One of the toughest Greaser Gangs to ever walk the street, the Simon City Royals weren’t a gang you wanted to mess with. First believed to be originated in 1956, the Simon City royals first started off as the Simon City, the later evolved into the Simon City Royals in 1969. Lets go over the roots of this notorious street gang.
History
Street gangs have played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape, reflecting the social complexities and challenges of their time. One such group, the Simon City Royals, emerged in the late 1950s in Chicago and went on to become a prominent force in American gang culture. In this blog post, we delve into the early days of the Simon City Royals, tracing their humble beginnings, exploring their formation, and examining the factors that led to their rise.The Ashland Royals: The precursor to the Simon City Royals was a gang known as the Ashland Royals. Comprising a group of teenagers from the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, they sought protection, camaraderie, and identity in an environment marked by economic struggles and social unrest. This tight-knit group formed the foundation upon which the Simon City Royals would later emerge.
The Birth of the Simon City Royals: Inspired by the music of the popular English rock duo Simon and Garfunkel, the gang decided to rename themselves the Simon City Royals. The name change reflected their desire for a distinct identity and symbolized their aspirations for something greater than the circumstances they found themselves in. With their new name in place, the gang began to solidify their structure and develop a unique culture that would define them for years to come.
Organizational Structure and Symbols:
The Simon City Royals quickly established a hierarchical structure within their ranks. They had leaders, known as “King Royals,” who oversaw various chapters and maintained control over the gang’s activities. The gang adopted distinctive symbols, including a six-pointed star encased in a crown, which became synonymous with their identity and served as a visual representation of their allegiance.
Territory and Expansion:
In the early years, the Simon City Royals primarily operated within the Rogers Park neighborhood, defending their territory from rival gangs. However, their ambitions soon led to territorial expansion. They began establishing chapters in other parts of Chicago and neighboring cities, extending their influence and power. This expansion brought both opportunities and challenges as they encountered new rivals and navigated diverse neighborhoods.
Subculture and Codes:
The early days of the Simon City Royals saw the development of a vibrant subculture within the gang. They had their own language, consisting of unique slang and coded phrases, allowing them to communicate discreetly among themselves. Additionally, they embraced specific dress styles and adopted distinct rituals and traditions that fostered a sense of belonging and unity among members.
Conclusion:
The early days of the Simon City Royals were characterized by the search for identity, protection, and a sense of belonging. From their humble origins as the Ashland Royals to the adoption of the Simon City Royals name and symbols, the gang began to shape its identity and develop a unique subculture. These formative years set the stage for their subsequent rise as a prominent force within American gang culture, marking the beginning of a complex and multifaceted history.
Alliances and War
The Simon City Royals had alliances with the Popes and the Gaylords. In 1975 the Gaylords ended up killing the Leader of the Popes, Larry “Larking” Morris. After this event the Popes decided to form the alliance.
The Royals clashed with the Latin Kings, Insane Deuces and Latin Eagles, this war was claimed a lot of different lives, including: Arab and Tuffy who were killed in 1974, Bimbo another respected Royals member was killed in 1975.
Folk Nation
IN 1978, Larry Hoover, the leader of the Gangster Disciples wanted to create an alliance which included Blacks, Latinos, and whites. He approached gangs, including the Simon City Royals in which they created the Falk Nation.