So Now You Know
America's first bank robbery was of $162,821 taken from vaults of the Bank of Pennsylvania at Carpenters' Hall during the night of Saturday, August 31 or the morning hours of Sunday, September 1, 1798.
In the end, the affair would take on the flavor of a farce. The culprit turned out to be Isaac Davis and a partner, who died of yellow fever within days of the robbery. The pair had apparently pulled the perfect heist. Then in a move that will live in the annals of stupidity, Davis began depositing the missing money in the very bank he had robbed and other Philadelphia banks, casting suspicion on himself.
Confronted with questions about his sudden wealth, Davis gave a full confession and made a deal to return all the money. The governor of Pennsylvania promised a pardon in return for full disclosure and full restitution.
In the end, the affair would take on the flavor of a farce. The culprit turned out to be Isaac Davis and a partner, who died of yellow fever within days of the robbery. The pair had apparently pulled the perfect heist. Then in a move that will live in the annals of stupidity, Davis began depositing the missing money in the very bank he had robbed and other Philadelphia banks, casting suspicion on himself.
Confronted with questions about his sudden wealth, Davis gave a full confession and made a deal to return all the money. The governor of Pennsylvania promised a pardon in return for full disclosure and full restitution.
