Butch Cassidy and the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance KidSundance Kid

Butch Cassidy and the Butch Cassidy and the Wild BunchWild Bunch

SittingSitting (l to r): Harry A. Longabaugh, alias the (l to r): Harry A. Longabaugh, alias the Sundance Kid, Ben Kilpatrick, alias the Tall Texan, Sundance Kid, Ben Kilpatrick, alias the Tall Texan,

Robert Leroy Parker, alias Butch Cassidy; Robert Leroy Parker, alias Butch Cassidy; StandingStanding (l (l to r): Will Carver, alias News Carver and Harvey to r): Will Carver, alias News Carver and Harvey

Logan, alias Kid Curry Logan, alias Kid Curry

Roster of ThievesRoster of Thieves The following men were the core of the Wild Bunch:The following men were the core of the Wild Bunch:

* Harry Longbaugh (a.k.a. Sundance Kid), nicknamed possibly * Harry Longbaugh (a.k.a. Sundance Kid), nicknamed possibly from Sundance, Wyoming, where he was caught as a horsethieffrom Sundance, Wyoming, where he was caught as a horsethief* Ben "The Tall Texan" Kirkpatrick, known as the lady killer of the * Ben "The Tall Texan" Kirkpatrick, known as the lady killer of the groupgroup* Bill Tod Carver, the quickdraw* Bill Tod Carver, the quickdraw* Camila "Deaf Charlie" Hanks, partly deaf in one ear* Camila "Deaf Charlie" Hanks, partly deaf in one ear* Elza Lay (a.k.a. William McGinnis), one time geology student* Elza Lay (a.k.a. William McGinnis), one time geology student* Tom "Peep" O'Day, court jester; Joe Chancellor, skilled * Tom "Peep" O'Day, court jester; Joe Chancellor, skilled safecracker and poker playersafecracker and poker player* Jim Lowe, bartender* Jim Lowe, bartender* Jesse Lnsley, the dapper dresser* Jesse Lnsley, the dapper dresser* William "Bill" Cruzan, best horse thief* William "Bill" Cruzan, best horse thief* Dave Atkins, already on the lam when je joined the group* Dave Atkins, already on the lam when je joined the group* Walter "Wat the Watcher" Punteney, jack of all trades* Walter "Wat the Watcher" Punteney, jack of all trades* Willard E. Christiansen (a.k.a. Matt Warner), part of McCarty's * Willard E. Christiansen (a.k.a. Matt Warner), part of McCarty's ganggang* Bob Meeks, cowboy* Bob Meeks, cowboy* Laura Bullion, rode for a while* Laura Bullion, rode for a while* Etta Place, a prostitute* Etta Place, a prostitute* Annie Rogers, a favorite of Kid Curry* Annie Rogers, a favorite of Kid Curry* Lillie Davis, a prostitute* Lillie Davis, a prostitute

Rivaling Jesse James and Rivaling Jesse James and Billy the KidBilly the Kid as the most celebrated outlaw of the as the most celebrated outlaw of the American West is Butch Cassidy, a American West is Butch Cassidy, a true master at the art of robbing true master at the art of robbing banks and trains. An icon of the banks and trains. An icon of the "gentleman bandit," Cassidy's claim "gentleman bandit," Cassidy's claim of never having killed a single person of never having killed a single person may indeed be true.may indeed be true.

The families of Maximillian Parker and The families of Maximillian Parker and Ann Gillies made that excursion to the Ann Gillies made that excursion to the center of the Mormon faith, and center of the Mormon faith, and Maximillian and Ann spent their Maximillian and Ann spent their formative years in the Utah wilderness, formative years in the Utah wilderness, where they later met and married. On where they later met and married. On April 13, 1866, the couple welcomed April 13, 1866, the couple welcomed their first of many children, Robert LeRoy their first of many children, Robert LeRoy Parker, who would later become known Parker, who would later become known as "Butch Cassidy."as "Butch Cassidy."

At the age of 13, Butch began At the age of 13, Butch began working at a ranch some miles from working at a ranch some miles from the Parker homestead. The owner of the Parker homestead. The owner of the ranch was impressed that even the ranch was impressed that even in his early teens, the diligent and in his early teens, the diligent and productive Butch could do the work productive Butch could do the work of a full-grown man.of a full-grown man.

