On June 20, 1947, one of the most notorious figures in American organized crime, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, was gunned down in Beverly Hills, California. Today in History: In 1947, “Bugsy” Siegel Shot Dead in Beverly Hills
This event marked the dramatic end of a storied and controversial life that had significant implications for the development of organized crime in America, particularly in the burgeoning gambling haven of Las Vegas. This article delves into the life of Bugsy Siegel, his criminal enterprises, his role in the establishment of Las Vegas as a gambling mecca, and the circumstances surrounding his violent death.
Early Life and Rise in the Underworld
Benjamin Siegel was born on February 28, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents from Austria. From a young age, Siegel was drawn to the rough streets of New York, quickly finding a place in the world of crime. He co-founded the “Bugs and Meyer Mob,” a gang involved in bootlegging and other illicit activities during Prohibition. This period was marked by violent turf wars, and Siegel’s reputation for ruthlessness and efficiency in handling rivals earned him the nickname “Bugsy,” a moniker he reportedly despised.
By the late 1920s, Siegel had formed a close association with Charles “Lucky” Luciano, one of the most influential figures in organized crime. Siegel became a hitman for Luciano’s National Crime Syndicate, an organization that united various ethnic gangs under a centralized authority. This affiliation further cemented Siegel’s status as a formidable and influential mobster.
Expansion to the West Coast
In the early 1930s, Siegel moved to California, where he aimed to expand the syndicate’s influence. The West Coast offered lucrative opportunities in the burgeoning entertainment industry, and Siegel quickly integrated himself into Hollywood’s social scene. His charm and charisma endeared him to many in the film industry, providing a cover for his criminal activities. He invested in nightclubs, gambling dens, and racetracks, and was known to rub shoulders with Hollywood elites, including actors, directors, and studio executives.
Siegel’s operations in California included running illegal gambling rackets, bookmaking, and even orchestrating contract killings. His involvement in the West Coast’s underworld brought him into conflict with local law enforcement, but his connections often kept him one step ahead of legal troubles.
The Flamingo and the Birth of Las Vegas
Siegel’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his role in the development of Las Vegas as a premier gambling destination. In the mid-1940s, Siegel became involved in the construction of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. The Flamingo was envisioned as a luxury resort that would attract high rollers from across the country. Siegel’s vision for the Flamingo was grand, featuring opulent accommodations, fine dining, and top-notch entertainment, a far cry from the dusty, rudimentary gambling halls that then dotted the Nevada desert.
However, the Flamingo project was plagued by delays and budget overruns, largely due to Siegel’s extravagant spending and mismanagement. Originally estimated to cost $1 million, the project’s final cost ballooned to over $6 million, much of it financed by East Coast mob bosses. Siegel’s failure to bring the Flamingo to profitability quickly enough led to mounting pressure from his criminal associates.
The Flamingo finally opened on December 26, 1946, but its initial launch was a disaster. Construction was incomplete, and the casino struggled to attract patrons. It closed after only a few weeks, reopening in March 1947 after further investment and improvements. Despite these efforts, the Flamingo’s financial woes continued, and Siegel’s backers grew increasingly impatient.
The Assassination
On the night of June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was at the Beverly Hills home of his girlfriend, Virginia Hill. As he sat reading a newspaper in the living room, a barrage of bullets shattered the window and struck Siegel multiple times. He was killed instantly. The murder was carried out with professional precision, suggesting the involvement of organized crime hitmen.
The immediate aftermath of Siegel’s assassination saw swift action from his associates. Within hours of his death, Moe Sedway and Gus Greenbaum, who had been dispatched from the East Coast, took control of the Flamingo. The takeover was seamless, indicating that the decision to eliminate Siegel had been made at the highest levels of the mob hierarchy.
The identity of Siegel’s killers remains a subject of speculation and debate. The most widely accepted theory is that his murder was ordered by his syndicate partners, who had grown frustrated with his handling of the Flamingo project and the substantial financial losses it incurred. Other theories suggest personal vendettas or rival gang interests may have played a role, but no one was ever charged with Siegel’s murder.
