BALTIMORE, MD –Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has teamed-up with the National Museum of Crime & Punishment to host one of America’s most notorious historical artifacts: the getaway car owned by mastermind-bank robber—John Dillinger. The 1933 Essex Terraplane is now on display in Southwest Airlines’ newly renovated Terminal A at BWI for travelers to observe upon departing and arriving in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region.
"BWI Marshall Airport is pleased to display an example of American history from one of Washington's most entertaining and informative museums," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration. "The National Museum of Crime and Punishment is a great resource for both local residents and visitors to our Nation's Capital."
Dillinger was an infamous bank robber during the early years of the Great Depression. His criminal activities and the hunt for his arrest not only captivated the country through sensationalist media, but also led to the formal creation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Dillinger purchased the Essex in March 1934 from the Potthoff Brothers Motor Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and used it until April 7, 1934 when he and his brother, Hubert, crashed the car in a farm field. On March 31, 1934 at Lincoln Court Apartments in St. Paul, Dillinger and his girlfriend, Evelyn Frechette, escaped a shootout with the police. Dillinger took a bullet in his left leg and two slugs can still be seen from the front cowl panel of the Essex. Dillinger was finally caught, and killed by, police at a theater in Chicago in July 1934. In 2009, actor Johnny Depp immortalized Dillinger in the Universal movie, Public Enemies.
“Dillinger’s getaway car has been a great addition to Southwest’s ticket counter area here at BWI Marshall,” said Reggie Barnes, Southwest Airlines BWI Station Manager. “Both Customers and Employees have enjoyed this unique piece of American history.”
The getaway car will remain on display at Southwest’s Terminal A through early 2011.
About Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
BWI Marshall Airport is owned and operated by the Maryland Aviation Administration, an agency of the Maryland Department of Transportation. The Airport is a major economic engine for the State of Maryland, creating and supporting 99,000 regional jobs and more than $5 billion in business revenue. BWI Marshall is the 24th busiest airport in the United States, with more than 20 million passengers per year. Air service at BWI Marshall includes more than 600 daily commercial flights and nonstop service to 67 domestic and international destinations.
About Southwest Airlines
After more than 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states (with additional service to Panama City Beach, Fla., in May). Based in Dallas, Southwest operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.
About the National Museum of Crime & Punishment
NMCP’s mission is to provide guests of all ages with a memorable insight into the issues of crime, crime fighting, and the consequences of committing a crime in America through a captivating interactive, entertaining and educational experience. The museum is located on 7th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C. at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Arena exit). For more information, visit www.crimemuseum.org