Minor infractions of the law were common among Minor infractions of the law were common among young men in the Wild West, and it appears that young men in the Wild West, and it appears that Butch's first crimes were no more spectacular than Butch's first crimes were no more spectacular than those of his friends. One legend even indicates those of his friends. One legend even indicates that one of Butch's earliest "offenses" was not that one of Butch's earliest "offenses" was not even illegal. Butch needed some new clothes and even illegal. Butch needed some new clothes and made a long journey to a mercantile, only to find it made a long journey to a mercantile, only to find it closed. Frustrated and not wanting to make the closed. Frustrated and not wanting to make the same trek again, he let himself in, took what he same trek again, he let himself in, took what he needed, and left a note for the merchant with his needed, and left a note for the merchant with his name stating that he would pay for the items in name stating that he would pay for the items in full on his next visit to the store. The merchant full on his next visit to the store. The merchant turned him in to the authorities, anyway. The turned him in to the authorities, anyway. The charges were dropped and Butch went free.charges were dropped and Butch went free.

In his late teens, Butch found employment In his late teens, Butch found employment closer to the Parker home at a neighboring closer to the Parker home at a neighboring dairy farm. At the dairy Butch met another dairy farm. At the dairy Butch met another hired hand, Mike Cassidy, who would teach hired hand, Mike Cassidy, who would teach young Butch about the art of cattle young Butch about the art of cattle rustling and how to use guns. Butch was rustling and how to use guns. Butch was an excellent student and would later adopt an excellent student and would later adopt his mentor's surname when he chose his his mentor's surname when he chose his infamous alias. infamous alias.

  

In June of 1884, 18-year-old Butch left the In June of 1884, 18-year-old Butch left the family home and traveled to Colorado. He family home and traveled to Colorado. He told his family that he wanted to seek work told his family that he wanted to seek work in the mines, although some researchers in the mines, although some researchers suspect that his actual intent was to deliver suspect that his actual intent was to deliver stolen horses to outlaws in the area of stolen horses to outlaws in the area of Telluride, a Colorado town that overflowed Telluride, a Colorado town that overflowed with wild living and corruption. Away from with wild living and corruption. Away from his family's watchful eye, Telluride became his family's watchful eye, Telluride became a haven for Butch. He was a regular at the a haven for Butch. He was a regular at the saloons and went through his salary almost saloons and went through his salary almost as quickly as he'd earned it.as quickly as he'd earned it.

After living for some time in and around Telluride, After living for some time in and around Telluride, Butch got into trouble with the law once again and, Butch got into trouble with the law once again and, as had happened with the "stolen" clothing incident, as had happened with the "stolen" clothing incident, it appeared that he had not broken any laws. Butch it appeared that he had not broken any laws. Butch owned a pair of horses, one of which was a young owned a pair of horses, one of which was a young colt that he wanted to break in. One day he took the colt that he wanted to break in. One day he took the colt out of Telluride to begin working with it, colt out of Telluride to begin working with it, intending to return it to the stable that evening intending to return it to the stable that evening when he was done. The rancher who had been when he was done. The rancher who had been boarding the animal apparently thought that Butch boarding the animal apparently thought that Butch had taken it permanently without paying the money had taken it permanently without paying the money that was owed for the horse's boarding. The rancher that was owed for the horse's boarding. The rancher alerted the sheriff, who picked up Butch and jailed alerted the sheriff, who picked up Butch and jailed him in nearby Montrose City. Butch successfully him in nearby Montrose City. Butch successfully fought the charges, but he apparently again felt fought the charges, but he apparently again felt maltreated by the local authorities. maltreated by the local authorities.

He wandered around Wyoming and He wandered around Wyoming and Montana as a ranch hand before returning Montana as a ranch hand before returning to Telluride in 1887, where he met the first to Telluride in 1887, where he met the first of the three men who would become his of the three men who would become his primary partners in crime. primary partners in crime.

