On September 7, 1876, the James-Younger gang tried to rob the Northfield First National Bank. Townspeople realized what was happening, grabbed their guns, and shot it out in the street.

The resulting body count included the bank teller, Joseph Lee Heywood, and a Swedish immigrant, Nicholas Gustafson, as well as several members of the gang.

Cole, Bob and Jim Younger fled to nearby Madelia, MN (where they were captured). Frank and Jesse James escaped into the Dakotas.

Every September, Northfield holds the Defeat of Jesse James Days, where members of the community reenact the bank robbery and have a parade.

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