Dillinger Days in Tucson, AZ
Photo: TucsonAZ.gov
When people think of Tucson, Arizona and its gun-slinging element they tend to conjure up images of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday hopping trains to nearby Tombstone. Not many people think of the infamous criminal/folk hero John Dillinger and his gang that were all captured there. Dillinger Days can change that.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the moment which put the notorious Dillinger Gang behind the bars of a Tucson jail (Dillinger was shot 6 months later in Chicago) – all without a shot being fired.
The event kicks off this evening at the legendary Hotel Congress and fills the downtown area tomorrow with era-related car shows, lectures, tours, period costumes and a re-enactment of the big moment. Dillinger Days also serves as a charity supporting C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) that benefits families of officers killed while in the line of duty.
A schedule of events can be found here.
If you plan on visiting Tucson for the event or just the mild winter there are plenty of places to stay in the Downtown area, most notably Hotel Congress (also a great club and restaurant).
From downtown a quick walk will take you to 4th Avenue where a trolley can connect you to the University of Arizona (Go ‘Cats!) and the surrounding historic area and/or bars (that’s where the trolley really helps out).
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2 Responses
Dillinger…never heard of him. I need to bone up on my “old west” history! Tucson is a great place to visit, though…especially this time of year!
My mom lives in Tucson – works at the university too – and never told me about this! Instead we always seem to visit the caverns….I’m calling her now to find out more for next year!