Upon his return to Telluride, Butch met Matt Upon his return to Telluride, Butch met Matt Warner, another son of a Utah Mormon Warner, another son of a Utah Mormon family. Warner was about the same age as family. Warner was about the same age as Butch, and the two developed a friendship Butch, and the two developed a friendship and shared a similar fondness for the and shared a similar fondness for the saloons and easy money.saloons and easy money.

Warner owned a mare named Warner owned a mare named BettyBetty that was a racing champion, that was a racing champion, so Warner and Butch began racing so Warner and Butch began racing her and sharing the profits. her and sharing the profits. Through horse racing Butch also Through horse racing Butch also met the brothers Tom and Bill met the brothers Tom and Bill McCarty, who many researchers McCarty, who many researchers believe introduced Butch into the believe introduced Butch into the line of business that would line of business that would become his signature: train and become his signature: train and bank robbery.bank robbery.

Scholars disagree on the date and nature of Scholars disagree on the date and nature of Butch's first major robbery. Some researchers Butch's first major robbery. Some researchers point to November 3, 1887, when a train was point to November 3, 1887, when a train was stopped near Grand Junction, Colorado, and held stopped near Grand Junction, Colorado, and held up by a gang of bandits. The thieves had piled up by a gang of bandits. The thieves had piled stones across the tracks, forcing the engineer to stones across the tracks, forcing the engineer to stop at the blockade. Three outlaws jumped onto stop at the blockade. Three outlaws jumped onto the train, but the man guarding the safe told the the train, but the man guarding the safe told the bandits that only the stationmasters along the bandits that only the stationmasters along the route could open the safe — nobody on the train route could open the safe — nobody on the train had the combination. Believing the man, the had the combination. Believing the man, the outlaws collected what money they could (about outlaws collected what money they could (about $140) and rode off into the darkness. Many now $140) and rode off into the darkness. Many now believe that three of the outlaws were Tom believe that three of the outlaws were Tom McCarty, Matt Warner, and Butch Cassidy, making McCarty, Matt Warner, and Butch Cassidy, making his debut as a train robber.his debut as a train robber.

If the trio wasn't involved in that If the trio wasn't involved in that Grand Junction heist, then Butch Grand Junction heist, then Butch definitely made his introduction to definitely made his introduction to robbery two years later. robbery two years later.

On the morning of June 24, 1889, On the morning of June 24, 1889, Butch and Warner and Tom McCarty, Butch and Warner and Tom McCarty, accompanied by one other man, were accompanied by one other man, were seen carousing among the saloons of seen carousing among the saloons of Telluride and watching people going in Telluride and watching people going in and out of the San Miguel Valley Bank. and out of the San Miguel Valley Bank.

Later in the day, one of the four entered the bank Later in the day, one of the four entered the bank and gave a teller a check he wanted cashed. The and gave a teller a check he wanted cashed. The teller leaned over to examine the check and was teller leaned over to examine the check and was suddenly grabbed by the man and slammed down suddenly grabbed by the man and slammed down onto his desk. The outlaw threatened the startled onto his desk. The outlaw threatened the startled teller with "instant death" if he did not do teller with "instant death" if he did not do everything the robber said. The thief then called everything the robber said. The thief then called in the other three, and the group quickly in the other three, and the group quickly gathered up approximately $20,500 before gathered up approximately $20,500 before leaping onto their horses and escaping to leaping onto their horses and escaping to Robbers' Roost, a secluded area favored by Robbers' Roost, a secluded area favored by desperadoes for its difficulty to reach and its desperadoes for its difficulty to reach and its numerous "look-out" vistas. numerous "look-out" vistas.

As he had previously, and would continue As he had previously, and would continue to do for the rest of his life, Butch to do for the rest of his life, Butch intertwined his criminal activities with long intertwined his criminal activities with long stretches of legitimate work on farms and stretches of legitimate work on farms and ranches. Beginning in 1890, Butch ranches. Beginning in 1890, Butch purchased some land near Dubois and purchased some land near Dubois and Blue Creek, Wyoming, and set himself up Blue Creek, Wyoming, and set himself up as a rancher. Butch never prospered as a as a rancher. Butch never prospered as a rancher, however, either because the work rancher, however, either because the work was too strenuous or because his ranching was too strenuous or because his ranching was merely a cover for his underground was merely a cover for his underground activities with outlaws at a nearby hideout activities with outlaws at a nearby hideout called Hole-in-the-Wall. called Hole-in-the-Wall.