Impact and Legacy
Bugsy Siegel’s death marked a significant turning point in the history of organized crime in America. His vision for Las Vegas laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s most famous gambling destinations. After Siegel’s death, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino began to turn a profit, eventually becoming a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip. His initial concept of a luxury resort-casino paved the way for the development of similar establishments, transforming Las Vegas into a glittering oasis of entertainment and vice.
Siegel’s life and death have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and documentaries, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the annals of American crime history. The 1991 film “Bugsy,” starring Warren Beatty, portrays Siegel’s ambitious but ultimately tragic attempt to build his gambling empire, bringing his story to a wider audience and further embedding his legacy in popular culture.
The Enigma of Virginia Hill
An integral part of Bugsy Siegel’s life, and particularly his final years, was his relationship with Virginia Hill. Born in Lipscomb, Alabama, in 1916, Hill moved to Chicago and quickly became involved with several high-profile mobsters. Her beauty and charisma made her a favored companion among the criminal elite, and she eventually became Siegel’s lover and confidante.
Hill was known for her fiery personality and involvement in Siegel’s business dealings. She was instrumental in the Flamingo project, often acting as a liaison between Siegel and his East Coast partners. Despite rumors of her siphoning money from the Flamingo to secret bank accounts in Switzerland, her loyalty to Siegel was rarely questioned by him.
After Siegel’s murder, Hill fled to Europe, fearing for her own life. Her subsequent testimony before the Kefauver Committee in 1951, which investigated organized crime in America, provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the mob. However, she remained tight-lipped about many aspects of Siegel’s operations and murder, adding to the mystique surrounding their relationship.
Hill’s life after Siegel was marked by turbulence and tragedy. She struggled with substance abuse and legal troubles, and her connections to the criminal underworld persisted. In 1966, she was found dead in her Austrian home, an apparent suicide, though some speculate foul play. Her complex relationship with Siegel and her enigmatic personality continue to fascinate historians and crime enthusiasts alike.
The Flamingo’s Transformation
The Flamingo’s rocky start under Siegel’s management did not doom the venture. After his death, the Flamingo underwent significant changes that eventually led to its success. Under the leadership of Moe Sedway and Gus Greenbaum, the casino’s operations were streamlined, and its marketing strategy was revamped to attract a broader clientele.
By the early 1950s, the Flamingo had established itself as a profitable enterprise, drawing visitors with its luxurious amenities and high-profile entertainment acts. The success of the Flamingo spurred further investment in Las Vegas, leading to a construction boom that transformed the city into a world-renowned gambling and entertainment capital. Today, the Flamingo stands as one of the oldest and most iconic establishments on the Las Vegas Strip, a testament to Siegel’s vision and ambition.
Cultural Depictions and Mythology
Bugsy Siegel’s life has inspired countless portrayals in film, literature, and television, contributing to the mythology surrounding his persona. The 1991 film “Bugsy,” directed by Barry Levinson and starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, dramatizes Siegel’s efforts to build the Flamingo and his tumultuous relationship with Virginia Hill. The film was critically acclaimed and helped revive interest in Siegel’s story.
Siegel’s larger-than-life personality, his glamorous connections, and his violent end have made him a symbol of the romanticized gangster. Books such as “We Only Kill Each Other: The Life and Bad Times of Bugsy Siegel” by Dean Jennings and “The Life and Times of Bugsy Siegel” by Richard H. Dillon offer detailed accounts of his life, blending fact with legend.
Television series like “Boardwalk Empire” and documentaries on organized crime often reference Siegel’s contributions to the mob and his role in the development of Las Vegas. These portrayals, while sometimes fictionalized, highlight the enduring fascination with Siegel’s life and the era he epitomized.
The Continuing Mystery
Despite the many accounts and investigations, Bugsy Siegel’s murder remains unsolved. The lack of definitive answers has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories for decades. Some believe that Siegel’s death was orchestrated by his closest allies within the mob, while others suggest that rival factions or personal vendettas were to blame.
The investigation into Siegel’s murder was hampered by the secretive nature of organized crime and the reluctance of potential witnesses to come forward. Law enforcement agencies of the time were often outmatched by the sophisticated operations of the mob, and corruption within police ranks further complicated efforts to solve high-profile crimes.
The unsolved nature of Siegel’s murder adds to his legend, casting him as. “Click Here”