Dive into the shadowy history of the Old West to uncover the legend of Lou Blonger, a man whose name became synonymous with cunning and corruption. Known as “The Fixer,” Lou Blonger orchestrated one of the most extensive and longest-running confidence rings in American history, transforming Denver into his personal playground for decades.
The Early Life and Wanderings of Louis H. Blonger
Born Louis H. Blonger on May 13, 1849, in Swanton, Vermont, his early years were marked by a move to Shullsburg, Wisconsin, a lead mining village. At just 15, Blonger enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as a fifer, a common role for boys too young to fight in direct combat. This early exposure to structure and command, however brief, likely shaped his future organizational skills.
After the war, the fast-talking Lou joined his older brother Sam, and together they ventured westward. Their pursuit of fortune led them through the burgeoning mining camps of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. For two decades, the Blonger brothers engaged in a variety of occupations, from working in saloons and mines to prospecting and, crucially, refining their skills in various confidence games. Their criminal exploits spanned the vast expanse of the West, from the rugged territories of Deadwood, South Dakota, to the bustling streets of San Francisco, California.
During these extensive travels, the brothers reportedly encountered an array of legendary Old West figures, including the notorious Doc Holliday, the formidable Bat Masterson, and the iconic Earp brothers. Remarkably, for a brief period, Lou and Sam even donned badges as lawmen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here, they were said to have provided protection for Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp following their infamous Earp Vendetta Ride, a testament to their shifting allegiances and practical opportunism.
Denver’s Underworld Kingpins: The Rise of the Blonger Brothers
By the 1880s, the Blonger brothers had strategically settled in Denver, Colorado, a city on the cusp of significant growth and ripe for exploitation. They established themselves by operating successful saloons, initially on Larimer Street and later on Stout Street. These establishments served as more than just drinking holes; they were central hubs for gambling and entertainment, often featuring “painted ladies” to cater to their clientele.
Their legitimate businesses provided a lucrative front for their increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises. By the 1890s, Lou and Sam had amassed substantial wealth, not only from shrewd investments in mining claims and their popular saloons but also from the considerable profits generated by their various schemes of fraud and graft. These cons often targeted unsuspecting miners, eager to strike it rich and easily swayed by promises of quick returns.
Consolidating Power: The “Big Store” Operation
In Denver, the Blongers initially found themselves in fierce competition with established figures like the infamous Soapy Smith Gang. However, Lou Blonger‘s strategic brilliance and ruthless efficiency soon propelled him to the forefront of the city’s criminal underworld. Following Soapy Smith’s departure in 1896, Blonger seized the opportunity to consolidate power, unifying Denver’s disparate gangs of confidence men into a singular, highly organized syndicate.
The core of Blonger’s operation was the elaborate “big store” con, a sophisticated fake betting house designed to fleece victims of large sums. These central facilities were meticulously set up to resemble legitimate establishments, complete with betting windows, chalkboards displaying race results, and even ticker-tape machines. Gang members would skillfully manipulate victims, convincing them to invest significant cash deposits with the false promise of guaranteed stock profits or winning bets on rigged horse races. This elaborate scheme, in fact, served as inspiration for the classic movie The Sting, showcasing its historical significance in the annals of criminal ingenuity.
Beyond the “big store,” Lou Blonger’s network included a cadre of pickpockets, shell-game experts, and other small-time con artists, all of whom contributed a share of their ill-gotten gains to the central organization. Blonger’s control was so absolute that no criminal enterprise could operate within Denver’s city limits without his express permission and a compulsory “donation” of their proceeds. This iron grip underscored his position as the undisputed kingpin.
Political Influence and Corruption
The Blonger brothers understood that sustained criminal success required more than just cunning; it demanded political protection. They deftly wielded their influence, manipulating elections and orchestrating political appointments to safeguard their vast racket and shield their gang members from prosecution. This deeply entrenched corruption ensured their impunity for decades.
In 1904, Adolph W. “Kid” Duff, a seasoned criminal with a history in other Colorado gangs and known for gambling, opium dealing, and pickpocketing, became Blonger’s trusted second-in-command. Together, this formidable duo dramatically amplified the organization’s profits and expanded its reach, further solidifying Blonger’s legendary status.
The Unraveling of Blonger’s Empire and His Final Days
By 1920, Lou Blonger‘s power in Denver had reached its zenith. He was widely believed to “own” the city, capable of fixing any arrest with a mere phone call. His extensive confidence games were reportedly generating thousands of illegal dollars annually. A testament to his deep-rooted corruption was a private telephone line in his office that connected directly to the chief of police, symbolizing his seemingly untouchable status.
However, even the most formidable empires eventually crumble. Blonger’s decades-long reign came to an abrupt end in 1922, thanks to the determined efforts of District Attorney Philip S. Van Cise. Recognizing the pervasive corruption within Denver’s political and law enforcement structures, Van Cise ingeniously circumvented the system. He established his own “secret force” composed of local citizens, funded entirely by private donations, ensuring its independence from compromised official channels.
Van Cise’s clandestine operation proved highly effective. His men successfully infiltrated Blonger’s network, culminating in the dramatic arrest of 33 confidence men, including the kingpin Louis Blonger himself and his right-hand man, “Kid” Duff.
Trial, Conviction, and Demise
A highly publicized trial ensued, captivating the public and exposing the vast extent of Blonger’s criminal enterprise. Louis Blonger and many of his gang members were ultimately convicted and sentenced to prison in Cañon City, Colorado. Blonger and “Kid” Duff each received sentences ranging from seven to ten years, a fitting end to their long careers in crime.
Tragically, Lou Blonger’s time behind bars was short-lived. Just five months into his sentence, he died on April 20, 1924, at the age of 74. His criminal partner, “Kid” Duff, facing another court case while out on bond, chose to commit suicide. Lou’s older brother, Sam, had passed away approximately ten years prior, leaving Lou to face the final reckoning alone.
The Enduring Legacy of “The Fixer”
The story of Lou Blonger offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of the Old West, showcasing how cunning, organization, and pervasive corruption could allow a criminal empire to flourish for decades. “The Fixer” left an indelible mark on Denver’s history, a stark reminder of the sophisticated confidence games that once plagued the booming cities of the American frontier. His downfall ultimately demonstrated that even the most deeply entrenched criminal networks could be dismantled through persistent and honest efforts, forever sealing Blonger’s place as one of the most intriguing figures in Western true crime.
