Billy the Kid: The Outlaw of the Wild West

Billy the Kid was born around 1859, most likely in New York City, though the exact details are uncertain. His real name was Henry McCarty, though he also went by William H. Bonney. As a boy, he moved west with his family, living in Indiana, Kansas, Colorado, and eventually New Mexico. After his mother died when he was a teenager, Billy drifted into trouble and crime.

Early Crimes and Reputation

Billy the Kid first got into trouble for stealing food and clothing. Later, he became involved in more serious crimes such as horse theft. He was said to be quick with a gun, and his daring personality made him both feared and admired. Many stories about him were exaggerated, but they helped create his legend.

The Lincoln County War

Billy the Kid became famous during the Lincoln County War in New Mexico in the late 1870s. This conflict was between two rival groups of ranchers and businessmen. Billy joined one side, working as a gunman. He earned a reputation as a skilled fighter and was said to have killed several men during the war. Afterward, he was wanted by lawmen throughout the West.

Capture and Death

Billy the Kid was arrested several times but often escaped. In 1881, he was captured and sentenced to hang for murder. He escaped from jail again, killing two guards in the process. A few months later, Sheriff Pat Garrett tracked him down in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. On July 14, 1881, Billy the Kid was shot and killed at the age of about 21.

Legacy

Billy the Kid’s short life made him a symbol of the Wild West. Some saw him as a dangerous outlaw, while others thought of him as a folk hero who stood up against unfair laws and powerful ranchers. His story has been told in books, songs, and movies, keeping his legend alive for more than a century.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think people were both afraid of and fascinated by Billy the Kid?
2. How did the Lincoln County War shape his reputation as an outlaw?
3. Do you think Billy the Kid was more of a criminal or a folk hero? Why?
4. How do legends and myths sometimes change the way we remember real people?

Glossary

• Outlaw – A person who lives outside the law, often committing crimes.
• Gunman – Someone skilled at using guns, often hired for protection or fighting.
• Lincoln County War – A violent conflict in New Mexico in the late 1870s between rival groups of ranchers and businessmen.
• Folk hero – A person admired by the public, often remembered in stories and legends.

Five Interesting Facts

• Billy the Kid was said to have killed 21 men, one for each year of his life, though the real number was likely much lower.
• He was described as friendly, polite, and charming when not fighting.
• Billy was known for his ability to escape from jails—he escaped at least twice.
• His real name, Henry McCarty, is less well known than his nickname.
• Some people later claimed Billy survived and lived under another name, but historians believe he died in 1881.

Timeline

• 1859: Born Henry McCarty, likely in New York City.
• 1870s: Moves to New Mexico; begins committing crimes.
• 1878: Takes part in the Lincoln County War.
• 1881: Captured and sentenced to hang, but escapes jail.
• July 14, 1881: Shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.