35 Facts About Apalachin Meeting

The Apalachin Meeting: A Notorious Gathering

The Apalachin Meeting is one of the most infamous events in organized crime history. Held in 1957, it brought together top Mafia leaders from across the United States. This clandestine gathering was meant to discuss important matters but ended up exposing the Mafia to the public eye.

1. The Apalachin Meeting took place on November 14, 1957, in Apalachin, New York.
2. It was hosted at the home of Joseph "Joe the Barber" Barbara, a known Mafia member.
3. Around 100 Mafia leaders attended the meeting, representing families from across the country.
4. The meeting was called to discuss various topics, including narcotics trafficking, loan sharking, and gambling operations.
5. The FBI and local law enforcement were unaware of the meeting until a state trooper noticed suspicious activity.

The Raid and Its Consequences

The Apalachin Meeting was abruptly interrupted by law enforcement, leading to a chaotic scene. This raid had significant consequences for the Mafia and law enforcement agencies.

6. State Trooper Edgar Croswell became suspicious when he saw numerous expensive cars arriving at Barbara's home.
7. Croswell set up a roadblock, leading to the arrest of many attendees as they tried to flee.
8. Over 60 Mafia members were detained, although many were later released due to lack of evidence.
9. The raid exposed the Mafia's extensive network and operations to the public.
10. It led to increased law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime.

Key Figures at the Meeting

Several prominent Mafia figures attended the Apalachin Meeting. Their presence highlighted the importance of this gathering within the criminal underworld.

11. Vito Genovese, a powerful New York Mafia boss, was one of the key figures at the meeting.
12. Carlo Gambino, another influential New York boss, also attended.
13. Joseph Profaci, head of the Profaci crime family, was present.
14. Santo Trafficante Jr., a major figure in the Florida Mafia, attended the meeting.
15. Russell Bufalino, a Pennsylvania Mafia boss, played a significant role in organizing the event.

Impact on Law Enforcement and Legislation

The Apalachin Meeting had a lasting impact on how law enforcement and the government approached organized crime. It led to significant changes in policies and practices.

16. The raid prompted the FBI to take organized crime more seriously.
17. It led to the establishment of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section within the Department of Justice.
18. The meeting highlighted the need for better coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
19. It resulted in increased surveillance and wiretapping of suspected Mafia members.
20. The event spurred the creation of new laws targeting organized crime, such as the RICO Act.

The Aftermath for the Mafia

The Apalachin Meeting had far-reaching consequences for the Mafia itself. It changed the way the organization operated and interacted with law enforcement.

21. Many Mafia members became more cautious and secretive after the meeting.
22. The event led to increased infighting and power struggles within the Mafia.
23. Some Mafia leaders were forced to step down or go into hiding.
24. The meeting damaged the Mafia's reputation and public image.
25. It marked the beginning of a more aggressive approach by law enforcement towards organized crime.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Apalachin Meeting has left a lasting legacy in popular culture and history. It remains a significant event in the narrative of organized crime in America.

26. The meeting has been referenced in numerous books, movies, and TV shows about the Mafia.
27. It is often cited as a turning point in the fight against organized crime.
28. The event is studied in criminal justice and law enforcement courses.
29. The Apalachin Meeting is considered a key moment in the history of the American Mafia.
30. It continues to be a topic of fascination and intrigue for historians and the public alike.

Interesting Tidbits and Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond the well-known details, there are several interesting and lesser-known facts about the Apalachin Meeting that add depth to its story.

31. Joseph Barbara, the host, suffered a heart attack during the raid.
32. Some attendees tried to escape through the woods, abandoning their luxury cars.
33. The meeting was initially planned to be held in Chicago but was moved to Apalachin for security reasons.
34. The raid was one of the first major successes for state police in combating organized crime.
35. Despite the chaos, some Mafia members managed to evade capture and continued their operations.

The Legacy of the Apalachin Meeting

The Apalachin Meeting of 1957 wasn’t just a gathering; it was a turning point in how the world viewed organized crime. Law enforcement's unexpected raid exposed the Mafia's extensive network, leading to significant changes in how authorities tackled organized crime. This event highlighted the Mafia's influence and forced the government to take more aggressive actions against these criminal organizations. The meeting's fallout led to numerous arrests and convictions, shaking the Mafia's foundation.

Understanding the Apalachin Meeting helps us grasp the lengths to which organized crime had infiltrated society. It serves as a reminder of the constant battle between law enforcement and criminal enterprises. The legacy of this meeting continues to influence crime-fighting strategies today. By learning about such pivotal moments, we gain insight into the complexities of organized crime and the ongoing efforts to combat it.