The Wild West has long been romanticized in literature, films and television shows.
The rugged landscape, the lawlessness, horseback riding, and of course, the cowboys and outlaws who ruled the land, have captivated audiences for decades.
But who were these legendary figures? And what made them so famous? In this article, we will take a closer look at 34 of the most famous cowboys and outlaws who left their mark on the Wild West.
1. Billy the Kid (1859 to 1881)
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, was a legendary outlaw in the American Old West. Orphaned at a young age, he ventured into the wild New Mexico Territory and ultimately embraced a life of crime.
With a cherubic face that masked his deadly skills, he became famous for his role in the Lincoln County War and for allegedly killing 21 men—one for each year of his life.
Known for his quick draw and daring escapes, he was a constant challenge for lawmen.
Billy the Kid’s adventurous life came to an abrupt end when Sheriff Pat Garrett shot him at the age of 21.
His short, turbulent journey has become the stuff of legends, immortalized in countless stories and films, painting a vivid picture of the whimsical and wild days of the Old West.
2. Jesse James (1847 to 1882)
Jesse James was a notorious outlaw and leader of the James-Younger Gang.
After serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, he turned to a life of crime and became one of the most wanted men in America.
His daring train and bank robberies made him a folk hero among many Americans who were disillusioned with post-war politics and economic turmoil.
However, his violent and ruthless ways ultimately led to his downfall when he was shot by a member of his own gang at the age of 34.
3. Wyatt Earp (1848 to 1929)
Wyatt Earp is best known for being a lawman in the Wild West, but he also dabbled in gambling and mining.
His involvement in the shootout at the O.K. Corral, along with his brothers and Doc Holliday, solidified his place in history as a fearless and quick-witted gunslinger.
After leaving law enforcement, he spent the rest of his life as a saloon owner and occasional referee for boxing matches.
His legacy continues to live on through countless books, movies, and TV shows.
4. Butch Cassidy (1866 to 1908)
Butch Cassidy, originally named Robert Leroy Parker, was a notorious bank and train robber who formed the famous gang known as the “Wild Bunch.”
Known for his charismatic personality and robbing methods that avoided violence against civilians, he became somewhat of a folk hero in the eyes of many Americans.
After numerous successful heists, he and his partner, Harry Longabaugh (also known as the Sundance Kid), fled to South America where they continued their criminal activities until their alleged deaths in a shootout with authorities.
5. Calamity Jane (1852 to 1903)
Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Canary, was a frontierswoman and occasional scout for the U.S. Army.
Her adventurous spirit and unconventional lifestyle made her a legend in the Wild West.
She was known for her sharpshooting skills, rough language, and hard-drinking tendencies.
Despite her tough exterior, she gained fame for her acts of kindness towards others, especially during times of sickness and disaster.
Her life has been immortalized in books, films, and even a TV series, solidifying her status as one of the most famous women of the Wild West.
6. Doc Holliday (1851 to 1887)
Doc Holliday was a dentist turned gambler and gunslinger who became famous for his role in the shootout at the O.K. Corral alongside the Earp brothers.
Despite his poor health, he was known for his sharpshooting skills and quick wit.
His friendship with Wyatt Earp has been heavily romanticized in popular culture, making him one of the most renowned figures of the Wild West.
7. Belle Starr (1848 to 1889)
Belle Starr, also known as the “Bandit Queen,” was a notorious female outlaw who ran with some of the most famous gangs in the Wild West.
Her bold and flashy style made her stand out among other outlaws, and she was not afraid to use her charm and wit to get what she wanted.
Her mysterious death only added to her legend, and she continues to be a popular subject in books and films.
8. Davy Crockett (1786 to 1836)
Davy Crockett, also known as the “King of the Wild Frontier,” was a pioneer, soldier, and politician. Born in Tennessee, he gained fame as a folk hero for his rugged persona and exploits.
Crockett served in the U.S. Congress but is best known for his role in the Texas Revolution.
He famously fought and died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, becoming an enduring symbol of bravery and resistance.
His larger-than-life character continues to be celebrated in American folklore, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the early American frontier.
