During the late 1800s, a notorious Irish gang known as the Gopher Gang emerged from the streets of Hell's Kitchen, a neighborhood in New York City. Comprised of members such as Goo Goo Knox, James "Biff" Ellison, and Owney Madden, the gang quickly gained notoriety for their involvement in various criminal activities.

The Gophers, overseen by founding members Marty Brennan, Stumpy Malarkey, and Newburg Gallegher, operated under a strict code of conduct that required members to commit crimes ranging from burglary and murder to armed robbery, muggings, assault, and extortion. Additionally, they held significant interests in illegal gambling dens and brothels, which they fiercely protected.

At the height of their power, the Gopher Gang boasted an estimated 500 members. They formed alliances with other notorious gangs such as the Parlor Mob, Gorillas, Rhodes Gang, and the Lady Gophers. However, they also had rivals, most notably the Hudson Dusters, with whom they clashed regularly.

The Gophers' influence extended throughout Manhattan, as they controlled a significant portion of the city from Fourth to Forty-Second Street and Seventh to Eleventh Ave. Their reign of terror brought havoc upon the streets, instilling fear in the hearts of both civilians and law enforcement.

One Lung Curran, a prominent member of the Gopher Gang, took their confrontations with the police to a new level. Known for his brazen attacks on Hell's Kitchen patrolmen, Curran would assault and rob them of their personal belongings and even their uniforms. He would then have his girlfriend tailor the stolen uniforms to fit him perfectly before parading around the neighborhood, almost mocking the authorities.

Curran's audacious actions inspired other gang members to follow suit. Assaulting and stealing police uniforms became a trend among the Gophers, and it further escalated tensions between the gang and law enforcement. The police, not willing to back down, responded with increased manpower and targeted arrests of high-ranking gang members, effectively weakening the Gopher Gang's structure.

In 1917, One Lung Curran passed away, and combined with the arrests of other key leaders, his death marked the beginning of the end for the Gopher Gang. With their leaders gone and their operations disrupted, the once-mighty gang gradually succumbed to its demise.

The Gopher Gang's reign represents a dark chapter in New York City's history. Their criminal activities and ruthless tactics left a lasting impact on the city's collective memory. Although their time in power came to an end, the Gopher Gang's legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the ongoing battle against organized crime.

As we look back on the Gopher Gang and their reign of terror, it is crucial to remember the efforts made by law enforcement to dismantle criminal organizations and maintain public safety. The story of the Gopher Gang serves as a lesson in the resilience of communities and the unwavering determination to protect society from those who seek to disrupt its peace.