Establishing the American railroad system in the mid-nineteenth century transformed transportation and commerce, with trains carrying large amounts of money and other valuables they quickly became targeted by criminals. Two early train robberies committed by drastically different gangs stand out in American history. One was near North Bend, Ohio, and the other near Seymour, Indiana. 

The First Train Robbery

Shortly after the end of the Civil War, on May 5, 1865, the first train robbery recorded in the United States took place near North Bend, Ohio. Motivated by an attempt to continue their fight, a group of former confederate soldiers targeted an Ohio and Mississippi railroad train. They caused the train to crash by tampering with the rails. They stole a large amount of money that was originally intended for federal payroll, thus making it the first successful train robbery in American History.

The First Peacetime Train Robbery

Just over a year later, on October 6, 1866, the first train robbery during a time of peace took place near Seymour, Indiana. Committed by the Reno Gang, a group of outlaws led by brothers John, Simeon, and Frank Reno, this crime was motivated purely by greed. 

The gang boarded the Ohio and Mississippi Railway train and overpowered its crew. Once that was done they forced open the express cars safe. From it, they stole more than $10,000 in cash. However, the gang’s success did not last long, the Reno brothers were eventually captured and hung by vigilantes. This event was a sensation and gained national attention which sparked a wave of similar crimes across the Midwest.  

The Legacy of Early Train Robberies

These early train robberies signaled the beginning of a trend that spread through the West. The reckless actions of the Reno Gang and others like Jessie James popularized train robberies which turned it into a symbol of the era. In response, railroads had to increase security such as armed guards and reinforced safes.