Jesse James Adair Train Robbery Loot

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Jesse James Adair Train Robbery Loot

Lost Treasure IA • Adair County County
Description
July 21, 1873 Adair legend of the world's first robbery of a moving train — Jesse James gang derailed a Rock Island express west of town expecting $75,000 in Cheyenne gold but took only about $3,000 in currency and passenger loot.
Historical Notes
Outlaws pried a rail on the Turkey Creek curve, toppling the engine and killing engineer John Rafferty and fireman Dennis Foley. Frank James and Cole Younger had learned the delayed bullion shipment was not aboard; the gang fled into Missouri after a national manhunt. Treasure lore imagines uncaptured coins cached in the Adair hills before the posse closed in; a locomotive wheel marker stands at Jesse James Historical Park.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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