How Tall Was Billy The Kid?

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July 21, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty but also known as William H. Bonney, was a 19th-century American outlaw. He is believed to have killed eight men, though the total may be as high as 21. Billy was born in New York City in 1859, but he moved to New Mexico Territory with his family in 1873.

It was there that he began his life of crime. In 1881, Billy was arrested for the first time and sentenced to hang. However, he escaped from jail and went on the run.

Billy was eventually gunned down by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881.

There are many stories about the famous outlaw Billy the Kid, but one thing that remains a mystery is his true height. Some say he was short, while others claim he was tall. So, how tall was Billy the Kid?

Billy the Kid was born in New York City in 1859. At the time of his death, he was just 21 years old. But in those 21 years, he managed to gain a reputation as a fierce outlaw.

Some accounts say that Billy the Kid was around 5 feet 6 inches tall. But other accounts claim he was closer to 6 feet tall. So, which is it?

Unfortunately, we may never know the true answer. But one thing is for sure, Billy the Kid was a force to be reckoned with, no matter his height.

Billy The Kid Endured A Very Tragic Life

How Tall Was Billy The Kid?

Credit: news.unm.edu

How fast was Billy the Kid?

Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty but better known by his nickname, was a notoriously fast draw. In fact, some accounts say that he could draw and fire his gun in as little as one second. While this may seem impossible, it’s important to remember that Billy the Kid was a product of his environment.

He grew up in the American West during the 1800s, a time when gunslingers were a dime a dozen. In order to survive, Billy the Kid had to be quick on his feet and even quicker on the draw. There are a few different stories about how Billy the Kid first learned to shoot.

One popular tale claims that he was taught by none other than the famous gunfighter, Doc Holliday. Whether this story is true or not, there’s no denying that Billy the Kid was an expert marksman. He was known for his accuracy as well as his speed and was said to be able to shoot a coin in midair.

So how fast was Billy the Kid? It’s hard to say for sure. But based on the accounts of those who knew him, it’s safe to say that he was one of the quickest draws in the West.

How did Billy the Kid’s mother died?

Billy the Kid’s mother, Catherine McCarty-Antrim, died of tuberculosis on September 16, 1874, in Silver City, New Mexico. She was just 36 years old. Billy, who was only 15 at the time, was devastated by her death.

He never really got over it and would often talk about her fondly in interviews later in life.

Was Billy the Kid a good guy?

Most people have heard of Billy the Kid, but they may not know much about him. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? The answer is not so simple.

Billy the Kid was born in New York City in 1859. His real name was Henry McCarty, but he was also known as William Henry Bonney. Billy was orphaned at a young age and ended up in the American West.

He was a small and skinny kid, which earned him the nickname “Kid.” Billy started out as a horse thief and rustler in New Mexico. He also killed two men, one in a fight and one in a robbery.

He was later arrested and sentenced to hang, but he escaped from jail and killed two more men. At this point, Billy was a wanted man and the governor of New Mexico, Lew Wallace, offered a $500 reward for his capture. Wallace also promised amnesty if Billy would testify in a murder trial.

Billy agreed and testified, but the jury didn’t believe him and he was sentenced to hang again. He escaped from jail a second time and killed two more men. Billy the Kid was finally caught and killed by Pat Garrett in 1881.

He was only 21 years old. So, was Billy the Kid a good guy or a bad guy? It’s hard to say.

Conclusion

This blog post looks at the question of how tall Billy the Kid actually was. The author notes that there is no definitive answer, but that various estimates have been made over the years. The most common estimate seems to be that Billy the Kid was around 5’8″, but the author notes that there is no way to know for sure.

The blog post goes on to look at some of the other questions surrounding Billy the Kid, such as his real name and whether or not he actually killed 21 people.

About Author (Marjorie R. Rogers)

The inspiring mum of 6 who dedicates her time to supporting others. While battling with her own demons she continues to be the voice for others unable to speak out. Mental illness almost destroyed her, yet here she is fighting back and teaching you all the things she has learned along the way. Get Started To Read …

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