View The Infamous Wooden Gun Used In Dillinger’s Escape March 3rd
CROWN POINT — March 3 not only marks the anniversary of John Dillinger’s escape from the Crown Point Jail 82 years ago, but will also be the only day the infamous wooden gun and two other Thompson submachine guns will be on display at the John Dillinger Museum. The Museum’s most valuable relic will be displayed on this anniversary from 3-7.
The two Thompson submachine guns that were stolen by Dillinger during his escape from Crown Point will also be displayed. The Lake and Porter County Sheriffs’ Departments will be loaning these items to the museum for this event. The last time the guns were displayed together at the Museum was in 2009.
“We are excited to offer the public a rare glimpse at a piece of region history. And a special thanks to the Lake County and Porter County Sheriffs’ Departments for their support and the addition of the Tommy guns.” said Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA.
Dillinger was said to have carved the gun out of wood and stained it black with shoe polish. He used the “gun” to force the guards to open the door to his cell and on his way out, locked up the guards and grabbed two machine guns before he made his getaway. His daring escape using a wooden gun made headlines across the nation.
The John Dillinger Museum is located inside the historic Lake County Courthouse in downtown Crown Point, 1 Courthouse Square. Regular admission fees apply to view the guns ($4/adults; $3/seniors; $2/children; active military, police, fire, EMS are free). Call (219) 989-7979 to schedule large groups to tour the museum.
The Museum will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 3 with the guns on display from 3-7 p.m.
The John Dillinger Museum takes visitors on an interactive, historical adventure through the life and times of John Dillinger and other gangsters of the 1930s Depression Era. Through the stories of the crime sprees during this time, visitors also learn of the rise of the FBI and advancements made in crime fighting technology.
Learn more at www.dillingermuseum.com.