On 14 November 1957, state police descended upon Joseph Barbara’s woodland retreat, arresting some sixty men: all of them professional criminals with connections to powerful Mafia Families.
Apalachin, NY: 14 November 1957
Garbage hauling cartels: the dark matter of organized crime
The waste hauling cartel in New York City is a corruption as old as the industry in which it is embedded.
The valor of the don
Admiration of the mafioso as the epitome of masculinity, Sicilianità, and entrepreneurship valorizes the Mafia’s brand.
The first Mafia gang in Sicily
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.
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.
Mafia Genealogy 