March 17, 1948 – Hells Angels MC is founded
The Bishop family formed the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Fontana, California on this day in 1948. Composed of members from a number of other local clubs, the Angels' name is supposedly inspired by WWII fighter pilots. Another possible origin could be Howard Hughes’ 1930 film “Hell’s Angels” about WWI fighter pilots. Internal club messaging states the name came from Arvid Olson, an associate of the club founders. During WWII he was a Squadron Leader of the 3rd Pursuit Squadron “Hells Angels” American Volunteer Group. Olson himself never became a member of the club.
A Hells Angels clubhouse in New York City. By Beyond My Ken - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Early knowledge of the Hells Angels is somewhat unclear, but some of the first chapters began in San Francisco, Fontana and Oakl...