Crime & Outlaws
The Hanging of Jack Slade, Virginia City, 1864
Virginia City, Madison County
On March 10, 1864, Joseph A. "Jack" Slade, a notorious gunslinger and stagecoach division superintendent, was hanged by the Montana Vigilantes in Virginia City.
Slade had a reputation for both effective management and a violent temper, which often led to drunken rampages and acts of brutality. Despite his contributions to the Overland Stage Company, his increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior became intolerable to the community.
His execution by the Vigilantes, a group formed to combat lawlessness in the Montana Territory, marked a significant event in the region's struggle to establish order. The hanging of Jack Slade is a stark example of frontier justice and the complex legacy of the Montana Vigilantes, who used extralegal means to impose their version of law and order.
Frequently asked questions
What happened on March 10 in Montana history?
The Hanging of Jack Slade, Virginia City, 1864. On March 10, 1864, Joseph A. "Jack" Slade, a notorious gunslinger and stagecoach division superintendent, was hanged by the Montana Vigilantes in Virginia City.
Where did this take place?
This March 10 event is associated with Virginia City, Madison County.
When did this event happen?
It took place in 1864, on March 10.
Why does this day matter in Montana history?
His execution by the Vigilantes, a group formed to combat lawlessness in the Montana Territory, marked a significant event in the region's struggle to establish order. The hanging of Jack Slade is a stark example of frontier justice and the complex legacy of the Montana Vigilantes, who used extralegal means to impose their version of law and order.
Topics: Jack Slade · Montana Vigilantes · Frontier Justice