This inquiry kit features Library of Congress sources and examines the impact of outlaws during the Westward Expansion.

Thinking Questions

Jesse James

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This song describes the life and death of American outlaw, Jesse James.

An Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, the Noted Desperado of the Southwest

title of the book from the book cover

This photograph shows the cover of a book by the sheriff who shot Billy the Kid.

Jesse James photograph

black and white profile photograph of Jesse James

This photograph shows Jesse James before he became famous for his bank robberies.

Sad Story of Jesse James

full newspaper spread showing the article from 1899 with illustrations

This article from 1899 tells the story of Jesse James' life and death.

"Billy the Kid" - Reminiscenses of Gen. Lew Wallace

black and white vintage newspaper article

This article from 1902 tells the story of Billy the Kid's life of crime.

Your Obedient Servant, W.H. Bonney

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This PBS LearningMedia video features letters written by Billy the Kid to New Mexico's Governor Lew Wallace in the 1880s.