David G Thomas

Billy the Kid's Grave - A History of the Wild West's Most Famous Death Marker - Mesilla Valley History David G Thomas

"Quien es?"

The answer to this incautious question - "Who is it?" - was a bullet to the heart.

That bullet -- fired by Lincoln County Sheriff Patrick F. Garrett from a .40-44 caliber single action Colt pistol -- ended the life of Billy the Kid, real name William Henry McCarty.

But death - ordinarily so final - only fueled the public's fascination with Billy the Kid.

What events led to Billy's killing? Was it inevitable? Was a woman involved? If so, who was she? Why has Billy's gravestone become the most famous - and most visited - Western death marker? Is Billy really buried in his grave? Is the grave in the right location? Is it true that Pat Garrett's first wife is buried in the same cemetery? Is Billy's girlfriend buried there also? The Fort Sumner cemetery where Billy's grave is located was once plowed for cultivation. Why? What town, seeking a profitable tourist attraction, tried to move Billy's body, using a phony relative to justify the action?

These questions -- and many others - are answered in this book.



Over 60 photos, including many historical photos never previously published.