9. William F. Cody (1846 to 1917)
William F. Cody, better known as “Buffalo Bill,” was a legendary figure of the Wild West who gained fame for his buffalo hunting skills and later for his Wild West shows.
He even earned the nickname “The King of Cowboys” for his impressive horseback riding abilities and sharpshooting skills.
His Wild West shows traveled throughout the United States and Europe, showcasing the life and culture of the American frontier.
Buffalo Bill’s legacy continues to be celebrated through rodeos, reenactments, and even a popular theme park.
10. Wild Bill Hickok (1837 to 1876)
Wild Bill Hickok was a frontiersman, lawman, and skilled marksman who gained fame for his role in various shootouts and gunfights.
Known for his quick draw and deadly accuracy, he became a legend in the Wild West.
His death at the hands of an assassin only added to his mystique, and he continues to be remembered as one of the most iconic figures of the American frontier.
His legacy has been immortalized in countless books, films, and even a popular TV series.
11. Samuel Bass (1851 to 1878)
Samuel Bass, also known as “Texas Sam,” was a notorious outlaw who gained fame for his daring train robberies in the late 1800s.
He was known for his charm and charisma, often winning over the sympathy of train passengers before robbing them.
Despite his criminal activities, he had a reputation for being a gentleman and always treating his victims with respect.
His legacy continues to be romanticized in popular culture, cementing his place as one of the most infamous outlaws of the Wild West.
12. Geronimo (1829 to 1909)
Geronimo was a renowned leader of the Apache tribe and known for his resistance against American expansion into Native American territories.
His fierce fighting skills and refusal to surrender made him a feared opponent among the U.S. Army.
His legacy continues to be honored by Native American communities, and he remains a symbol of courage and defiance in the face of adversity.
13. Kit Carson (1809 to 1868)
Kit Carson was an American frontiersman and explorer who played a significant role in the western expansion of the United States.
Known for his survival skills, knowledge of Native American cultures, and expertise in trapping and hunting, he became a legendary figure of the Wild West.
His life has been immortalized in numerous books and films, solidifying his place as one of the most famous figures in American history.
14. Annie Oakley (1860 to 1926)
Annie Oakley, also known as “Little Sure Shot,” was a sharpshooter and exhibition shooter who gained fame for her incredible marksmanship skills.
She traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, showcasing her talents and becoming one of the most famous women in the world at the time.
Her legacy continues to inspire female shooters and athletes, and she remains an iconic figure of the American frontier.
15. Bill Pickett (1870 to 1932)
Bill Pickett, born to a former slave family, was an African American cowboy and rodeo performer who invented the thrilling technique of “bulldogging” or steer wrestling.
Imagine grabbing cattle by the horns and wrestling them to the ground—Pickett did just that!
Traveling with the Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West Show, Pickett dazzled audiences from the United States to Canada and even Europe.
His extraordinary skills and daring performances made him a star attraction.
Pickett’s innovative spirit and contributions to rodeo culture marked him as a true trailblazer in American history.
Despite facing racial discrimination, his talent and tenacity shone through, earning him a well-deserved place in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Bill Pickett’s legacy endures as one of the most influential figures of the Wild West, inspiring creativity and adventure in the hearts of many.
16. Kitty Wilkes (1870 to 1943)
Kitty Wilkes was a prominent figure in the early years of rodeo and one of the few female trick riders at the time.
She wowed audiences with her daring stunts, including standing on her horse’s back while it galloped around the arena.
Wilkes paved the way for future generations of female performers in rodeo, and her legacy continues to inspire young women to push boundaries and follow their passions.
17. John Ware (1845 to 1905)
John Ware was an African American cowboy and rancher who became a symbol of strength, hard work, and resilience in the Wild West.
Born into slavery, he later moved to Texas and then Montana to pursue a career in ranching.
His expertise in handling cattle made him highly sought after by ranchers, and he became one of the wealthiest black men in Alberta, Canada.
Despite facing discrimination and challenges as a black man in the West, Ware’s determination and success made him a revered figure in cowboy culture.
His legacy is celebrated through events like the annual John Ware Days festival in Alberta.
18. Tom Ketchum (1863 to 1901)
Tom Ketchum, also known as “Black Jack,” was a notorious outlaw and member of the infamous “Wild Bunch” gang.
