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HERE.
In the early 1800's, as people began to push
westwards, gambling along the Mississippi River thrived, not only on the
riverboats themselves, but also in the many cities that flourished along
its banks. The spirit of risk taking, adventure and opportunity of the
"West," made those who left the "East" natural-born gamblers, and during
this time, a professional gambler was as legitimate as any other
profession, such as law or medicine.
As the Mississippi River connected waterways
for numerous trade avenues these, many gambling establishments were
popular, not only with professional gamblers, but with many of the
cash-laden travelers and traders.
But, as in any other "profession," there
were those who were unscrupulous and numerous gamblers quickly gained
reputations as sharps or sharpers. These dishonest men often utilized
cheating tactics and operated confidence games in order to bilk
unsuspecting travelers.
Their reputations became so terrible that
the public began to blame them for endangering the streets of their cities
and debasing the morality of society. As often happened in the West,
vigilantes, fed up with these dishonest gamblers, lynched five cardsharps
in Mississippi in 1835.
Also See:
Faro or "Bucking
the Tiger"
History of Poker
Legends of America Photo Print Gallery
Historic Cities, Buildings, and Scenes of the American West
Historic Figures of America's Past
Old West Photo Prints
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