Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In 1889, on a remote stretch of road between Fort Grant and Fort Thomas, one of the most audacious heists in American history took place. A U.S. Army convoy, escorted by legendary Buffalo Soldiers and carrying over 250 pounds of gold and silver coin, was ambushed. This became known as the Wham Paymaster Robbery.
Despite a ninety-minute battle that saw two soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor, the bandits escaped with what would be over a million in today’s currency.
To this day, not a single gold coin has ever been recovered.
In this video, we travel down Arizona's backroads to the exact site of the ambush. We’ll retrace the path of Major Joseph Wham, explore the ridge where the bandits laid in wait, and discuss why the primary suspects, including a local mayor, walked free.
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In 1889, on a remote stretch of road between Fort Grant and Fort Thomas, one of the most audacious heists in American history took place. A U.S. Army convoy, escorted by legendary Buffalo Soldiers and carrying over 250 pounds of gold and silver coin, was ambushed. This became known as the Wham Paymaster Robbery.
Despite a ninety-minute battle that saw two soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor, the bandits escaped with what would be over a million in today’s currency.
To this day, not a single gold coin has ever been recovered.
In this video, we travel down Arizona's backroads to the exact site of the ambush. We’ll retrace the path of Major Joseph Wham, explore the ridge where the bandits laid in wait, and discuss why the primary suspects, including a local mayor, walked free.
○ Gear we use: amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures
►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
