The Northfield Raid, which occurred on , was the spectacular downfall of the notorious James-Younger Gang . Often called the "Great Northfield Minnesota Raid," it is famous because a small town of ordinary citizens fought back and effectively destroyed the most feared outlaw group in American history. The Day of the Raid
While the outlaws were inside the bank, local merchant discovered the robbery and sounded the alarm. The citizens of Northfield did not flee; they armed themselves with whatever was available—rifles from hardware stores, pistols, and even rocks. Northfield Raid & the James-Younger Gang: Overview The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid
Inside, acting cashier Joseph Lee Heywood refused to open the safe, despite being pistol-whipped and threatened. He told the outlaws the safe was on a time lock and could not be opened. The Street Battle The Northfield Raid, which occurred on , was
Frank James, Charlie Pitts, and Bob Younger entered the First National Bank . The citizens of Northfield did not flee; they
Jesse James, Cole Younger, Jim Younger, Clell Miller, and Bill Chadwell remained outside to control the street.