Many consider Luca Patti the first instance of a Sicilian mafioso in recorded history, but his ring appears to have had a predecessor, or possibly competition, in Corleone.
The first Mafia gang in Sicily
What happened to Frank Borgia?
By most accounts, Mafia associate and vineyardist Frank Borgia was last seen early in December 1951.
How did Lucia Terranova’s first Mafia marriage end?
For years, I assumed Lucia Terranova’s first marriage ended with her husband's murder in 1903. Then I saw this census record.
Did the Mafia begin with the Sicilian Vespers?
This golden age for the island of Sicily is the time that Mafia propaganda reaches back to for nostalgia.
The destruction of Antonino Luciano
Salvatore was warned to leave the country or “pay for his assault upon the leader of a secret order of Sicilians who swear by stilettoes.”
Francesco Motisi, alias Genova
Francesco Genova appeared to be an Italian gentleman, the sort the American press found charming and Sicilians rightly regarded as dangerous to cross.
The 800-pound gangster
One of the first men killed in the Macaroni Wars was Vincenzo Vutera, placed in the Luciano’s business to suppress the opposition during a raid led by Santo “Joseph” Calamia.
New Orleans, 1905: Who is Sam Sparo?
In 1902 in New Orleans, Tony Luciano and his family fought a battle to the death against Francesco Genova and his allies. Following months of deadly conflict---called the Macaroni Wars---and two murder trials, Sam Sparo penetrated Luciano’s defenses and killed him in broad daylight. After his execution for murder, it was revealed that Sparo was an alias. Who was Sam Sparo?
Sour grapes: the bitter legacy of the Lemon King
In the unsolved murder of Gaspare Di Cola, there are many suspects and one motive.
This Thing of Ours Is Bananas
The Society of the Banana may not sound threatening. But to the families who were extorted, it was a danger with no defense except to pay.
Mafia Genealogy 