Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War Flashcards
Where did Billy the Kid grow up?
A tough mining settlement in New Mexico
Where did Billy the Kid end up by 1877?
Lincoln County, New Mexico
Who was Billy the Kid working for as a cowboy and gunman in 1877?
John Tunstall (a businessman)
Who was John Tunstall in a rivalry with in Lincoln County?
Lawrence Murphy (a rancher and businessman)
Why was Lawrence Murphy so powerful in Lincoln County, New Mexico?
He controlled the local politicians, the local newspaper and the local sheriff
Who did the smaller ranchers in Lincoln County support: Tunstall or Murphy?
Tunstall
What happened to John Tunstall in February 1878?
He was murdered by some of Murphy’s men (including deputies of the sheriff)
What was the name of Billy the Kid’s gang who sought to avenge the murder of Tunstall?
The Regulators
How many men were killed in the Lincoln County War?
30
Who was the new sheriff of Lincoln County who tracked down and arrested Billy the Kid?
Pat Garrett
What happened to Billy the Kid in December 1880?
He was tried and convicted for the murder of Sheriff William Brady
What happened to Lawrence Murphy in December 1880?
He was tried and acquitted for the murder of John Tunstall
What did Billy the Kid do in April 1881 that made him more famous?
He escaped from the Lincoln County jail, killing two deputies in the process
Why did newspapers, magazines and novels write about Billy the Kid’s story?
They could make money from writing about him
Why was Billy the Kid so popular?
He was one of the few people who could stand up to the rich and powerful people like Lawrence Murphy
What did Billy the Kid’s story reveal about sheriffs in the West?
They were controlled by the wealthy and powerful people
What happened to Billy the Kid in July 1881?
He was tracked down by Pat Garrett and shot dead
What did wealthy ranchers do to Pat Garrett once he had shot dead Billy the Kid?
Gave him thousands of dollars in rewards
