Amazing Photos From The Old Wild West You Might Be Surprised Exist

Though he was only active for a few years, Jesse James left a lasting impression on American folklore around the Wild West.

Belle Starr

Belle Starr was a notorious outlaw in the American West who was known for her sharpshooting and her fiery temper. She rode sidesaddle and was said to be able to shoot a coin in the air and hit it with another bullet.

Born in Missouri in 1848, Belle was raised in a family of staunch Confederates. She became involved with a gang of outlaws led by the notorious Cole Younger. The gang committed a string of robberies and slayings across the Midwest.

She evaded the law until 1889, when she was shot in the back by an unknown assailant. Belle Starr remained a controversial figure.

Some saw her as a romantic figure, while others saw her as nothing more than a common criminal. Either way, her legacy continues to fascinate people to this day.

Ogallala

The town of Ogallala was in the heart of the wild west and was a haven for cowboys and outlaws. Founded in 1885, the town was named after Chief Ogallala Sioux, known for his kindness and fairness.

The town’s original layout was designed to resemble a wagon wheel, with the main street serving as the hub.

Billy the Kid

The wild west was a time of adventure and danger, and no one personified this spirit more than Billy the Kid. Born in New York in 1859, Billy quickly developed a reputation as a troublemaker.

He first came to national attention during the Lincoln County War, when he aligned himself with a group of ranchers known as the Regulators. The Regulators engaged in a bloody feud with their rivals, the House faction, leading to dozens of shootings and slayings.

When the conflict finally ended, Billy was arrested and sentenced to hang. However, he escaped from jail and went on the run, slaying several more people in the process.