The Legend of Billy the Kid
I saw a post about a photo questioning the validity. And I dont blame them. tell me that isnt some kind of time traveling Elon Musk, wtf he is the og billy the kid.
I fell down a rabbit hole and thought I might as well post it. Here's the story I found about the famous photograph of Billy the Kid and the history behind it, including details about his gang and the family that preserved the photo…for some unknown reason
In 1877, a rare photograph was taken, capturing a moment of Billy the Kid and his gang playing cards. This image is one of only two known and certified photographs of Billy the Kid, making it a significant artifact of the American Old West. The photograph shows Billy wearing his distinctive top hat and a casual demeanor, surrounded by his close associates. The setting, a rustic saloon, adds to the authentic feel of the era, with the gang members deeply engrossed in their game of cards.
The Camera Behind the Magic
The photograph was taken using a wet collodion process camera, a standard of the time known for its ability to capture remarkable detail. Here’s what the setup would have looked like:
- Camera Body: Made of wood with brass fittings, large and boxy in shape.
- Lens: Simple, large-aperture lens designed to gather enough light for the slow photographic process.
- Plate Holder: Held the wet plate securely during exposure.
- Bellows: Allowed for precise focus adjustments.
- Tripod: Provided stability for long exposure times.
The Wet Collodion Process
This process, also known as tintype or ferrotype, involved coating a glass or metal plate with a mixture of collodion and a photosensitive solution. The plate had to be exposed and developed while still wet, requiring a portable darkroom setup.
1. Preparation: Coat the plate with collodion and sensitize it with a silver nitrate solution.
2. Exposure: Place the plate in the camera and remove the lens cap to expose it to light.
3. Development: Develop the plate immediately using a solution of pyrogallic acid or ferrous sulfate in a portable darkroom.
The photograph was preserved by Billy Wilson's family for over a century. It was given to the current owner's grandfather by Wilson's widow at his funeral in 1918, ensuring its historical significance was passed down through generations. Recently authenticated by experts at the George Eastman Museum, it now stands as a genuine piece of the Old West.
This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the West's most infamous outlaws and his closest allies. It serves as a tangible link to the myths and stories of the American frontier, connecting us to the turbulent and often romanticized world of the Wild West.
1. Richard Brewer: Often considered the leader of the Regulators during the Lincoln County War, Brewer was known for his calm and strategic mind. His leadership and sharpshooting skills made him a respected figure among his peers. Unfortunately, Brewer's life was cut short when he was killed in a shootout during the conflict.
2. Fred Waite: A Chickasaw Indian, Waite brought a unique perspective to the gang. He was known for his loyalty and courage. After the Lincoln County War, Waite transitioned back to a lawful life, serving as a lawman in his later years.
3. Henry Brown: Originally a lawman, Brown's transition to outlaw activities mirrored the complexities and moral ambiguities of the Wild West. He participated in numerous skirmishes and became known for his volatile nature. Brown’s life ended violently when he was captured and killed by a lynch mob after a failed bank robbery.
The photograph of Billy the Kid playing cards with his gang has a fascinating history. It was kept within the family of David Anderson, better known as Billy Wilson, one of Billy the Kid's closest associates. Anderson rode with Billy during the Lincoln County War and remained loyal to him throughout his outlaw career. After the war, Anderson received a presidential pardon and went on to live a quieter life as a lawman and a U.S. customs inspector
The photograph remained a cherished family heirloom, passed down through generations. It was given to the grandfather of the current owner by Billy Wilson's widow at his funeral in 1918. She explained the history and significance of the photograph, ensuring that the story of Billy the Kid and his gang would not be forgotten. The photo was carefully preserved and kept away from public view for over a century, adding to its mystique and value.
experts at the George Eastman Museum, a leading institution in the history of photography authentication process involved meticulous analysis of the photograph's composition, the materials used, and the historical context. The experts confirmed that the image was consistent with other known wet collodion tintype photographs from the late 19th century
The photograph's revelation to the public was met with excitement and fascination. It provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of one of the West's most infamous outlaws and his closest allies. The image is not just a historical artifact but a piece of living history, connecting us to the turbulent and often romanticized world of the American frontier.
The story of Billy the Kid and his gang, as captured in this rare photograph, is a testament to the enduring allure of the Wild West. The photograph's journey through time, carefully preserved by the Anderson family, adds a layer of depth to the legend of Billy the Kid. It serves as a reminder of the complex characters and dramatic events that shaped this pivotal period in American history.
