Mary Allen
Introduction: The Infamous John Dillinger
John Dillinger was one of the most notorious criminals of the Great Depression era in the United States. He was a bank robber, a prison escape artist, and a public enemy number one. Dillinger’s short-lived criminal career lasted just over a year, but it was enough to make him a legend in his own time.
The Nickname that Stuck: Jackrabbit
Among the many aliases that John Dillinger used throughout his criminal career, one stood out as particularly memorable: Jackrabbit. It was a nickname that the press gave him after his daring escape from the Crown Point Jail in Indiana in 1934. The name stuck, and it became a part of Dillinger’s infamous legacy.
The Early Life of John Dillinger
John Dillinger was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1903. He was the youngest of two children in a middle-class family. Dillinger’s father was a grocer, and his mother was a homemaker. Dillinger attended school until the eighth grade, but he was never a good student. He was more interested in sports and mischief than in academics.
Criminal Beginnings: Dillinger’s First Robbery
Dillinger’s first brush with the law came in 1924, when he robbed a grocery store in his hometown of Mooresville, Indiana. He was caught and sentenced to ten years in prison. While in prison, Dillinger learned from other criminals and began to plan his next robbery. He was released in 1933, during the height of the Great Depression, and he quickly turned to a life of crime.
The Escape that Sealed the Nickname: Crown Point Jail
In March 1934, John Dillinger was arrested in Tucson, Arizona, and extradited to Indiana to face charges of murder and bank robbery. He was sent to the Crown Point Jail, which was thought to be one of the most secure jails in the country. However, Dillinger managed to escape on March 3, 1934, using a wooden gun that he had carved himself.
The Press Coverage of Dillinger’s Nickname
After his escape from the Crown Point Jail, John Dillinger became a national sensation. The press covered his every move, and his nickname, Jackrabbit, was widely reported. The name was thought to be fitting because of Dillinger’s speed and agility, which allowed him to outrun the police and evade capture.
Theories Surrounding the Origins of “Jackrabbit”
There are several theories about where the nickname Jackrabbit came from. Some believe that it was given to Dillinger because of his speed and agility, while others think that it was a reference to his large ears. There are also theories that the name was given to him by other criminals because of his tendency to hop from one robbery to the next.
Possible Connections to Dillinger’s Childhood and Family
Some historians believe that John Dillinger’s nickname may have had a connection to his childhood and family. Dillinger’s mother reportedly called him “rabbit” when he was a child, and some believe that this may have influenced his nickname later in life. Others point to Dillinger’s father, who was known for his speed and agility as a baseball player, as a possible influence.
The Significance of Nicknames in Criminal Culture
Nicknames have always been a part of criminal culture, and they serve several purposes. They can be used to establish a criminal’s identity, to create a sense of camaraderie among criminals, and to create a sense of fear among law enforcement. In the case of John Dillinger, his nickname Jackrabbit helped to establish his reputation as a daring and elusive criminal.
Conclusion: The Legacy of John Dillinger’s Nickname
John Dillinger’s legacy as a criminal is one that has been romanticized and mythologized over the years. His nickname, Jackrabbit, is just one part of that legacy. While the origins of the name may never be fully known, it remains a part of Dillinger’s story, and a reminder of the power of nicknames in criminal culture.