conversation then shifts to Poker Alice, a skilled poker player and a strong independent woman who navigated the male-dominated gambling world. The episode highlights their legacies and the romanticised view of organised crime in American history. If you don't know their stories - you should!
Scottish word of the week : Chode
Sources:
Soapy
Who Was Soapy Smith? - The Days of 98 Show
Soapy Smith – Bunko Man of the Old West – Legends of America
Con Artist Soapy Smith Gets His Start in Leadville - Leadville, Colorado
Alice
Wild Women Of The West: Alice Ivers - COWGIRL Magazine
Poker Alice – Famous Frontier Gambler – Legends of America
Poker Alice Tubbs – Infamous Deadwood | Deadwood, SD
"Poker" Alice Tubbs (1851-1930) | Denver Public Library Special Collections and Archives
