This Day in Libertyville History: The Rondout Train Robbery

On June 12, 1924, one hundred years ago today, the largest train robbery in U.S. history happened just a few miles east of Libertyville.

The Newton brothers and associates stole more than two million dollars in securities and cash. The plan seemed flawless. But all the culprits were captured, tried, and sentenced in just under six months.

Hooked?

Learn more:

• Get the highlights from our blog post
• Watch a recent presentation from the Libertyville Historical Society for more details
• Check out The Great Rondout Train Robbery by Donald Clarahan, the grandson of one of the investigators
• Read through the contents of the Rondout Robbery folder in our Local History File (available by request at the Cook Park Lower-Level Information Services desk)
• Browse or search for contemporary newspapers articles through our digitized newspapers or Newspapers.com (requires a CMPLD card for access outside the library)
• Enjoy a fictionalized account of the bandits’ careers with the 1998 movie The Newton Boys starring Matthew McConaughey