George Remus and Roosevelt's Strenuous Life: Competitive Swimming, Athletics, and the Journey toward Criminal Mastermind

Welcome to another captivating episode of “Tales of the Bourbon King,” the podcast that examines the life and true crimes of Jazz Age bootleg baron George Remus. In this episode, we dive deep into a little-known aspect of the crime mastermind’s life – an intriguing commitment to extreme sports and what that chapter uncovers about his journey to infamy.

George Remus, a name synonymous with 1920s crime and murder, had a lesser-known past that shaped the trajectory of his life. Long before he became entangled in the underworld of organized crime, Remus possessed an exceptional talent that set him apart – swimming. Born in the late 19th century, Remus displayed remarkable prowess in the water and established himself as a competitive swimmer of great promise.

But what does swimming have to do with the turbulent times of the early 1900s and the philosophy of the “strenuous life,” popularized by none other than President Theodore Roosevelt? To understand this connection, we need to delve into the prevailing mindset of the era.

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, preached the virtues of an active and vigorous life. He championed physical fitness, asserting that endurance and strength were not only crucial for individual success, but also for the well-being of the nation as a whole. Roosevelt’s philosophy was widely embraced, reflecting an era when physical challenges were seen as opportunities for personal growth and character development.

George Remus was undoubtedly influenced by Roosevelt’s example and the prevailing zeitgeist. His intense focus and single-mindedness, qualities that had propelled him to excellence in swimming, seamlessly transitioned into his pursuit of a legal career. Remus’s unyielding determination led him to become a successful lawyer, earning a reputation for his unwavering commitment to his clients and his relentless pursuit of victory.

But as history often reveals, single-mindedness can be a double-edged sword. Remus’s intense dedication to his clients and his insatiable drive for success eventually blurred the lines between legal and illegal activities. The advent of Prohibition in the 1920s provided Remus with a lucrative opportunity to exploit the law and amass immense wealth as a bootlegger.

In a stunning turn of events, Remus’s transition from esteemed lawyer to notorious criminal underscored the complex interplay between personal ambition, societal values, and the allure of forbidden activities during the Prohibition era. This episode provides another window into how Remus made the transformation – mentally and physically – from famous attorney to notorious criminal mastermind.