His daring train robberies and holdups made him one of the most wanted outlaws in the West.
He gained even more notoriety for being the only person to be hanged for a crime committed in New Mexico while it was still a territory.
Ketchum’s life and crimes have been depicted in numerous books, films, and even songs, cementing his place as one of the most infamous figures of the Wild West.
19. Bass Reeves (1838 to 1910)
Bass Reeves was a lawman and one of the first African American deputy U.S. marshals to work in the Wild West.
Known for his impressive tracking and shooting skills, he became one of the most feared lawmen in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
Despite facing discrimination and challenges as a black man in law enforcement, Reeves’ bravery and dedication earned him respect and admiration from both white and Native American communities.
His story has inspired numerous books and films, and he remains a symbol of justice and courage in the Wild West.
20. Laura Bullion (1876 to 1961)
Laura Bullion was a member of the Wild Bunch gang and one of the only female members in history.
She gained notoriety for her involvement in numerous robberies, including the infamous train holdup known as the “Wilcox Train Robbery.”
Her story is often overshadowed by her male counterparts, but she played a significant role in the gang’s criminal activities.
Bullion’s life and legacy continue to be explored and portrayed in pop culture, highlighting the diversity of experiences in the Wild West.
21. Pat Garrett (1850 to 1908)
Pat Garrett was a lawman and former cowboy who became known for his involvement in the capture of the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid.
Garrett’s reputation as a fearless gunslinger and sharpshooter made him an ideal candidate for sheriff, and he later served as a U.S. Customs Officer in El Paso, Texas.
His story has been immortalized in numerous films and books, solidifying his place as a legendary figure of the Wild West.
22. Pearl Hart (1871 to 1955)
Pearl Hart was a Canadian-born outlaw who gained notoriety for her involvement in the last stagecoach robbery in Arizona.
She and her partner, Joe Boot, successfully stole $431 from a Globe to Florence stagecoach in 1899.
Hart’s actions challenged traditional gender roles and expectations of women at the time, making her an intriguing and controversial figure in the Wild West.
Her story continues to fascinate and inspire, showing the complexities of individuals who lived on the edge of society during this period in American history.
23. John Wesley Hardin (1853 to 1895)
John Wesley Hardin was a notorious outlaw and gunslinger responsible for numerous killings in the Wild West.
His life of crime and violence began at an early age, earning him the reputation as one of the most feared men in Texas.
Hardin’s notoriety has been immortalized in various films and books, cementing his place as one of the most infamous figures of the Wild West.
Despite his violent past, he later became a lawyer and claimed to have reformed before being tragically killed at the age of 42.
24. Bat Masterson (1853 to 1921)
Bat Masterson was a lawman, gambler, and journalist known for his involvement in the Wild West’s most infamous events.
He gained notoriety for participating in multiple shootouts and being the sheriff of Dodge City, Kansas.
Masterson’s larger-than-life personality and adventurous lifestyle made him a legend in his own time, and he remains a popular figure in Western folklore.
His legacy continues to be celebrated through various mediums, keeping the spirit of the Wild West alive for generations to come.
25. Nat Love (1854 to 1921)
Nat Love, also known as “Deadwood Dick,” was a cowboy and Wild West show performer who gained fame for his exceptional riding and shooting skills.
His autobiography, “Life and Adventures of Nat Love: Better Known in the Cattle Country as ‘Deadwood Dick’,” is one of the few accounts of a black cowboy in the late 19th century.
Love’s life and adventures have been immortalized in books, films, and even comic books, showcasing his legendary status in cowboy culture.
His story serves as a reminder of the diverse individuals who contributed to shaping the Wild West into what it is known for today.
26. Cole Younger (1844 to 1916)
Cole Younger was a notorious outlaw and member of the infamous James-Younger gang.
His life of crime included numerous robberies, shootouts, and jailbreaks before he was eventually captured and served time in prison.
After his release, Younger became a reformed man and toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, sharing his story and cautioning against a life of crime.
His transformation and redemption have been portrayed in various mediums, adding depth to the often romanticized image of outlaws in the Wild West.
27. Doc Scurlock (1849 to 1929)
Doc Scurlock was a member of the Wild Bunch gang and close associate of infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid.
