Here are some overview facts of the top 10 outlaws of the old west we discussed in our top 10 countdown:
Top 10 Outlaws
Jesse James: Jesse James, born in Missouri, gained infamy as a Confederate guerrilla during the Civil War. After the war, he formed the James-Younger Gang, which carried out a series of daring bank and train robberies across the Midwest. His outlaw status and association with the “James Gang” made him a symbol of lawlessness in the post-Civil War era.
Billy the Kid: Known for his short but violent life, Billy the Kid was a key figure in the Lincoln County War, a conflict that pitted rival factions against each other in New Mexico. His reputation as a ruthless gunslinger was fueled by his participation in a number of shootouts. He was ultimately killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in a controversial incident.
Butch Cassidy: As the leader of the Wild Bunch gang, Butch Cassidy was notorious for his successful bank and train heists throughout the late 19th century. His real name was Robert LeRoy Parker, and he was known for his charm and audacity. Cassidy’s criminal career took him from the United States to South America, where he continued his outlaw activities.
John Wesley Hardin: John Wesley Hardin was a ruthless and dangerous gunslinger, with an extensive criminal record that included murders, shootouts, and jailbreaks. He was known for his quick temper and deadly accuracy with a gun. Hardin’s criminal activities kept lawmen and citizens on edge during the tumultuous period of the American West.
Wild Bill Hickok: “Wild Bill” Hickok was a legendary figure in the Old West known for his remarkable skills as a gunfighter and lawman. He became a marshal and a scout and was even a participant in the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Hickok’s reputation as a frontier hero and his tragic end at the hands of Jack McCall in Deadwood, South Dakota, only added to his mystique.
Tom Horn: Tom Horn was a complex character who worked as a lawman, cattle detective, and assassin-for-hire. He was known for his role in the Wyoming Range Wars and his controversial execution, which many believed was unjust. Horn’s life and activities epitomized the tumultuous and often morally ambiguous nature of the American West.
Calamity Jane: Martha Jane Cannary, famously known as Calamity Jane, was a larger-than-life character of the Old West. She was known for her rough-and-tumble lifestyle, her friendship with figures like Wild Bill Hickok, and her involvement in various frontier adventures. Calamity Jane’s legend has endured as a symbol of strong, independent women of the American frontier.
Belle Starr: Belle Starr, often referred to as “The Bandit Queen,” was a female outlaw who associated with notorious criminals like the James-Younger Gang. She was known for her participation in horse theft and her distinctive, flamboyant attire, which added to her outlaw persona.
Wyatt Earp: Wyatt Earp was a key figure in the Old West, serving as a lawman, gambler, and participant in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He held various law enforcement positions and became a symbol of frontier justice. Earp’s life and career are emblematic of the lawmen who sought to bring order to the Wild West.
Doc Holliday: John Henry “Doc” Holliday was a skilled gambler and a close associate of Wyatt Earp. Suffering from tuberculosis, he lived a short and tumultuous life. Despite his illness, Holliday was known for his sharp wit, gambling abilities, and his deadly prowess as a gunfighter, especially during the events surrounding the O.K. Corral.
What else do you know about these top 10 outlaws of the old west? You can do some research following the links to this bibliography of Old West Outlaws.