Al Capone’s name immediately conjures images of Prohibition-era Chicago, bootlegging, and ruthless gang violence. Yet, while he was undoubtedly one of the most infamous criminals of the 20th century, Capone’s life and personality were far more complex than the mob boss caricature. Behind the notorious reputation was a man of contradictions – brutality mixed with charm, ruthlessness balanced by surprising moments of philanthropy. Here are 11 fascinating ways Al Capone was more than just a gangster.
1. The Sharp-Dressing “Snorky”
While the world remembers him as “Scarface,” Capone’s friends had a more peculiar nickname for him: “Snorky.” In 1920s slang, this meant someone who dressed sharply, and Capone certainly earned the title. His wardrobe was filled with custom-made Italian suits that cost upwards of $500 – equivalent to about $7,000 today. For a man whose life revolved around crime, he maintained a polished, almost gentlemanly appearance, reinforcing his belief that power wasn’t just wielded; it was displayed.
2. A Fearless Golfer
Capone wasn’t just about deals and hits; he was also an avid golfer. But his games weren’t exactly relaxing afternoons on the green. Capone and his associates treated golf courses as extensions of their chaotic lives, often drinking heavily and betting absurd amounts on shots. They even carried firearms in their golf bags—because, in 1920s Chicago, a mobster could never be too careful. One outing ended with Capone accidentally shooting himself while searching his bag, a blunder he tried to keep under wraps by checking into the hospital under a fake name.
3. A Family Man Turned “Public Enemy”
Al Capone’s early life didn’t foreshadow his descent into crime. Born in Brooklyn in 1899 to respectable Italian-American immigrant parents, Capone’s father was a highly educated barber. The young Al was a diligent student until his teenage years, when he was expelled for hitting a teacher. This event marked his turn toward street gangs, eventually landing him in the notorious Five Points Gang. Despite his criminal path, Capone maintained a deep connection with his family, often presenting himself as a devoted husband and father in public.
4. The Man Behind Milk Expiration Dates
While his name is tied to violence and corruption, Capone also left an unexpected legacy in the dairy industry. After a family member reportedly fell ill from spoiled milk, Capone lobbied for a law requiring milk bottles to include expiration dates. His interest in the dairy business extended further, as he invested in milk production. His brother Ralph, nicknamed “Bottles,” became deeply involved in managing this legitimate enterprise, showing that even mobsters could dabble in consumer safety.
5. A Billionaire’s Taste for Luxury
Capone’s earnings during Prohibition were staggering, estimated at $100 million annually – equivalent to over $1.3 billion today. With this fortune, he indulged in extravagant tastes, from diamond-studded jewelry to a custom 1928 Cadillac reinforced with 3,000 pounds of armor plating and bulletproof glass. The car also had hidden gun ports, allowing Capone’s men to fire at attackers without exposing themselves. For Capone, safety and style were inseparable.
6. An Iron Grip on Chicago
Capone’s influence over Chicago wasn’t limited to his gang’s operations. He maintained control through an extensive network of bribery, paying off police officers, judges, and politicians to keep his empire running smoothly. Capone’s approach was simple: if you couldn’t outgun your opponents, you could always outpay them. This strategy not only kept law enforcement at bay but also cemented his status as the undisputed king of Chicago’s underworld.
7. Philanthropist of the People
Capone’s public image was as carefully curated as his suits. During the Great Depression, he opened soup kitchens to feed the hungry, personally serving meals to the destitute. Whether this was a genuine act of goodwill or a PR move is debatable, but it earned him a reputation as a man of the people. Despite his criminal activities, many in Chicago viewed him as a Robin Hood figure who took care of the downtrodden.
8. A Mind Undone by Disease
For all his cunning, Capone’s mind eventually betrayed him. In his late teens, he contracted syphilis but refused medical treatment, allowing the disease to progress unchecked. By the time he was in prison at Alcatraz, the effects of neurosyphilis had severely diminished his mental faculties. In his later years, Capone’s once-sharp mind had deteriorated to that of a child, a tragic end for a man who once controlled an empire.
9. The Other Capone: A Prohibition Officer
Al Capone’s family history came with its own dramatic twist. His older brother, James Vincenzo Capone, rejected the family’s criminal path and became a Prohibition enforcement officer under the alias Richard Hart. While Al smuggled alcohol, Richard raided bootleggers. The brothers’ starkly different lives illustrate the varied paths individuals can take, even when raised under the same roof.
10. The Star Who Loved the Spotlight
Unlike most mobsters who preferred to operate in the shadows, Capone reveled in fame. He flaunted his wealth and power, often giving interviews to the press and attending public events in his signature flashy attire. When he was on trial for tax evasion, Capone even hired a press agent to manage his image. This love for attention set him apart from his peers and solidified his status as a cultural icon, inspiring characters in movies, books, and plays for decades.
11. From Scarface to “The Big Fellow”
The nickname “Scarface” came from a bar fight early in Capone’s life, when he insulted a woman and her brother slashed his face. But among his friends, he was affectionately called “The Big Fellow.” Despite his imposing reputation, those close to him saw a softer side, describing him as loyal and charming. These dual identities – ruthless mob boss and charismatic leader – made Capone a figure of enduring fascination.
The Legacy of Al Capone
Al Capone’s life was a whirlwind of contradictions. He was a cold-blooded criminal who shaped the face of organized crime, yet he was also a sharp-dressed philanthropist with a flair for the dramatic. His story is a testament to the complexities of human nature, blending ambition, ruthlessness, and a surprising touch of humanity. Even decades after his death, Capone remains a figure both reviled and revered, a larger-than-life icon who left an indelible mark on history.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.