The Young Brothers Massacre – Today In Southern History

2 January 1932

On this date in 1932…

Small-time thieves, a portion of the Young Brothers gang killed six police officers of an ill-prepared posse sent to arrest them in a shootout at their family’s farm not far from Springfield, Missouri. Also known as the Brookline Shootout, it was the worst single killing of U.S. police officers in the 20th century. The gang escaped only to be gunned down in a hotel bathroom by Houston, Texas lawmen three days later.

Other Years:

• 1788 – Georgia became the 4th US state to ratify the U.S. constitution.

• 1861 – Fort Johnson in Charleston Harbor was seized by South Carolina Troops.

• 1862 – The Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee continued from December 31.

• 1890 – A record 19’2″ alligator was shot in Louisiana by E.A. McIlhenny.

• 1945 – The University of Kentucky began its 130 home-game basketball winning streak. (ended in 1955)

• 2008 – The price of oil hit $100 per barrell for the first time.

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