Ironically, hardcases from Britain’s Australia penal colony showed up in California shortly after news of the Gold Rush spread worldwide after 1849. Many Aussies turned around and headed to Australia given the fact that the Gold Rush had about run its course and a new gold strike was declared in Australia. The Aussies who stayed behind in the San Francisco Bay Area were given the name ‘Syndney Ducks,’ and they formed the first ethnic gang in California. When threatened by the Vigiliance Committee formed to reduce crime in San Francisco, many Ducks took off for Mexico and took up living there (ancestor of Anthony Quinn for one).
***‘Syndney Ducks,’ and they formed the first ethnic gang in California.***
“Ducks” and the “Hounds!” What a group of gangs!