For whatever reason, he soon For whatever reason, he soon returned to a life of crime — but not returned to a life of crime — but not before working for a brief stint in before working for a brief stint in Rock Springs, Wyoming, as a Rock Springs, Wyoming, as a butcher, giving him his famous butcher, giving him his famous nickname — although others believe nickname — although others believe he may have gained the moniker he may have gained the moniker from acting as a cook/butcher for an from acting as a cook/butcher for an outlaw gang. outlaw gang.

By 1894 he had clearly returned to his nefarious By 1894 he had clearly returned to his nefarious ways, as he and a crony were arrested for ways, as he and a crony were arrested for stealing horses and also possibly for running a stealing horses and also possibly for running a protection racket on some local ranchers in protection racket on some local ranchers in Lander, Wyoming. The officers approached a Lander, Wyoming. The officers approached a cabin in Lander and, after subduing the first man cabin in Lander and, after subduing the first man outside, they stormed the cabin and surprised outside, they stormed the cabin and surprised Butch, who grabbed his gun and fired at the Butch, who grabbed his gun and fired at the lawmen, but missed and was quickly taken into lawmen, but missed and was quickly taken into custody. Although he had used his guns when custody. Although he had used his guns when cornered, and undoubtedly was an expert cornered, and undoubtedly was an expert marksman, it has never been proven that Butch marksman, it has never been proven that Butch ever killed anyone — which makes him unique ever killed anyone — which makes him unique among many of the outlaws of the Wild West.among many of the outlaws of the Wild West.

Butch entered prison on July 15, 1894, Butch entered prison on July 15, 1894, at the age of 28. at the age of 28.

After serving 18 months of his term, After serving 18 months of his term, Butch requested an early release from Butch requested an early release from the Wyoming governor. The governor the Wyoming governor. The governor agreed that Butch had served enough agreed that Butch had served enough time and agreed to release him if he time and agreed to release him if he would "go straight." Butch said that he would "go straight." Butch said that he couldn't promise that, because rustling couldn't promise that, because rustling and robbery were too deeply engrained and robbery were too deeply engrained in him. He did offer the governor a in him. He did offer the governor a compromise: if he were released, he compromise: if he were released, he would never engage in illegal activities would never engage in illegal activities within the state of Wyoming. The within the state of Wyoming. The governor, knowing the damage Butch governor, knowing the damage Butch could cause within his state, agreed could cause within his state, agreed and the early release was granted.and the early release was granted.

Hole in the Wall hideoutHole in the Wall hideout

Butch went free on January 19, 1896, Butch went free on January 19, 1896, and began gathering a gang of and began gathering a gang of outlaws that would be dubbed "The outlaws that would be dubbed "The Wild Bunch." Butch was the leader of Wild Bunch." Butch was the leader of the gang, but as his former partner the gang, but as his former partner Matt Warner was in prison for Matt Warner was in prison for murder, Elza Lay replaced Warner as murder, Elza Lay replaced Warner as his second-in-command. his second-in-command.

According to Richard Patterson, According to Richard Patterson, Butch was true to his word and the Butch was true to his word and the first robbery he formulated after first robbery he formulated after leaving prison was outside Wyoming. leaving prison was outside Wyoming. In August of 1896, Butch, Elza and an In August of 1896, Butch, Elza and an accomplice traveled to Montpelier, accomplice traveled to Montpelier, Idaho, and waited until just before a Idaho, and waited until just before a bank's closing time before they bank's closing time before they entered and approached a cashier. entered and approached a cashier.

