Wed, 06 May 2026 01:44:47 +0000

Billy the Kid: The Legendary Outlaw of the American West Who was Billy the Kid? From dime novels to Hollywood films, the name Billy the Kid has become synonymous with wild frontier justice, daring escapes, and the lawless days of the Wild West. While history and myth often intertwine, Billy Antonio Antrim — better known as Billy the Kid — remains one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in American folklore. ### Who Was Billy the Kid? Born Henry McCarty around 1859 (exact date uncertain), Billy the Kid rose to notoriety as a young gunslinger and outlaw in the late 19th century. After a traumatic childhood marked by poverty and loss, Billy moved across the American Southwest, adopting various aliases including William H. Bonney. He became infamous for his cunning, speed with a revolver, and involvement in violent feuds — most notably in Lincoln County, New Mexico.