Who Was Billy The Kid? A Look At A Legend Of The Old West

When talking about outlaws and legends of the Old West, Billy the Kid often comes up in conversation, and rightfully so. Often portrayed as a ruthless figure and a misunderstood folk hero, his story is deeply tied to the history of New Mexico. He’s more than just someone from the past; he’s a lasting part of the state’s identity. So, who is Billy the Kid? Why was he so important? 

Let’s find out.

The Early Life of Henry McCarty

Henry McCarty, better known as Billy the Kid, was born around 1859 in New York City. It was stated that his childhood was rather unstable, marked by frequent hardships and moves. His family eventually relocated west, where Henry took on the alias William H. Bonney, and later Billy the Kid. His quick temper, skills with a firearm, and knack for escaping the feds cemented his reputation.

It’s widely believed that Billy committed his first killing as young as 18 years old. Quickly after, he became well regarded as both a wanted outlaw and a skilled gunslinger.

The Lincoln County War and John Tunstall

Billy the Kid’s rise to fame wouldn’t be complete without talking about the Lincoln County War in New Mexico during the late 1870s. At the center of all the conflict was the power struggle over trade and cattle interests in Lincoln County. One of the central figures was John Tunstall, a businessman who set up operations in opposition to an established entity controlled by Lawrence Murphy and James Dolan. 

Tunstall hired Billy the Kid as a ranch hand, and Billy quickly grew to be loyal to him. However, in 1878, Tunstall was murdered by members of the rival faction, and Billy swore vengeance. The killing of Tunstall escalated into an all-out bloody brawl between the two groups, with Billy and his allies seeking revenge against those responsible. The period of violence turned Billy into both an outlaw and a symbol of defiance, depending on who you ask.

Today, you can see the burial site of John Tunstall behind his former store in Lincoln, New Mexico, although it's rumored his body is located a short distance to the east of the grave.

How Did Billy the Kid Die?

Billy’s reputation grew, and grew rather quickly. His ability to escape confinement added to his legend, especially in April 1881, when he killed two deputies and broke out of the Lincoln County Courthouse. However, his luck ran out, and his freedom was short-lived. On July 24, 1881, Sheriff Pat Garrett tracked Billy down at Fort Sumner and shot him. Billy was barely in his 20s when he died, his death marking the end of his outlaw days, but just the beginning of his legacy.

Sites in New Mexico

You can visit several spots in New Mexico that are woven into Billy the Kid’s story. Those sites include:

• Lincoln Historic Site: The town of Lincoln is preserved similarly to how it was during Billy’s time. Walking its streets gives you a real glance into what life was like back then.
• Fort Sumner: Witness the site of Billy’s death and burial, learning more about the famed events that unfold on that fateful July date.
• Old Lincoln County Courthouse: See up close the courthouse known for Billy’s dramatic escape.

New Mexico embraces the history and legend of Billy the Kid, offering a mix of fact and folklore that keeps his story alive for generations to come.

Billy the Kid in Pop Culture

If you’ve heard of Billy the Kid, chances are you’ve also heard or seen the Young Guns movies. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, two films were released starring Emilio Estevez as Billy the Kid, dramatizing his role in the Lincoln County War. These films helped to introduce his story to a new audience, further establishing his legacy.

The Allure of Billy the Kid

Part of the reason Billy the Kid is so admired lies in his contradictory nature. Was he a ruthless killer? Perhaps he was just a young man forced into violence by his circumstances? Was he a criminal, or a symbol of hope against a corrupt corporation? The truth probably lies somewhere in between. What we do know is that his short life and untimely death continue to resonate to this day, making him a central figure, if not the central figure, in the story of the American West.