About Billy the Kid

I was watching a John Wayne/Jimmy Stewart western the other day, one titled "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". It is a great noir western, with beatiful black and white photography used to enhance the story line. One of the best parts of the movie is where the editor of the town newspaper learns that most of the career of Jimmy's character was built on a lie. One of the best lines of the movie (and all movies) is uttered, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend". That quote goes to the heart of the western mystique of our country. What is legend, and what is fact? What is truth and what is fiction? Today we look at a site about one of the most infamous characters of the old west, and where truth and legend are explored to one's hearts content.

The name of the site is called About Billy the Kid. If you are looking for a site that has information about William H. Bonney, then you are at the right place. There is no other historical figure from the old west that has stirred up more controversy, and eluded more biographers that Billy the Kid. (The relatives of Jesse James may argue that point, but that remains to be seen). Mr. Bonney, in his short life, has established his claim to immortality with his deeds and actions. But like the film "Liberty Valance", you have to seperate the legend from the fact. This site does that job quite well.

Here you read Billy the Kid's own words, through letters and interviews. There is an online quiz, a bulletin board with the latest news and announcements, a biography and time line of his life, and a filmography of films in which he is a character, and who played him. There is also an excellent set of links to other Billy the Kid websites, as well as other old west sites. For geographic reference, a section of maps is included to help you from getting lost.

There is a lot of rich history in our nation's past, some of it good and some of it bad. But understanding what that history is can help us make this a better place to live.

http://www.aboutbillythekid.com/

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