Some might label the fascination of graves belonging to the famous and infamous as a byproduct of morbid curiosity. There is something special that lures many to the final burial sites of those who have crafted a reputation, according to the general population, that is based on the bad boy or bad girl image they project. Criminals such as: Henry Holmes, Al Capone, Ruth Snyder, Bonnie Parker, Clyde Barrow, John Dillinger, and the like have attracted much attention by their worldly deeds and have drawn many to their final resting places. Some of their burial sites have even become “must see” stops on individual pilgrimages by “fans” and “cult followers.” One such case is that of John Dillinger, proclaimed as the most notorious of the Depression-era outlaws having established himself as the best of the best when it came to robbing banks. He was named as “Public Enemy #1” by the F.B.I. with a reward of $25,000 being offered in 1934 in five states for his capture dead or alive. The focus of this paper will underscore the facts related to the criminal career of John Dillinger, his killing, disposition of his body, funeral, and his grave which has drawn, even to this day, hoards of visitors. This image-supported presentation will provide evidence as to why his is the most visited and most photographed grave at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana and the secrecy surrounding the site.
About the presenterJ. Joseph Edgette
This member is deceased. Receiving his Ph.D. in Folklore from the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Edgette was Professor Emeritus and Folklorist Emeritus, Widener University, Chester, PA. and Co-chair of Death in American Culture Area of MAPACA and Chair of the Cemeteries and Gravemarkers Area of the American Culture Association. Former Vice-Chair of the Woodlawn Cemetery Conservancy, Bronx, NY., he most recently served as President of the Riverview Conservancy, Trenton, NJ.