February Mob Calendar of Events
February is defined by one date above all others in mob history — February 14, 1929, the St Valentine’s Day Massacre. But February is also the birth month of Bugsy Siegel, the birth and death day of Frank Costello, and the month Mad Dog Coll was shot dead in a phone booth. Every day of February has a story from the criminal underworld. Click any date below to read the full account.
Key dates this month: February 8 — Mad Dog Coll killed | February 14 — St Valentine’s Day Massacre | February 18 — Frank Costello born & died | February 21 — Carmine Galante born | February 28 — Bugsy Siegel born
February in Mob History — Key Events
February 14, 1929 is the most infamous date in American organised crime history. The St Valentine’s Day Massacre — seven members of Bugs Moran’s North Side gang lined up against a garage wall and executed by gunmen in police uniforms — was the moment Al Capone’s power reached its violent peak. The massacre shocked the nation, turned public opinion against Capone and set in motion the chain of events that would eventually lead to his downfall. Bugs Moran himself survived — he arrived late. “Only Capone kills like that,” he reportedly said afterwards.
February 8, 1932 ended the brief but terrifying career of Vincent “Mad Dog” Coll — shot dead in a Manhattan phone booth aged just 23. Coll had terrorised New York with a series of kidnappings and random murders, including the accidental killing of a five-year-old child during a street shooting. He was one of the few criminals that even the mob feared. His death in the phone booth, shot repeatedly while clutching the receiver, became one of the most iconic images of the gangster era.
February 18 holds a remarkable distinction in mob history — it is both the birthday and the death day of Frank Costello. Born on February 18, 1891, the Prime Minister of the Underworld died on February 18, 1973 — his 82nd birthday. Unlike most of his contemporaries, Costello died of natural causes, having survived an assassination attempt, federal prison and decades of FBI pressure through a combination of political connections, careful diplomacy and ruthless intelligence.
February 28, 1906 was the birthday of Bugsy Siegel — born Benjamin Siegelbaum in Brooklyn, destined to dream Las Vegas into existence and die for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the St Valentine’s Day Massacre?
The St Valentine’s Day Massacre took place on February 14, 1929, in Chicago. Seven members of Bugs Moran’s gang were shot dead by Al Capone’s gunmen in a garage on North Clark Street. Bugs Moran himself survived by arriving late. The massacre marked the peak of Capone’s power and accelerated his eventual downfall.
When was Bugsy Siegel born?
Bugsy Siegel was born on February 28, 1906, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He grew up alongside Meyer Lansky, became one of the most charismatic mob figures in history and was instrumental in the development of Las Vegas. He was murdered in June 1947.
When was Frank Costello born and when did he die?
Frank Costello was born on February 18, 1891, and died on February 18, 1973 — his 82nd birthday. Known as the Prime Minister of the Underworld, he was one of the most politically connected mob bosses in American history and died of natural causes.
When was Vincent Mad Dog Coll killed?
Vincent Mad Dog Coll was shot dead on February 8, 1932, in a Manhattan phone booth aged 23. He had terrorised New York with kidnappings and random murders, including the accidental killing of a child. Even the mob feared him.
When was Carmine Galante born?
Carmine Galante was born on February 21, 1910, in East Harlem. He became acting boss of the Bonanno crime family and was shot dead on July 12, 1979, while eating lunch at a Brooklyn restaurant — his cigar famously still in his mouth after the shooting.
Further Reading — Mob History
Want to go deeper into the stories behind these dates? These are the essential books on organised crime history.
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