The death of his mother set him on the wrong trail. September 16, 1874. Catherine Antrim dies of tuberculosis in her home in Silver City, New Mexico...
The Mourning of Billy the Kid
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Billy the Kid
The Kid’s First Kill
Windy Cahill becomes the first victim of Billy. August 17, 1877. Henry McCarty, also known as Henry Antrim, later known as Billy the Kid, kills his...
A Meal and Meeting of Legends
Did Jesse James and Billy the Kid really break bread together? July 26, 1879. Dr. Henry Hoyt (photo) has dinner at the Adobe Hotel in Las Vegas, NM....
The Deadly Escape
Billy the Kid vs Olinger & Bell Against All Odds April 28, 1881 Godfrey Gauss and Sam Wortley live behind the Lincoln Courthouse....
A Letter From the Kid
Billy Bonney couldn’t convince the governor to meet with him. March 2, 1881. Billy the Kid sends one of his many letters to New Mexico Territory...
Billy the Kid’s Many Aliases
The Kid's official birth name was William Henry McCarty Jr. His birthplace is not certain. Some say New York City. In 1873 his mother, Catherine...
Taking His Time
Billy the Kid was in no hurry to leave after breaking jail. Billy the Kid became famous after he escaped from the Lincoln County Jail on April 28,...
Billy the Kid
There are more myths about Billy than you can shake a stick at and the biggest one is he killed twenty-one men. In reality, Billy killed Frank...
The Power of Pictures
The very best historical photographs from our treasured vaults define our idea of the West. In honor of our 70th year, the editors of True West have...
Black Bart, Buffalo Robes and Outlaw Hideouts
What were buffalo hides used for? Pat McManus Cave Junction, Oregon Often, they were used for coats or blankets—both by Indians and Whites. In the...
Shooting Back
Our readers remind us of the variables and vagaries of historic truths, “well-established” facts, headlines and historical photographs. The Revenge...
Not-So Scared Straight
A sheriff’s failed attempt to turn Billy the Kid’s life around. Harvey Whitehill was the sheriff of Grant County, New Mexico Territory, at the time...