Born as Henry McCarty on November 23, 1859, in the bustling city of New York to Irish immigrants, Billy the Kid's early life was marked by hardship and instability. His father died when he was young, and his mother, Catherine, moved the family to the frontier territories in search of a better life. The untamed West was a place of opportunity but also of danger and lawlessness
As a young boy, Billy was known for his sharp intellect and quick reflexes. However, after his mother's death from tuberculosis in 1874, the 14-year-old found himself orphaned and alone. The frontier, with its constant conflicts and shifting allegiances, shaped him into a resourceful and resilient youth, adept at surviving in a harsh environment
Billy’s first known brush with the law came in 1875 when he was arrested for stealing food. Later, he became involved in more serious crimes, including horse theft and cattle rustling, which were common in the economically desperate climate of the New Mexico Territory. By the time he was 16, he had killed his first man, a blacksmith named Frank "Windy" Cahill, in what was reported as self-defense
Billy the Kid's most infamous exploits occurred during the Lincoln County War, a violent conflict between rival factions in New Mexico. This war was essentially a feud between two business groups: the established Murphy-Dolan faction and the upstart Tunstall-McSween faction, which Billy supported. The death of John Tunstall, a mentor to Billy, turned the conflict into a personal vendetta for him
Billy became a key figure in the Regulators, a group formed to avenge Tunstall's murder. His participation in the Lincoln County War solidified his reputation as a fearless and deadly gunslinger. Over several months of intense and bloody skirmishes, Billy and the Regulators engaged in numerous shootouts, leaving a trail of bodies and escalating the violence in the region
By 1878, the Lincoln County War had ended, but Billy the Kid's notoriety only grew. He continued his outlaw activities, often targeting those he blamed for Tunstall’s death. His charm and boyish appearance, combined with his ruthless efficiency with a gun, made him a legendary figure in the eyes of the public and a persistent thorn in the side of law enforcement
Sheriff Pat Garrett, a former friend of Billy, was tasked with capturing him. In December 1880, after a series of near misses and escapes, Garrett finally apprehended Billy in Stinking Springs, New Mexico. Billy was tried and sentenced to hang for the murder of Sheriff William Brady, a crime committed during the Lincoln County War
Despite his death sentence, Billy the Kid managed to escape from the Lincoln County jail in April 1881, killing two guards in the process. This daring escape further cemented his legend. Garrett, determined to end Billy's reign of terror, tracked him to Fort Sumner. On the night of July 14, 1881, Garrett shot and killed Billy in a darkened room, ending the life of one of the West's most notorious outlaws at the age of 21
Billy the Kid's legacy is a blend of fact and myth, a symbol of the Wild West's lawlessness and the harsh realities of frontier life. His story has been romanticized in countless books, films, and songs, often portraying him as a tragic hero or a Robin Hood figure. The image of Billy the Kid—a young man navigating the brutal world of the American frontier with a combination of charm, cunning, and deadly skill—endures as one of the most captivating tales of the Old West.
Billy the Kid's life, though short, left an indelible mark on American history. His ability to survive and thrive in a world of constant danger and shifting loyalties speaks to the complex nature of frontier life. His story, filled with daring escapes, intense shootouts, and a relentless pursuit of vengeance, continues to fascinate and inspire, embodying the raw, untamed spirit of the Wild West.
For more detailed stories and artifacts like this, sources such as [Irish Central](https://www.irishcentral.com) and [The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com) provide extensive insights into the rich tapestry of the Wild West and its legendary figures [oai_citation:5,Second-known picture of notorious Billy the Kid set to auction for $1M](https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/second-photo-billy-the-kid-auction-1m) [oai_citation:6,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/).
[oai_citation:4,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/)
oai_citation:3,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/)
[oai_citation:2,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/).
oai_citation:3,Second-known picture of notorious Billy the Kid set to auction for $1M](https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/second-photo-billy-the-kid-auction-1m) [oai_citation:4,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/)
oai_citation:1,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/) [oai_citation:2,Second-known picture of notorious Billy the Kid set to auction for $1M](https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/second-photo-billy-the-kid-auction-1m).
[oai_citation:1,Second Confirmed Photo of Billy the Kid Unearthed - Set for Huge Auction | The Vintage News](https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/12/04/billy-the-kid-photo/)
