Al Capone's Real Business: Beyond the Myth of Used Furniture

Many people are familiar with Al Capone's story through Hollywood movies or historical accounts, but what was his actual business in reality? The narrative often begins with the card he carried, which read 'used furniture.' However, it painted a much broader and more complex picture of his criminal empire.

Selling More Than Furniture

According to sources, Al Capone's business activities went far beyond peddling used furniture. My grandfather, who worked with Capone, revealed that his main enterprise involved supplying people with alcohol, gambling, and women. Capone was highly adept at his craft, and this strategic approach helped him amass a fortune of approximately $100 million by 1929. This wealth accumulation was a testament to his savvy business acumen and adaptability.

Public Relations and Charitable Work

Apart from his criminal activities, Capone had a softer side. During the Great Depression, he engaged in charitable work and even ran soup kitchens to help the needy. It's worth noting that Capone was a master of public relations and would have never undertaken any actions that could harm civilians. While other gangsters might target rivals, Capone would not have condoned actions that caused harm to the public, especially children.

The famous scene in the movie 'The Untouchables' where a little girl gets blown up by a bomb sent to a speakeasy did not align with Capone's modus operandi. Such an action would have incited a violent retaliation, potentially leading to his own demise. This incident is one of the reasons why some people have concluded that Capone may not have ordered the St. Valentine's Day massacre. The real culprits, according to some theories, may have been mistaken or freelance hitmen. Regardless of the true identity of the perpetrators, the fact that Capone was never charged with this crime speaks volumes about his tactical brilliance and reputation.

From Street Gang to Organized Crime Boss

To fully understand Capone's rise, we must delve into his early career. As a teenager in New York City, Al Capone joined the infamous Five Points Gang, where he honed his skills as a bouncer and bodyguard for brothels. When he moved to Chicago, he became the bodyguard for Johnny Torrio, a prominent bootlegger, and succeeded him as the head of the powerful Chicago Outfit.

Capone's true calling was in the realm of bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering. He showed no inclination towards any conventional trade, as his numerous business ventures proved his expertise in lucrative and illicit activities. His businesses provided essential services and goods (like alcohol) to the public, thereby deepening his connections and expanding his criminal network.

Conclusion

Al Capone's life was a testament to his strategic thinking and business acumen. While his card proclaimed him a dealer of used furniture, the reality was much more complex. His enterprise included a plethora of illegal but profitable ventures, such as bootlegging, gambling, and provision of women. His public relations skills and charitable work during the Great Depression set him apart from other notorious gangsters of his time. Though his reign as a criminal mastermind was brief, his legacy remains a fascinating study in organized crime and the darker aspects of American history.