Notorious outlaw and gunfighter of the Wild West, known for his involvement in the Lincoln County War and his infamous shootouts.
Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney, is infamous for being one of the most notorious outlaws of the American Old West, with a trail of alleged 21 murder victims left in his wake before meeting his own demise at the tender age of 21.
Born Henry McCarty on either September 17 or November 23, 1859, Billy's life took a tumultuous turn when he was orphaned at 15. This marked the beginning of a life of crime, with his first arrest at 16 for stealing food in 1875. Just 10 days later, he robbed a Chinese laundry, got arrested, and promptly escaped, setting the stage for his fugitive lifestyle.
In 1877, Billy adopted the alias William H. Bonney, and his notoriety grew after killing a blacksmith in an altercation. Wanted in Arizona, he fled to New Mexico, where he joined a group of cattle rustlers and became embroiled in the Lincoln County War of 1878. As a regulator, he took part in the deadly conflict, which cemented his reputation as a cold-blooded killer.
Billy's legend grew in December 1880, when newspapers in Las Vegas and New York City chronicled his exploits. Sheriff Pat Garrett finally captured him later that month, and in April 1881, Billy was tried, convicted, and sentenced to hang for the murder of Lincoln County Sheriff William J. Brady.
However, Billy's determination to cheat fate knew no bounds. He escaped from jail on April 28, killing two sheriff's deputies in the process, and evaded capture for over two months. Ultimately, it was Pat Garrett who would bring an end to Billy's reign of terror, shooting him dead in Fort Sumner on July 14, 1881.
In the decades following his death, myths and legends surrounding Billy the Kid's life and fate continued to grow. Many claimed to be the outlaw himself, and his legend has been immortalized in countless Westerns and books. His life's story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of a life of crime and the fleeting nature of infamy.
Billy the Kid's life and exploits are forever linked with the lawless era of the Wild West, a time of outlaws, gunslingers, and sheriffs. His legend has inspired countless books, movies, and TV shows, cementing his place in the pantheon of American folklore.
Billy the Kid's life was marked by violence, rebellion, and a refusal to submit to authority. While his actions were undoubtedly reprehensible, his legend continues to captivate and intrigue us to this day, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of the American Wild West.
Born in 1851
A notorious gunslinger and gambler who roamed the Wild West, known for his deadly duels and close friendship with Wyatt Earp.
Born in 1848
Frontier lawman who kept the peace in notorious towns like Tombstone and Dodge City, earning a legendary reputation for bravery and fairness.
Born in 1847
Notorious bank robber and murderer who terrorized the American West in the late 1800s, becoming a legendary figure in American folklore.
Born in 1866
Notorious outlaw and leader of the Wild Bunch gang, known for his clever escapes and charismatic personality, robbing banks and trains across the American West.
Born in 1837
Legendary lawman and gunslinger who kept the peace in the Wild West, famously known for his deadly duels and mysterious death.
Born in 1860
A legendary sharpshooter who dazzled audiences with her incredible marksmanship skills, earning her a starring role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She's most famous for outshooting men and defying gender stereotypes.
