Polly Bartlett
Wyoming's First Female Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
South Pass City, Wyoming
TIME PERIOD
1868
VICTIMS
22 confirmed
On October 7, 1868, Polly Bartlett, infamously known as The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch, was apprehended in South Pass City, Wyoming, after a series of murders believed to involve at least 22 victims. Bartlett, along with her father Jim, lured wealthy travelers to their inn, poisoning them with arsenic-laced meals and whiskey before burying their bodies on their property. The investigation was prompted by the disappearance of Theodore Fountain, the son of a mine owner, leading to a manhunt that uncovered the remains of multiple victims. Despite the sensational nature of the case, historians question the veracity of the accounts, suggesting they may be more folklore than fact, as South Pass City is now a ghost town and the story has evolved into local legend. The current status of the case reflects a historical curiosity rather than an active investigation, with no further legal proceedings due to the passage of time.
Polly Bartlett is believed to have murdered 22 men who visited her lodge, with the assistance of her father, Jim Bartlett, by poisoning them with arsenic. Some accounts suggest that they buried the victims on their property, leading to speculation about the true extent of her crimes and the number of victims. However, historians argue that there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of Bartlett as a serial killer, casting doubt on the veracity of the tales surrounding her.
The Enigmatic Tale of Polly Bartlett: Wyoming's First Serial Killer?
Prelude to Infamy
In the rugged, untamed expanse of the Wyoming Territory during the late 19th century, whispers of murder and mystery cast a long shadow over South Pass City. Among these whispers was the chilling tale of Polly Bartlett, an innkeeper whose name would become synonymous with death and deception. Dubbed "The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch," Polly Bartlett is said to have been the first serial killer in Wyoming, a claim that has both captivated and divided historians and residents alike.
Born to Jim Bartlett, Polly's story, though widely recounted, remains shrouded in mystery and skepticism. Historians such as Phil Roberts and Jon Lane have cast doubt on the veracity of these tales, noting the lack of concrete evidence to support the grisly legend that has persisted through the years.
The Murders
The legend of Polly Bartlett is one that paints a grim picture of calculated murder and betrayal. Polly and her father, Jim—or John or Stephen, as some accounts suggest—operated a family lodge in the Wyoming Territory during 1868. The lodge became a trap for unsuspecting travelers, particularly businessmen and wealthy individuals lured in by promises of hospitality. It is said that Polly would serve her guests meals and whiskey, both laced with arsenic, ensuring their doom.
As her victims succumbed to the poison, Jim would assist Polly in burying the bodies on their property. The duo reportedly claimed a staggering 22 lives, each victim meeting their end amidst the picturesque but perilous landscape of South Pass City. When questioned about the missing men, Polly and Jim would deflect suspicion, attributing the disappearances to indigenous Americans and outlaws.
The Criminal Enterprise
The Bartletts' murderous endeavors were not born in Wyoming. Their criminal activities can be traced back to Ohio, where Polly would seduce men, isolating them while Jim relieved them of their valuables. Their first known victim, Lewis Nichols, left behind a hefty $4,000, providing the means to construct their deadly lodge east of South Pass City—a strategic location during the bustling American gold rushes.
The turning point came with the murder of Theodore Fountain, son of mine owner Bernard Fountain, in August 1868. Desperate to find his son, Bernard hired investigators from the renowned Pinkerton agency, sparking an investigation that threatened to unravel the Bartletts' deadly scheme.
The Pursuit and Downfall
Realizing their façade was crumbling, Polly and Jim fled South Pass City in August 1868. Their flight, however, proved futile. As authorities combed through their property, they unearthed the remains of their numerous victims, solidifying the Bartletts' infamy.
A bounty was placed on their heads—$3,000 from the Oregon Territorial Legislature and a staggering $10,000 from Bernard Fountain himself. Among those who sought justice was Ed Ford, a man who had narrowly escaped the Bartletts' clutches. Tragically, his brother Sam was not as fortunate and fell victim to their poison.
On October 7, 1868, Ed Ford finally caught up with the fugitives. In a dramatic confrontation, he shot Jim Bartlett dead and apprehended Polly, delivering her to justice. That same evening, as Polly awaited trial in her jail cell, Otto Kalkhorst—a German-born worker from one of Fountain's mines—took justice into his own hands. Through the window of her cell, he shot Polly dead. The act went unpunished, as Esther Morris, the first American female justice of the peace, chose not to charge Kalkhorst, seeking to put an end to the sordid saga.
