Quck answer
Billy the Kid was a notorious American outlaw and gunslinger of the Old West. Born as Henry McCarty, he became involved in criminal activities at a young age. He gained notoriety as a member of the Regulators gang during the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. Billy the Kid was known for his quick draw and his ability to evade capture. He was eventually arrested and sentenced to death for murder, but he managed to escape. His life was cut short when he was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881 at the age of 21. Despite his short life, Billy the Kid has become a legendary figure in American folklore.
When you think of the Wild West, what comes to mind? Many people imagine a world filled with cowboys, saloons, and criminals. You might think of famous figures like Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, or Geronimo. Another name that often comes up is Billy the Kid.
So who exactly was Billy the Kid? Well, that depends on who you ask. Some people remember him as a dangerous outlaw, while others believe that he was treated unfairly by law enforcement in the Wild West.
There are still many uncertainties surrounding Billy the Kid’s life. It is believed that he was born in either September or November of 1859 or 1860. His birth name may have been William Henry McCarty or possibly just Henry McCarty. Some even think that he went by the name William H. Bonney, Jr. The truth remains unclear.
Regardless of his name, before becoming known as Billy the Kid, he referred to himself as William Bonney. He was born in New York City and later moved to Kansas and then Arizona. When he was around 14 or 15 years old, his mother passed away from tuberculosis. It is uncertain whether his father was already deceased or simply absent, leaving Billy the Kid as an orphan.
At a young age, Billy turned to a life of crime. Shortly after his mother’s death, he and his brother were arrested for stealing food and clothing. However, this would soon become the least of his worries. Billy eventually became a leader of a Wild West gang called “The Regulators.”
In 1878, The Regulators became involved in the Lincoln County War, a conflict between two groups in Lincoln County, New Mexico. The war was initially sparked by disputes over the rights to sell dry goods and cattle in the area. As the conflict escalated, both sides sought revenge for their fallen comrades.
The Lincoln County War elevated Billy the Kid’s reputation, making him one of the most feared gunslingers in the region. This reputation would solidify his place in history. To bring an end to the feud, Governor Lew Wallace offered amnesty to all those involved if they would surrender their weapons.
The Regulators agreed to the terms, but Billy the Kid still faced charges for his crimes. Many in the area saw this as a betrayal by law enforcement, breaking their promise of amnesty. In April 1881, Billy the Kid was convicted.
But was that the end of Billy the Kid? Certainly not! He managed to escape from the courthouse where he was being held. For the next few months, Billy the Kid hid in the homes of supporters throughout New Mexico.
In July, the law finally caught up to him. Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett discovered that Billy the Kid was hiding in the home of rancher Pete Maxwell. On the night of July 14, 1881, Sheriff Garrett shot Billy the Kid when he returned home.
Afterward, Sheriff Garrett collected the $500 reward for Billy the Kid’s death. He also wrote a biography detailing the gunslinger’s life. However, many people disputed the account of the killing, believing that the sheriff had actually shot the wrong person. Some claimed that Billy the Kid was still alive and well in the Wild West.
Over the years, numerous individuals have claimed to be the infamous outlaw. One of the most well-known was Brushy Bill Roberts, a Texan who sought a pardon for Billy the Kid in 1950. Whether Brushy Bill was really Billy the Kid remains a mystery. However, many people believe that he bore a striking resemblance to old photographs of the outlaw.
Is it possible that the real Billy the Kid is still alive? Most historians disagree and believe that the outlaw was killed and buried in 1881. However, there are still many who doubt the official story and prefer to believe that Billy the Kid lived on in the Wild West for many more years. What is your opinion on this matter?
Give it a Try
Ask a friend or family member to assist you in further exploration with one or more of these activities!
- Has the mystery surrounding Billy the Kid been solved? Before making a decision, read more about it. Then, write a paragraph explaining your belief regarding what happened to Billy the Kid. Do you think the historical record is accurate or do you believe that the infamous outlaw continued to live?
- Take a look at other iconic figures from the Wild West. Which one captures your interest the most? What else would you like to learn about them? Create a list of questions you have about one of these figures and then ask a friend or family member to help you find the answers online or at your local library.
- Billy the Kid resided in various places throughout his life! Create a map that highlights the locations where this famous outlaw lived during important events in his life. For each location you identify, provide a brief explanation of the significant life events that occurred there.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/billy-the-kid (accessed 31 July 2019)
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billy-the-Kid-American-outlaw (accessed 31 July 2019)
- https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-billy-the-kid (accessed 31 July 2019)
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/law-frontier-lincoln-county-war (accessed 31 July 2019)
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