Leo P. McLaughlin

Leo Patrick McLaughlin is little known today but in the early 20th century he was very well known by the citizens of Hot Springs and Arkansas law enforcement. His platform as mayor was to openly allow citizens and visitors to gamble in his town for a fee, with little concern for police involvement. His power was undeniable. The citizens of Hot Springs voted the way McLaughlin instructed or faced the consequences. He allowed notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, “Lucky” Luciano, and others into his town with the understanding they would behave themselves. He was a showman and loved the attention he received. Who was this man? Where did he come from and what happened to him?