MontpelierMontpelier

The bank was nearly deserted, so two of The bank was nearly deserted, so two of the men entered the bank with bandanas the men entered the bank with bandanas over the lower half of their faces. One kept over the lower half of their faces. One kept watch at the door, while the other watch at the door, while the other demanded all of the paper money the bank demanded all of the paper money the bank had. An employee said there was no paper had. An employee said there was no paper money in the bank, which upset the bandit, money in the bank, which upset the bandit, who then hit the cashier with his gun and who then hit the cashier with his gun and called him a liar. The robber keeping watch called him a liar. The robber keeping watch at the door shouted at his partner not to hit at the door shouted at his partner not to hit the man again, and so the thief inside the man again, and so the thief inside concentrated instead on scooping up more concentrated instead on scooping up more than $7,000 in cash, gold, and silver than $7,000 in cash, gold, and silver

Sundance KidSundance Kid

After Montpelier, Butch added to his gang a After Montpelier, Butch added to his gang a Pennsylvania native named Harry Longabaugh Pennsylvania native named Harry Longabaugh who, at the age of 15, had traveled with his who, at the age of 15, had traveled with his cousins out west to escape the monotony of his cousins out west to escape the monotony of his childhood life. Like Butch, Longabaugh worked as childhood life. Like Butch, Longabaugh worked as a ranch hand during his teenage years and, like a ranch hand during his teenage years and, like Butch, he became attracted to the easy money to Butch, he became attracted to the easy money to be gained by dealing with stolen livestock. As a be gained by dealing with stolen livestock. As a young man he was caught stealing a horse and young man he was caught stealing a horse and was sentenced to two years imprisonment at the was sentenced to two years imprisonment at the jail in Sundance, Wyoming. He would be known jail in Sundance, Wyoming. He would be known afterwards as the afterwards as the Sundance KidSundance Kid, and the , and the nickname was well in place by the time he joined nickname was well in place by the time he joined up with Butch and the Wild Bunch.up with Butch and the Wild Bunch.

The Wild Bunch continued to grow under Butch's The Wild Bunch continued to grow under Butch's leadership and became one of the most leadership and became one of the most successful gangs in the Wild West. In spite of successful gangs in the Wild West. In spite of masterminding many robberies and heading up a masterminding many robberies and heading up a gang of thieves, history has painted an amiable gang of thieves, history has painted an amiable portrait of Butch Cassidy, illustrated with many portrait of Butch Cassidy, illustrated with many incidents of kindness and benevolence.incidents of kindness and benevolence.

Whether a "gentleman bandit" or not, Butch was Whether a "gentleman bandit" or not, Butch was a bandit, nonetheless — and the close of the 19th a bandit, nonetheless — and the close of the 19th century saw him pull off a series of successful century saw him pull off a series of successful robberies that would increase the growing robberies that would increase the growing determination of lawmen to bring him to justice.determination of lawmen to bring him to justice.

Cassidy and Lay began Cassidy and Lay began hiding out at what was hiding out at what was called "Robbers Roost", in called "Robbers Roost", in Utah. Girlfriends Maude Utah. Girlfriends Maude Davis and Ann Bassett Davis and Ann Bassett joined them there, Lay joined them there, Lay having ended his having ended his relationship with Ann's relationship with Ann's sister, Josie, who by that sister, Josie, who by that time was involved in a time was involved in a relationship with Lay's relationship with Lay's outlaw friend Will "News" outlaw friend Will "News" Carver. In April, 1897, the Carver. In April, 1897, the two women were sent two women were sent home, while Cassidy and home, while Cassidy and Lay began planning the Lay began planning the robbery of a payroll robbery of a payroll shipment in Castle Gate, shipment in Castle Gate, Utah. Utah.

Castle Gate, Utah Castle Gate, Utah

During mid-April of 1897, a stranger began During mid-April of 1897, a stranger began a daily habit of coming into the Utah city of a daily habit of coming into the Utah city of Castle Gate, going into a saloon and Castle Gate, going into a saloon and inquiring about any opportunities for ranch inquiring about any opportunities for ranch work, and then going down to see the train work, and then going down to see the train come in from Salt Lake City.come in from Salt Lake City.

On April 21st, the stranger's routine On April 21st, the stranger's routine changed in an eventful way.changed in an eventful way.

