Duncans Mills in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Time Poetry Left At Stage Holdup

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2015

1. First Time Poetry Left At Stage Holdup Marker

Caption: Decorations by Giacomo Patri

Inscription. On 3 August 1877 the Wells Fargo stage from Fort Ross to Duncans Mills was robbed by Black Bart (aka Charles E. Boles, Bolton, T.Z. Spaulding) using his feared command, “Throw down the box!” It was Black Bart’s fourth stage holdup and the first time he left poetry at the scene. On the back of a way bill he wrote:
I’ve labored long and hard for bread
for honor and for riches,
but on my corns too long you’ve tred
you fine haired sons of bitches.

On 22 July 1880 Black Bart struck that stage again but left no poetry. It was assumed that both times he travelled to and from his holdups on the North Pacific Coast Railroad, which began service 8 May 1877. In his twenty-eight stage robberies, Black Bart never fired a shot.

Erected by E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter #1.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1877.

Location. 38° 27.181′ N, 123° 3.153′ W. Marker is in Duncans Mills, California, in Sonoma County. Marker is on Steelhead Boulevard near Moscow Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 25277 Steelhead Boulevard, Duncans Mills CA 95430, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Duncans Mills Depot Museum (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Moscow Barn (approx. 0.6 miles away); Guerneville Historical Marker (approx. 4.4 miles away); Bank of Guerneville (approx. 4½ miles away); Korbel Station (approx. 6.1 miles away); Pioneers of Preservation (approx. 6.3 miles away); Occidental Union Hotel (approx. 6½ miles away); Pond Farm Pottery (approx. 7.3 miles away).

More about this marker. The marker is located at the tavern entrance of the Blue Heron.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Black Bart holdup sites and the courtroom where he was tried and convicted.

Also see . . . Black Bart - California's Infamous Stage Robber. This site was not set up to depict Black Bart as a hero, role model or person to be emulated. It is strictly a collection of information on Black Bart. We make no representation as to the accuracy of anything contained in this website except for three things: Black Bart existed, he robbed stages, he went to
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2015

2. First Time Poetry Left At Stage Holdup Marker
The marker is at the tavern entrance to the Blue Heron above the flower box.
jail. (Submitted on February 8, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. Outlaws

Charles E. Boles - alias Black Bart image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer

3. Charles E. Boles - alias Black Bart

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 8, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.