
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow
Bonnie
Parker (October 1,
1910 – May 23,
1934) and Clyde Barrow (March 24,
1909 – May 23,
1934) were notorious
outlaws, robbers and criminals who travelled the Central United States during the Great Depression.
Their exploits were known nationwide. They captivated the attention of the
American press and its readership during what is sometimes referred to as the
"public enemy era" between 1931 and 1935.
Although this couple and their gang were notorious for their bank robberies,
Clyde Barrow preferred to rob small stores or gas stations.
Between 1932 and 1934, there
were several incidents in which the Barrow Gang kidnapped lawmen or robbery
victims, usually releasing them far from home, sometimes with money to help
them get back.
Despite the glamorous image
often associated with the Barrow Gang, they were desperate and discontent. Life on the run, even with thousands of
dollars from a bank robbery, meant sleeping in a bed was a luxury for a member
of the Barrow Gang. Sleeping peacefully was nearly impossible.