The train again came in from Salt Lake City, The train again came in from Salt Lake City, this time carrying the money for the payroll this time carrying the money for the payroll of the local Pleasant Valley Coal Companyof the local Pleasant Valley Coal Company

Men carrying the money were making Men carrying the money were making their way through town towards the their way through town towards the Pleasant Valley office when the "stranger," Pleasant Valley office when the "stranger," Butch Cassidy, and his accomplice Elza Butch Cassidy, and his accomplice Elza robbed them of the nearly $9,000 they robbed them of the nearly $9,000 they were carrying and then fled to Robbers' were carrying and then fled to Robbers' Roost, first cutting telegraph wires to Roost, first cutting telegraph wires to prevent the news of the robbery from prevent the news of the robbery from spreading to lawmen along their escape spreading to lawmen along their escape route. route.

On July 11, 1899, near Folsom, New On July 11, 1899, near Folsom, New Mexico, a train was robbed and, Mexico, a train was robbed and, because one of the principal thieves because one of the principal thieves was Elza, Butch most likely was Elza, Butch most likely masterminded the heist — although masterminded the heist — although he may not have directly participated he may not have directly participated in it. Lawmen chased the gang and in it. Lawmen chased the gang and caught up with them a few days caught up with them a few days later. In the shootout that followed, later. In the shootout that followed, Elza killed a sheriff and was captured Elza killed a sheriff and was captured for which he was sentenced to life for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Once again, like Matt imprisonment. Once again, like Matt Warner before Elza, Butch had lost Warner before Elza, Butch had lost his right-hand man to a jail term.his right-hand man to a jail term.

Elza's fate may have Elza's fate may have contributed to Butch's contributed to Butch's decision to seek decision to seek clemency and put to rest clemency and put to rest his outlaw life. He his outlaw life. He consulted Utah Governor consulted Utah Governor Heber Wells Union Pacific Heber Wells Union Pacific Railroad, the target of so Railroad, the target of so many of Butch's many of Butch's robberies, to see if an robberies, to see if an agreement could be agreement could be reached whereby the reached whereby the Union Pacific would not Union Pacific would not prosecute Butch for any prosecute Butch for any of the train robberies.of the train robberies.

A rendezvous was arranged between A rendezvous was arranged between Butch and Union Pacific officials, and Butch and Union Pacific officials, and Butch showed up as agreed. The Butch showed up as agreed. The Union Pacific officials, unfortunately, Union Pacific officials, unfortunately, were delayed by a storm and arrived were delayed by a storm and arrived one day late to find Butch already one day late to find Butch already gone and a hastily written note from gone and a hastily written note from the master outlaw saying, "tell the the master outlaw saying, "tell the U.P. to go to hell."U.P. to go to hell."

The Union Pacific Railroad and Governor The Union Pacific Railroad and Governor Wells panicked and, still wanting to bring an Wells panicked and, still wanting to bring an end to Butch's string of robberies, asked end to Butch's string of robberies, asked Matt Warner, who had recently been Matt Warner, who had recently been released from jail and had apparently "gone released from jail and had apparently "gone straight," to go and talk to Butch and explain straight," to go and talk to Butch and explain the situation and the cause for the Union the situation and the cause for the Union Pacific official's delay. Warner agreed and Pacific official's delay. Warner agreed and went out to find Butch, but on his journey he went out to find Butch, but on his journey he received a telegram telling him not to received a telegram telling him not to continue, as Butch had just robbed a train continue, as Butch had just robbed a train near Tipton, Wyoming, on August 29, 1900.near Tipton, Wyoming, on August 29, 1900.

A masked bandit boarded this Union Pacific train, A masked bandit boarded this Union Pacific train, waving a pistol around. The thief told the waving a pistol around. The thief told the engineer to stop when he saw a campfire by the engineer to stop when he saw a campfire by the side of the tracks. Once stopped, the outlaws side of the tracks. Once stopped, the outlaws dynamited their way into certain cars and then dynamited their way into certain cars and then into the safes. One robber assured the train's into the safes. One robber assured the train's crew that none of the gang wanted to kill anyone, crew that none of the gang wanted to kill anyone, and had even made a pact to murder one of their and had even made a pact to murder one of their own if he killed someone without reason. Butch's own if he killed someone without reason. Butch's main accomplice in the Tipton theft was the man main accomplice in the Tipton theft was the man who became the third of his chief partners, Harry who became the third of his chief partners, Harry Longabaugh, the Sundance Kid.Longabaugh, the Sundance Kid.

