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Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid was an American outlaw and gunfighter of the Old West, generally identified as Henry McCarty and also known as William H.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Billy the Kid was an American outlaw and gunfighter of the Old West, generally identified as Henry McCarty and also known as William H. Bonney. He became closely associated with the Lincoln County War in New Mexico and was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881 at about age 21. His life and death helped make him one of the best-known figures in American frontier folklore.

Early life

Billy the Kid was born in New York City in 1859, though his exact birth date is disputed. Sources generally identify him as Henry McCarty and note that details of his youth are uncertain.

Outlaw career

He became known as a gunslinger and outlaw in the American West, including participation in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. Later accounts associate him with cattle rustling, jail escape, and multiple killings, though the historical record is incomplete.

Death

Billy the Kid was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He was about 21 years old at the time of his death.

Legacy

Billy the Kid became one of the most famous figures in American Old West mythology. His life inspired many films and retellings, and his story remains debated by historians and popular culture.

Key facts

  • Billy the Kid was an American frontier outlaw whose life became central to Wild West legend.
  • He is most commonly identified as Henry McCarty, with William H. Bonney used as an alias.
  • He was involved in New Mexico's Lincoln County War.
  • Accounts vary on how many people he killed; sources note claims ranging up to 21, with far fewer verified.
  • He was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid was an American outlaw and gunfighter of the Old West, usually identified as Henry McCarty.
What was Billy the Kid's real name?
He is generally identified as Henry McCarty, and he also used the name William H. Bonney.
What was Billy the Kid known for?
He was known for his involvement in the Lincoln County War and for his notoriety as an Old West outlaw.
How old was Billy the Kid when he died?
He was about 21 years old when Sheriff Pat Garrett killed him in 1881.
How many people did Billy the Kid kill?
Claims vary widely, but sources say the traditional figure is unsupported and the verified number is much lower than 21.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_the_Kid
    Supports: Basic identity, aliases, birth and death dates, Lincoln County War involvement, and traditional killing claims.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billy-the-Kid-American-outlaw
    Supports: Biographical overview, disputed birth date, death by Sheriff Pat Garrett, and historical context.
  3. Library of Congress — https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2015/04/young-gun/
    Supports: Alias usage, approximate birth year, death by Pat Garrett, and burial in Fort Sumner.
  4. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-billy-the-kid
    Supports: Age at death, alias, number of killings claimed, and general notoriety.
  5. New Mexico Tourism Department — https://www.newmexico.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/historical/billy-the-kid/
    Supports: Connection to New Mexico and death at Fort Sumner.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/us-history-biographies/billy-kid
    Supports: Alias, birth and death details, outlaw career, and traditional murder count claims.