37 Facts About Bugsy Siegel

Early Life and Family

Bugsy Siegel's journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the heights of organized crime is a tale filled with intrigue and violence. Let's explore the early years that shaped this infamous gangster.

1. Benjamin Siegel was born on February 28, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second of five children in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants.

2. The Siegel family lived in a rat-infested apartment across the bridge from Manhattan's Lower East Side. This area was notorious for its rough conditions and high crime rates.

3. Siegel abandoned school at a young age. He joined a group of friends on Lafayette Street in Manhattan, engaging in various forms of theft and other illicit activities.

Rise to Prominence in the Mob

Siegel's early criminal activities laid the foundation for his rise in the underworld. His connections and ruthless tactics propelled him to prominence.

4. During his youth, Siegel became acquainted with Al Capone. The two developed a close bond, and Siegel even offered Capone refuge in his aunt’s home when Capone was running from the authorities.

5. Siegel’s erratic behavior and violent tendencies earned him the nickname "Bugsy." Despite hating the nickname, it stuck and became synonymous with his persona.

6. He began his career in organized crime by extorting money from vendors and peddlers for "protection." This eventually led him into bootlegging and gambling.

7. Siegel and Meyer Lansky formed the Bugs and Meyer Mob. This gang handled hits for various bootleg gangs operating in New York and New Jersey.

8. Siegel was involved in the formation of Murder, Inc., a notorious assassination squad. This group carried out hits for various crime families, further solidifying his reputation as a ruthless enforcer.

Major Crimes and Notable Associations

Siegel's involvement in high-profile crimes and his connections with other notorious gangsters marked his career in the mob.

9. Siegel’s partnership with Meyer Lansky was pivotal in his rise to prominence. Lansky provided strategic intelligence, while Siegel handled the violent aspects of their operations.

10. Siegel was implicated in the execution of Joe "the Boss" Masseria during the Castellammarese Wars. However, there are discrepancies in the accounts of this event, with some witnesses suggesting multiple shooters were involved.

11. He worked closely with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, one of the most influential figures in organized crime. Luciano’s organization provided Siegel with opportunities for advancement and involvement in high-stakes operations.

12. Siegel was involved in bootlegging operations across several major East Coast cities. He and his associates hijacked liquor cargoes from rival gangs, further solidifying their control over the black market.

Personal Life and Relationships

Siegel's personal life was as tumultuous as his criminal career. His relationships and lifestyle choices often made headlines.

13. Siegel began dating actress Virginia Hill in the late 1930s. The couple was known for their volatile natures and glamorous appearances.

14. Their relationship was marked by domestic confrontations. Some speculate these confrontations might have contributed to Siegel’s eventual murder.

15. Siegel was known for his flashy clothes and extravagant lifestyle. He bought an apartment at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and a Tudor home in Scarsdale, New York.

16. Siegel started using opium during his youth and was involved in the drug trade. This early exposure to narcotics likely influenced his later behavior and decisions within the mob.

The Flamingo Hotel and Financial Troubles

Siegel's ambitious project in Las Vegas marked a significant chapter in his life, but it also led to his downfall.

17. In 1945, Siegel took over the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The project was financed by Eastern crime syndicate bosses under Siegel’s direction.

18. The Flamingo Hotel project faced significant financial issues. The budget soared from $1.2 million to $6 million, enraging Siegel’s mobster financiers.

19. Siegel had a secret getaway set up at the Flamingo Hotel. This reflected his paranoia about being killed there.

Murder and Legacy

Bugsy Siegel's life ended abruptly, but his impact on organized crime and Las Vegas endures.

20. On June 20, 1947, Siegel was shot multiple times in Virginia Hill’s living room in Beverly Hills. The murder remains unsolved, with various theories suggesting involvement by Lansky associates, Virginia Hill’s brother, or even a love triangle involving Moe Sedway.

21. Despite his tragic end, Siegel played a pivotal role in building modern Las Vegas. The Flamingo Hotel, though initially unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for the city’s future as a hub for entertainment and gambling.

22. The FBI has extensive files on Bugsy Siegel, totaling 2,421 pages. However, many of these documents are heavily redacted, leaving much of the information about his activities and associates classified.

23. When Siegel died, he left behind little in terms of personal wealth. His daughter, Millicent, struggled to find funds for a proper Jewish burial after her death in 2017.

24. Bugsy Siegel has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the glamour and violence of the mob era. His life has inspired numerous films, books, and television shows.

25. Siegel’s rise to prominence coincided with the Prohibition era in the United States. The ban on alcohol created a lucrative black market, which organized crime groups exploited to build their power and wealth.

26. Siegel had only one arrest on record. In 1932, he was charged with gambling and vagrancy in Miami but paid a $100 fine to resolve the matter.

27. Siegel’s relationship with Virginia Hill was complex and volatile. The couple was known for their glamorous appearances and domestic confrontations.

28. Several theories surround Siegel’s murder. These include involvement by Lansky associates, Virginia Hill’s brother, or even a love triangle involving Moe Sedway.

29. Siegel’s involvement in the construction of the Flamingo Hotel marked a significant turning point in Las Vegas history. Although the project was initially unsuccessful, it paved the way for future developments in the city.

30. Bugsy Siegel’s legacy continues to fascinate audiences today. His life serves as a testament to the rise and fall of a legendary gangster.

31. Siegel’s role in building modern Las Vegas is significant. The Flamingo Hotel laid the groundwork for the city’s future as a hub for entertainment and gambling.

32. Siegel’s partnership with Meyer Lansky was pivotal in his rise to prominence. Lansky provided strategic intelligence, while Siegel handled the violent aspects of their operations.

33. Siegel was involved in bootlegging operations across several major East Coast cities. He and his associates hijacked liquor cargoes from rival gangs.

34. Siegel’s relationship with Virginia Hill was complex and volatile. The couple was known for their glamorous appearances and domestic confrontations.

35. Several theories surround Siegel’s murder. These include involvement by Lansky associates, Virginia Hill’s brother, or even a love triangle involving Moe Sedway.

36. Siegel’s involvement in the construction of the Flamingo Hotel marked a significant turning point in Las Vegas history. Although the project was initially unsuccessful, it paved the way for future developments in the city.

37. Bugsy Siegel’s legacy continues to fascinate audiences today. His life serves as a testament to the rise and fall of a legendary gangster.

Siegel's Lasting Impact

Bugsy Siegel's life was a whirlwind of crime, glamour, and tragedy. From his rough beginnings in Brooklyn to becoming a key figure in organized crime, Siegel's story is both fascinating and cautionary. His partnership with Meyer Lansky, involvement in Murder, Inc., and the infamous Flamingo Hotel project in Las Vegas highlight his significant yet tumultuous career. Despite his violent end, Siegel's influence on Las Vegas is undeniable. The Flamingo Hotel, though initially a financial disaster, set the stage for the city's future as a gambling and entertainment mecca. Siegel's legacy lives on in popular culture, with numerous films, books, and TV shows keeping his story alive. His life serves as a testament to the allure and dangers of the gangster lifestyle, ensuring his name remains etched in American history.