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Crime

15 Legendary Bandits Who Became Folk Heroes

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3. Billy the Kid

billy the kid tintype, fort sumner, 1879 80 edit2
The only surviving authenticated portrait of Billy the Kid in 1880. Source: Wikipedia

Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty in 1859, is one of the most legendary figures of the American West. Known for his incredible marksmanship and quick draw, he was a notorious gunfighter involved in numerous shootouts during the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. With a reputation for both charm and ruthlessness, he became a symbol of the lawless frontier.

Despite his criminal activities, many viewed him as a romantic figure fighting against oppression. His life, filled with adventure and tragedy, has inspired countless stories, cementing his status as an enduring folk hero in American culture.

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