Historical Figure
Billy the Kid
1859–1881
Talk to Billy the Kid
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Timeline
The story of Billy the Kid, told in moments.
Born Henry McCarty in New York City (probably). His mother is Irish. The family drifts west to Kansas, then New Mexico. His mother dies of tuberculosis when he is 14. He is orphaned.
Born Henry McCarty, probably in the Irish slums of Manhattan. His mother is Catherine McCarty, a laundress. His father is unknown. The family moves west. His mother dies of tuberculosis in Silver City, New Mexico, when he's 14. He's orphaned.
Kills his first man, a blacksmith named Frank "Windy" Cahill, in a saloon fight at Fort Grant, Arizona. He's 17 or 18. Cahill had been bullying him, calling him a pimp. Billy shoots him in the belly and runs. He rides to Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Fights in the Lincoln County War, a feud between rival cattle factions. His employer, English rancher John Tunstall, is murdered by a rival's posse. Billy joins the Regulators, a vigilante group. Over five months of ambushes, shootouts, and a three-day siege, the conflict kills dozens.
Captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett at Stinking Springs, New Mexico, after a standoff. Tried for murder in Mesilla and sentenced to hang. He tells the judge: "If you had been in my place, you would have done the same."
Escapes from the Lincoln County courthouse, killing two deputies. One he shoots with a pistol he hides in the outhouse. The other he kills with a shotgun from the armory. He rides out of town on a stolen horse. The whole county knows Garrett will come for him.
Shot and killed by Pat Garrett in a dark bedroom at Pete Maxwell's ranch in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He's 21. Garrett is waiting in the room. Billy walks in, sees a figure, and asks: "Quien es?" Garrett fires twice. He's buried the next day. The grave marker has been stolen repeatedly.
Shot in the dark by Sheriff Pat Garrett at Pete Maxwell's house in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He is 21. Garrett later writes a book about killing him and gets rich off the story.
Show full timeline (12 entries)
Arrested for the first time at 15 for stealing a bundle of laundry from a Chinese laundromat. He escapes through the chimney of the Silver City jail.
Kills a blacksmith named Frank "Windy" Cahill during a bar fight near Fort Grant, Arizona. He is 17. He flees to New Mexico, starts calling himself William H. Bonney, and falls in with cattle rustlers.
Joins the Regulators during Lincoln County War. Involved in the killing of Sheriff William Brady. Indicted for murder. He offers to testify in exchange for amnesty. The governor reneges. Billy runs.
Sentenced to hang. Kills two guards and escapes from the Lincoln County jail while handcuffed and shackled. He reportedly waves to onlookers from the balcony before riding out of town.
Artifacts (15)
Billy the Kid tintype, Fort Sumner, 1879-80
unattributed, possibly a traveling photographer who came through Fort Sumner in 1880. [1]
I can't remember three-quarters of the sessions I was on.
January 1968. Such was the extent of Jones' studio work – amounting to hundreds of sessions – that he said years later that "I can't remember three-quarters of the sessions I was on." It was during...
At the time that John died, I had just moved to Devon to bring up my family
ed Zeppelin === ==== 1980–2000 ==== Led Zeppelin dissolved in 1980 with the death of John Bonham. "At the time that John died, I had just moved to Devon to bring up my family", Jones said. "So,...
a heartfelt Aladdin-esque adventure for grownups
ris Elba and Tilda Swinton premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described the film as "a heartfelt Aladdin-esque adventure for grownups" adding, "Miller...
Related Historical Figures
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Billy the Kid's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.