His expertise as a marksman and sharpshooter made him an integral member of the gang during their criminal activities.
After his time with the Wild Bunch, Scurlock became a respected citizen in New Mexico and lived a quiet, law-abiding life until his death at the age of 80.
His story offers insight into the complexities of individuals involved in criminal activities during the Wild West era.
28. Vera McGinnis (1879 to 1965)
Vera McGinnis was a female outlaw who gained notoriety for her involvement in various robberies and murders in the early 20th century.
She was known for her beauty, charm, and cunning tactics, which often helped her evade capture by law enforcement.
McGinnis’ actions challenged traditional gender roles and expectations of women, making her a captivating figure in the Wild West.
Her life and legacy continue to be explored and depicted in various forms of media, showcasing the dynamic individuals who lived during this tumultuous period in American history.
29. Jackson Sundown (1863 to 1923)
Jackson Sundown, also known as Waaya-Tonah-Toesits-Kahn or “Bucking Horse,” was a rodeo and Wild West show performer.
He gained fame for his exceptional riding skills and became one of the most recognizable Native American personalities in Western entertainment.
Sundown’s story highlights the contributions and impact of Native Americans in the Wild West, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through rodeos and other events.
30. Tiburcio Vasquez (1835 to 1875)
Tiburcio Vasquez was a notorious bandit and leader of a gang that terrorized California during the Gold Rush.
His criminal activities included robberies, murders, and kidnappings before he was eventually captured and executed for his crimes.
Vasquez’s story is one of rebellion against societal norms and the pursuit of wealth and notoriety in a rapidly changing world.
His name remains synonymous with the Wild West, representing the lawless and dangerous nature that captivates our imagination to this day.
31. Cherokee Bill (1876 to 1896)
Cherokee Bill, born as Crawford Goldsby, was a notorious outlaw and member of the Rufus Buck Gang.
His short but violent criminal career included robberies, murders, and prison escapes before he was captured and sentenced to death at the age of 19.
Cherokee Bill’s story highlights the harsh realities and dangers of life in the Wild West, particularly for individuals on the fringes of society.
His legacy continues to be remembered through various forms of media, keeping his name and story alive in popular culture.
32. Pistol Pete (1860 to 1903)
Pistol Pete, also known as Frank Eaton, was a lawman and gunfighter who gained fame for his quick draw and skill with firearms.
He became a symbol of justice in the Wild West, serving as a deputy sheriff and U.S. Marshal throughout his career.
Pistol Pete’s story embodies the ideal of the rugged, fearless cowboy in the Wild West, and his legacy remains a source of inspiration for many.
33. Tom Horn (1860 to 1903)
Tom Horn was a notorious gunfighter and hired killer who worked for both the law and outlaws during the Wild West era.
His reputation as a ruthless and skilled gunman made him a sought-after figure in the frontier’s violent conflicts.
Horn’s story reflects the dark side of the Wild West, where violence and lawlessness often prevailed over justice and morality.
His legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a hero and others condemning him as a cold-blooded killer.
34. Black Bart (1829 to 1917)
Black Bart, also known as Charles Boles, was a notorious stagecoach robber who operated in northern California during the late 1800s.
His daring heists and clever disguises made him a legendary figure in the Wild West, with some considering him a “gentleman bandit.”
Black Bart’s story adds an element of excitement and adventure to the often romanticized image of outlaws in the Wild West.
His legacy lives on through popular culture, solidifying his place in Western folklore.
Conclusion – Famous Cowboys & Outlaws
The Wild West era was a time of rapid change, lawlessness, and larger-than-life characters. From notorious outlaws to legendary lawmen, these individuals left their mark on history through their actions and stories.
Their legacies continue to fascinate and captivate us, providing insight into the complexities of life in the Wild West.
Through historical accounts, depictions in popular culture, and personal stories passed down through generations, their names will forever be intertwined with the Wild West’s enduring legacy.
The tales of these individuals remind us of a time when anything seemed possible and inspire us to explore the untamed frontiers of our own lives.
So saddle up and ride into the sunset with these remarkable figures from the Wild West, where the line between hero and villain was often blurred, but their stories will never fade away.
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