Legacy or Legend?
Today, South Pass City stands as a ghost town, its once-bustling streets now silent. The Bartlett Inn, once a hub of horror, is regarded by locals as a mere folk tale. The story of Polly Bartlett, whether rooted in fact or fiction, continues to intrigue and terrify, a testament to the enduring power of legend in the American West.
Sources
- Sniffin, Bill (May 24, 2015). "Bartlett tale would be a fine movie". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- "150 YEARS AGO: WYOMING'S FIRST SERIAL KILLER CLAIMED 22 VICTIMS". Y95 Country. January 14, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- Ballinger, Dean W. (July 1963). "Polly Bartlett, Wyoming's Amazing Poisoner" (PDF). Real West. pp. 22–25, 58–60. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via Buckrail.
- Magaraci, Kim (October 7, 2021). "The Story Of The Serial Killer Who Terrorized This Small Wyoming Town Is Truly Frightening". Only in Your State. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- "Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch, Polly Bartlett (Truth or Legend) HD 1080p". 50 States of Madness (Podcast). October 6, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via YouTube.
- "Polly Bartlett, Serial Killer? Old Legend or 1960s Hoax? – Wyoming, 1868". Unknown Gender History. July 1, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via Blogspot.
- "Wyoming's worst serial killer: The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch". Buckrail. December 8, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- Schwamle, Bill (January 29, 2019). "Is This Woman Wyoming's Most Deadly Serial Killer?". My Country 95.5. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
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First Murder Committed
Polly Bartlett allegedly commits her first murder, Lewis Nichols, luring him with promises of wealth.
Theodore Fountain Murdered
Polly and Jim Bartlett kill Theodore Fountain, leading to an investigation by Pinkerton detectives.
Fleeing Authorities
Polly and Jim Bartlett abscond after realizing they are being pursued for the murders.
Jim Bartlett Shot Dead
Ed Ford shoots Jim Bartlett dead after tracking him down, turning Polly in for trial.
Polly Bartlett Killed
Polly Bartlett is shot dead through her jail cell window by Otto Kalkhorst.
On October 7, 1868, Polly Bartlett, infamously known as The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch, was apprehended in South Pass City, Wyoming, after a series of murders believed to involve at least 22 victims. Bartlett, along with her father Jim, lured wealthy travelers to their inn, poisoning them with arsenic-laced meals and whiskey before burying their bodies on their property. The investigation was prompted by the disappearance of Theodore Fountain, the son of a mine owner, leading to a manhunt that uncovered the remains of multiple victims. Despite the sensational nature of the case, historians question the veracity of the accounts, suggesting they may be more folklore than fact, as South Pass City is now a ghost town and the story has evolved into local legend. The current status of the case reflects a historical curiosity rather than an active investigation, with no further legal proceedings due to the passage of time.
Polly Bartlett is believed to have murdered 22 men who visited her lodge, with the assistance of her father, Jim Bartlett, by poisoning them with arsenic. Some accounts suggest that they buried the victims on their property, leading to speculation about the true extent of her crimes and the number of victims. However, historians argue that there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of Bartlett as a serial killer, casting doubt on the veracity of the tales surrounding her.
The Enigmatic Tale of Polly Bartlett: Wyoming's First Serial Killer?
Prelude to Infamy
In the rugged, untamed expanse of the Wyoming Territory during the late 19th century, whispers of murder and mystery cast a long shadow over South Pass City. Among these whispers was the chilling tale of Polly Bartlett, an innkeeper whose name would become synonymous with death and deception. Dubbed "The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch," Polly Bartlett is said to have been the first serial killer in Wyoming, a claim that has both captivated and divided historians and residents alike.
Born to Jim Bartlett, Polly's story, though widely recounted, remains shrouded in mystery and skepticism. Historians such as Phil Roberts and Jon Lane have cast doubt on the veracity of these tales, noting the lack of concrete evidence to support the grisly legend that has persisted through the years.
The Murders
The legend of Polly Bartlett is one that paints a grim picture of calculated murder and betrayal. Polly and her father, Jim—or John or Stephen, as some accounts suggest—operated a family lodge in the Wyoming Territory during 1868. The lodge became a trap for unsuspecting travelers, particularly businessmen and wealthy individuals lured in by promises of hospitality. It is said that Polly would serve her guests meals and whiskey, both laced with arsenic, ensuring their doom.
