1. Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, earned his reputation as a young gunslinger with a quick temper and an even quicker draw. Known for killing at least eight men by the age of 21, his most famous feat was escaping from jail in 1881, where he was awaiting execution. His audacity and defiance of authority made him a symbol of rebellion, though his short life ended in a shootout with Sheriff Pat Garrett.
2. Jesse James
Jesse James is a name forever associated with robbery, violence, and guerrilla warfare. As the leader of the James-Younger Gang, he was involved in dozens of robberies, including the infamous bank heists and train hold-ups. His ability to evade the law and his ruthless tactics made him one of the most dangerous criminals of the 19th century. His demise came at the hands of Robert Ford, a member of his own gang.
3. Frank James
Like his brother Jesse, Frank James was a key member of the James-Younger Gang. While he wasn’t as famous for his gunfights as Jesse, Frank played a crucial role in planning and executing their criminal activities. He was involved in several robberies and was notorious for his ability to elude capture. After the gang’s downfall, Frank eventually surrendered and lived out his days relatively peacefully.
4. Butch Cassidy
Butch Cassidy, along with his partner Sundance Kid, led the infamous Wild Bunch gang. Together, they pulled off numerous robberies across the American West and were known for their clever escapes from lawmen. What made Butch particularly deadly was his leadership and strategic mind, which allowed him to outwit law enforcement for years. His ultimate fate remains a mystery, adding to his mythic status.
5. The Dalton Gang
The Dalton Gang, led by the Dalton brothers, was a group of train and bank robbers who terrorized the West in the 1890s. They’re infamous for their botched attempt to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas, which ended in a deadly shootout. Though most of the gang was killed, the Dalton brothers’ violent exploits cemented them as ruthless outlaws.
6. John Wesley Hardin
John Wesley Hardin was notorious for his violent temper and deadly gunfights. Known for killing at least 20 people, Hardin didn’t shy away from violence, whether in self-defense or out of pure rage. His most famous encounter was when he killed a man in a Texas saloon over a gambling dispute. Hardin’s outlaw life was marked by frequent clashes with the law and several prison stints.
7. Clay Allison
Clay Allison was a notorious gunslinger and cattle rustler who became infamous for his violent and erratic behavior. Known for having a quick temper, Allison was involved in several killings, though some of them were in self-defense. His legend grew due to his unpredictable nature—one moment he’d be calm, and the next, he’d be pulling a gun on anyone who crossed him.
8. Belle Starr
Belle Starr was often referred to as the “Bandit Queen” and was one of the most notorious female outlaws of the Old West. She was involved in a variety of criminal activities, from horse theft to aiding her partners in robbing stagecoaches. Her ability to command respect in a male-dominated world of outlaws made her both feared and revered.
9. Kid Curry
Kid Curry, a member of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, was one of the most feared outlaws of his time. Known for his exceptional skill with a revolver, he was involved in several robberies and shootouts, often leaving a trail of death in his wake. His ruthlessness and ability to remain one step ahead of the law made him a formidable figure in the criminal world.
10. Sam Bass
Sam Bass is remembered for his daring train robberies and his reputation as a folk hero among outlaw circles. His robberies were audacious, and he built a reputation for being clever and elusive. His downfall came after a series of betrayals, leading to his death in a gunfight with lawmen. Despite his criminality, he became a legend of the West due to his brief but impactful crime spree.
11. Tom Horn
Tom Horn was a former lawman, scout, and hired gunman. He became infamous for his role as a bounty hunter during the Wyoming Range Wars. His ruthless efficiency in killing cattle rustlers earned him the respect of ranchers, but it also made him a target of the law. Horn’s violent streak continued until he was hanged for the murder of a young boy, a crime that remains shrouded in controversy.
12. Black Bart
Black Bart, though not as violent as some of the others on this list, was still a dangerous and elusive outlaw. Known for his poetic messages left at the scene of his robberies, he was a master of escaping unscathed after holding up numerous Wells Fargo stagecoaches. His calm demeanor, combined with his thorough knowledge of the terrain, allowed him to carry out his robberies for years without being caught.
