In this episode of American Civil War & UK History Podcast, host Daz is joined by author Andrea Nolen to discuss her new book titled "Lincoln’s Counterfeiters: The Wisconsin Gang that Funded the Union and Started the Chicago Mob".

The book tells the story of a secretive counterfeiting gang based in Monroe, Wisconsin, known as the Bonelatta Gang. Andrea explores how this gang played a surprisingly significant role in financing various aspects of the Union effort during the Civil War by producing large-denomination counterfeit treasury notes and supporting banks aligned with the Lincoln administration.

Additionally, the book highlights how the criminal networks in Monroe connected with political corruption and criminal elements in Chicago, including the so-called "Kentucky Colony" and the Levee Lords. These connections eventually led to the formation of what became the Chicago mob.