Billy the Kid is still newsworthy!
August 8, 2010
Recent News tied to History of Billy The Kid
More Photos
Perhaps you've read that Billy the Kid (William Henry McCarty, a.k.a. William Bonney) may get a pardon, posthumously, by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. The Governor was interested in knowing why Territorial Governor Lew Wallace didn't complete his pardon when The Kid testified about killings during the Lincoln County feuds in 1878 over control of the mercantile and cattle trades. The Kid was later arrested and convicted for killing a sheriff during one of the many gun battles during the feud.
Lawman Pat Garrett shot and killed The Kid on a ranch near Fort Sumner, New Mexico, on July 14, 1881, after Billy escaped from Lincoln County's jail while awaiting his hanging for a shootout that left two deputies dead.
The Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren of Pat Garrett feel if the Governor now grants the pardon, it would cast a shadow over the honor of their Grandfather. The Country sometimes tends to glorify criminals, but Garrett's family members feel it is best to leave history unrevised, and true.
How to get to Billy The Kid's Gravesite and Museum
For Phoenix travelers who want to visit Billy The Kid's gravesite and Museum, take Interstate-17 to Flagstaff, turn east on Interstate-40, traveling through Holbrook and the Petrified Forest National Park to the Arizona/New Mexico line (about 300 miles). Continue on I-40 through Gallup to Santa Rosa, then turn south on State Route 84 to Fort Sumner (approximately 320 miles).
Check out this website for links for maps and tours: www.newmexico.org/Billythekid.
No comments:
Post a Comment