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where the wild west comes alive
Billy the Kid
(1859- July 14, 1881)
Drawing by Richard Florence .
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Billy
the Kid is one of the best known characters of the Old West. Unfortunately, parts of the his
life have been built on legends and misinformation.
- The Illustrated Life and Times of Billy the Kid by Bob Boze Bell
- This is a fun and fact filled book. Presenting an easy to read chronological sequence of Billy's life, this book really shines with it's extensive photo collection (many seen for the first time), maps, illustrations and drawings (by Bob Bell). I don't know why I waited so long acquiring this book.
- Trailing Billy the Kid by Phillip J. Rasch
- If there is a better Billy the Kid book out there I would like to read it. This recently publish book contains notes and obscure published articles by the author.
- Warroirs of Lincoln County by Phillip J. Rasch
- Another book in the series printing Phillip J. Rasch's insight, notes and years of research. A must have for Billy the Kid fans
- Gunsmoke in Lincoln County by Phillip J. Rasch
- Yet another book in the series printing Phillip J. Rasch's insight, notes and years of research. A must have for Billy the Kid fans
- The Life and Death of John Henry Tunstall by Frederick Nolan
- Here is a book recommended by a visitor to my web page and a descendant of Tunstall. The person stated it may be out-of print, but this author has done other books which may be useful.
- Violence in Lincoln County 1869-1881 by William A. Keleher
- This book concentrates on the Lincoln County War, but provides accurate information about Billy during that period.
Basically, Billy was born in the east and moved west with his mother to Silver City, NM. At a young age he was jailed for a minor offense and escaped. In Bonito, Az, he killed Frank Cahilll.
Billy arrived in Lincoln, NM during a time when the Murphy-Dolan Faction and John Tunstall were trying to secure beef contracts with the military in Fort Stanton. Tunstall had befriended Billy and a number of young drifters. The conflict between the Murphy-Dolan Faction and Tunstall turned ugly. John Tunstall was killed. Angered by the death of their friend, the drifters formed a group known as the 'Regulators'. As a self-impose police force, they tried to round up the people responsible for the death of Tunstall.. Many people died during this pursuit..
The plot becomes more complicated and Billy is a wanted man. Pat Garrett becomes sheriff of Lincoln county and begins his pursuit of Billy. The cat and mouse game between these two lasts about a year and a half. Billy is cornered, but escapes. Billy is caught and sentenced to die, but escapes. Finally, Pat Garrett waits for Billy in a room at Pete Maxwell's home in Fort Sumner, NM. Billy enters and Pat Garrett fires.
Billy the Kid is buried in the old Fort Sumner Post Cemetery near present day Fort Sumner, New Mexico. There are plenty of signs directing you to the grave.
Books about Billy the Kid |
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