As her victims succumbed to the poison, Jim would assist Polly in burying the bodies on their property. The duo reportedly claimed a staggering 22 lives, each victim meeting their end amidst the picturesque but perilous landscape of South Pass City. When questioned about the missing men, Polly and Jim would deflect suspicion, attributing the disappearances to indigenous Americans and outlaws.
The Criminal Enterprise
The Bartletts' murderous endeavors were not born in Wyoming. Their criminal activities can be traced back to Ohio, where Polly would seduce men, isolating them while Jim relieved them of their valuables. Their first known victim, Lewis Nichols, left behind a hefty $4,000, providing the means to construct their deadly lodge east of South Pass City—a strategic location during the bustling American gold rushes.
The turning point came with the murder of Theodore Fountain, son of mine owner Bernard Fountain, in August 1868. Desperate to find his son, Bernard hired investigators from the renowned Pinkerton agency, sparking an investigation that threatened to unravel the Bartletts' deadly scheme.
The Pursuit and Downfall
Realizing their façade was crumbling, Polly and Jim fled South Pass City in August 1868. Their flight, however, proved futile. As authorities combed through their property, they unearthed the remains of their numerous victims, solidifying the Bartletts' infamy.
A bounty was placed on their heads—$3,000 from the Oregon Territorial Legislature and a staggering $10,000 from Bernard Fountain himself. Among those who sought justice was Ed Ford, a man who had narrowly escaped the Bartletts' clutches. Tragically, his brother Sam was not as fortunate and fell victim to their poison.
On October 7, 1868, Ed Ford finally caught up with the fugitives. In a dramatic confrontation, he shot Jim Bartlett dead and apprehended Polly, delivering her to justice. That same evening, as Polly awaited trial in her jail cell, Otto Kalkhorst—a German-born worker from one of Fountain's mines—took justice into his own hands. Through the window of her cell, he shot Polly dead. The act went unpunished, as Esther Morris, the first American female justice of the peace, chose not to charge Kalkhorst, seeking to put an end to the sordid saga.
Legacy or Legend?
Today, South Pass City stands as a ghost town, its once-bustling streets now silent. The Bartlett Inn, once a hub of horror, is regarded by locals as a mere folk tale. The story of Polly Bartlett, whether rooted in fact or fiction, continues to intrigue and terrify, a testament to the enduring power of legend in the American West.
Sources
- Sniffin, Bill (May 24, 2015). "Bartlett tale would be a fine movie". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- "150 YEARS AGO: WYOMING'S FIRST SERIAL KILLER CLAIMED 22 VICTIMS". Y95 Country. January 14, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- Ballinger, Dean W. (July 1963). "Polly Bartlett, Wyoming's Amazing Poisoner" (PDF). Real West. pp. 22–25, 58–60. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via Buckrail.
- Magaraci, Kim (October 7, 2021). "The Story Of The Serial Killer Who Terrorized This Small Wyoming Town Is Truly Frightening". Only in Your State. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- "Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch, Polly Bartlett (Truth or Legend) HD 1080p". 50 States of Madness (Podcast). October 6, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via YouTube.
- "Polly Bartlett, Serial Killer? Old Legend or 1960s Hoax? – Wyoming, 1868". Unknown Gender History. July 1, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via Blogspot.
- "Wyoming's worst serial killer: The Murderess of Slaughterhouse Gulch". Buckrail. December 8, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- Schwamle, Bill (January 29, 2019). "Is This Woman Wyoming's Most Deadly Serial Killer?". My Country 95.5. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Polly Bartlett allegedly commits her first murder, Lewis Nichols, luring him with promises of wealth.
Theodore Fountain Murdered
Polly and Jim Bartlett kill Theodore Fountain, leading to an investigation by Pinkerton detectives.
Fleeing Authorities
Polly and Jim Bartlett abscond after realizing they are being pursued for the murders.
Jim Bartlett Shot Dead
Ed Ford shoots Jim Bartlett dead after tracking him down, turning Polly in for trial.
Polly Bartlett Killed
Polly Bartlett is shot dead through her jail cell window by Otto Kalkhorst.