Billy the Kid escapes from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico.

In the expansive and often lawless American Old West, few figures captivate the imagination quite like Billy the Kid. Born as Henry McCarty, likely on September 17 or November 23, 1859, his short but tumultuous life unfolded against a backdrop of frontier justice and burgeoning myth. He also adopted the alias William H. Bonney, a name that would become synonymous with his legend. Before his untimely death at the age of just 21, Billy the Kid was responsible for the deaths of eight men, cementing his reputation as a formidable outlaw and gunfighter.

McCarty's early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned by the age of 15, he was left to navigate a harsh world largely on his own. His first recorded brush with the law occurred in late 1875 when, at just 16, he was arrested for stealing food, a poignant indicator of his circumstances. Barely ten days later, a more audacious act – the robbery of a Chinese laundry – led to another arrest, though he managed to escape confinement shortly thereafter. This escape marked a turning point, as he fled New Mexico Territory for the neighboring Arizona Territory, effectively branding himself as both an outlaw and a federal fugitive. It was around 1877 that McCarty began consistently using the name "William H. Bonney." Interestingly, early records suggest his notorious nickname was already in circulation; a wanted poster dated September 23, 1875, referred to him as "Wm. Wright, better known as Billy the Kid," highlighting how swiftly his youthful reputation spread.

The Path to Infamy: The Lincoln County War

Billy the Kid's transformation from petty thief to a widely sought-after outlaw accelerated in August 1877, following an altercation in Arizona Territory that resulted in the killing of a blacksmith. Now a wanted man across territorial lines, McCarty returned to New Mexico, where he soon found himself embroiled in the region's simmering conflicts. He initially joined a group of cattle rustlers, but his true notoriety blossomed when he aligned himself with the Regulators.

This alliance plunged him directly into the heart of the infamous Lincoln County War of 1878. This violent dispute was a complex clash between rival factions vying for economic and political control of Lincoln County, New Mexico. At its core, it pitted the powerful interests of Lawrence Murphy & Co. (later known as the "House") against the upstart business endeavors of English rancher John Tunstall and his partner Alexander McSween. When Tunstall, a man for whom McCarty had worked and admired, was murdered by members of the opposing faction, it ignited a brutal cycle of retaliatory violence. The Regulators, formed to avenge Tunstall's death and restore a semblance of order (albeit on their own terms), became key players in the escalating conflict.

During this period of intense skirmishes and open gunfights, McCarty's reputation as a fearless, quick-on-the-draw fighter grew. He and two other Regulators were later charged with the killing of three men during the conflict, including Lincoln County Sheriff William J. Brady and one of his deputies. These acts further solidified his image as a dangerous and defiant figure.

Capture, Daring Escape, and Final Stand

Billy the Kid's escalating crimes and involvement in the Lincoln County War brought him increasing national attention. His story, often sensationalized, began to appear in newspapers far beyond New Mexico. In December 1880, his notoriety reached new heights when the Las Vegas Gazette in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and The Sun in New York City, published detailed accounts of his exploits, turning him into a true frontier legend in the public imagination.

It was this burgeoning fame that drew the attention of Sheriff Pat Garrett, a man who once knew Billy but had since taken on the mantle of law enforcement. Garrett, determined to bring the elusive outlaw to justice, successfully captured McCarty later that very month. The legal process moved swiftly; in April 1881, McCarty was tried and convicted for the murder of Sheriff William J. Brady, a key event from the Lincoln County War. He was subsequently sentenced to hang in May of that year, seemingly bringing his dramatic life to an end.

However, Billy the Kid had one more audacious act left. On April 28, 1881, he orchestrated a legendary escape from the Lincoln County jail, killing two sheriff's deputies during the daring breakout. This spectacular evasion ignited a massive manhunt, with Garrett relentlessly pursuing the young outlaw for over two months. The chase culminated on July 14, 1881, when Garrett tracked McCarty to Fort Sumner. In a dark room, Garrett ambushed and shot the 21-year-old Billy the Kid, bringing an abrupt and definitive end to his life.

An Enduring Legacy in American Folklore

Despite his definitive death at the hands of Pat Garrett, the legend of Billy the Kid continued to grow. In the decades that followed, persistent rumors and stories emerged, claiming that McCarty had somehow survived, with several men even coming forward to assert they were the true Billy the Kid. These tales, though unverified, underscored the deep fascination and romanticism associated with his figure.

Billy the Kid remains one of the most recognizable and notorious figures from the American Old West. His short, violent life, marked by resilience, defiance, and a tragic end, has been frequently dramatized and romanticized in Western popular culture, from dime novels and early films to modern television series and books. He embodies the complex allure of the frontier outlaw – a youthful, charismatic rebel operating outside the bounds of established law, whose story continues to resonate deeply within the tapestry of American history and myth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Billy the Kid

Who was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, was a notorious American Old West outlaw and gunfighter who gained fame for his involvement in the Lincoln County War and for killing eight men before being shot and killed at the age of 21.
What was Billy the Kid's real name?
His birth name was Henry McCarty, though he also went by the pseudonym William H. Bonney. Early wanted posters also occasionally referred to him as "Wm. Wright."
How many people did Billy the Kid kill?
He is credited with killing eight men directly. During the Lincoln County War, he was specifically charged with the murder of three men, including Lincoln County Sheriff William J. Brady.
What was the Lincoln County War?
The Lincoln County War was a violent conflict in 1878 New Mexico Territory between rival factions vying for economic and political control, primarily the established "House" of Murphy & Co. and the challenging business interests of John Tunstall and Alexander McSween. Billy the Kid was a prominent member of the "Regulators" faction, fighting on behalf of Tunstall.
How did Billy the Kid die, and who killed him?
Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Garrett, a former acquaintance turned lawman, tracked him down after Billy the Kid escaped from jail, killing two deputies in the process.
Why is Billy the Kid still famous today?
His enduring fame stems from his dramatic and short life as a youthful, charismatic outlaw during the romanticized era of the American Old West. His daring escapes, involvement in major conflicts like the Lincoln County War, and ultimate demise at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett have made him a central figure in American folklore and a frequent subject of popular culture dramatizations.