Posse organized to give chase to Posse organized to give chase to Wild BunchWild Bunch

As the law got closer and closer to catching the As the law got closer and closer to catching the gang Butch decided to end the life of crime with a gang Butch decided to end the life of crime with a couple of heists that would set him up for life.couple of heists that would set him up for life.

With this in mind, Butch and Sundance and one With this in mind, Butch and Sundance and one other man traveled to Winnemucca, Nevada, on other man traveled to Winnemucca, Nevada, on September 19, 1900, and relieved the First September 19, 1900, and relieved the First National Bank of $32,640. Around noon, three National Bank of $32,640. Around noon, three unmasked and armed men entered the bank and unmasked and armed men entered the bank and ordered a cashier to open the safe. The cashier ordered a cashier to open the safe. The cashier attempted to stall by saying that the time lock on attempted to stall by saying that the time lock on the safe wouldn't allow it to be opened, but the safe wouldn't allow it to be opened, but changed his mind after one of the thieves changed his mind after one of the thieves threatened to cut his throat if he didn't hurry.threatened to cut his throat if he didn't hurry.

Winnemucca, Nevada Bank is the one-story brick building Winnemucca, Nevada Bank is the one-story brick building

on the corner, on the left, past the trees and wagon.on the corner, on the left, past the trees and wagon.

This successful heist was followed up in This successful heist was followed up in July of 1901 with a $65,000 train July of 1901 with a $65,000 train robbery near Wagner, Montana. Five robbery near Wagner, Montana. Five bandits stopped the train and told the bandits stopped the train and told the engineer to separate the car containing engineer to separate the car containing the safes from the rest of the train and the safes from the rest of the train and ordered everybody to remain onboard ordered everybody to remain onboard

Two of the train employees, however, left the Two of the train employees, however, left the train to put out cautionary signals, believing train to put out cautionary signals, believing that other trains not knowing that their train that other trains not knowing that their train had stopped might crash into them. The had stopped might crash into them. The bandits weren't expecting anyone to come off bandits weren't expecting anyone to come off of the train, and fired at the men — wounding of the train, and fired at the men — wounding one and killing another. The outlaws quickly one and killing another. The outlaws quickly dynamited the safe open, gathered the dynamited the safe open, gathered the money, and then made for their horses. money, and then made for their horses.

Following the Wagner heist, Butch, Following the Wagner heist, Butch, Sundance, and Sundance's common-Sundance, and Sundance's common-law wife Ethel "Etta" Place went east, law wife Ethel "Etta" Place went east, possibly visited some of Etta and possibly visited some of Etta and Sundance's family, and spent some Sundance's family, and spent some time (and a bit of money) in New time (and a bit of money) in New York City. The trio departed New York York City. The trio departed New York on a ship bound for Buenos Aires on on a ship bound for Buenos Aires on February 20, 1902.February 20, 1902.

WantedWanted

In South America, the threesome assumed aliases In South America, the threesome assumed aliases and bought a ranch, living in peace for several and bought a ranch, living in peace for several years before they gave up ranching and went years before they gave up ranching and went back into crime. back into crime.

In February of 1905, a group of men rode into Rio In February of 1905, a group of men rode into Rio Gallegos, Argentina, and told residents that they Gallegos, Argentina, and told residents that they were interested in buying land for raising were interested in buying land for raising livestock. After spending some time in the town livestock. After spending some time in the town setting up this façade, the men entered the bank setting up this façade, the men entered the bank on February 13th and robbed it of $100,000. A on February 13th and robbed it of $100,000. A posse chased after them but only found the posse chased after them but only found the abandoned horses and an empty box the bank abandoned horses and an empty box the bank had used to store its silver. had used to store its silver.

In a similar heist in December of that year, In a similar heist in December of that year, four men robbed a bank at Villa Mercedes four men robbed a bank at Villa Mercedes of about 13,000 pesos. This time the of about 13,000 pesos. This time the outlaws encountered more difficulties than outlaws encountered more difficulties than they had previously. One of the bank they had previously. One of the bank employees managed to get to a gun and employees managed to get to a gun and fired at the bandits, but missed them fired at the bandits, but missed them entirely. A man across the street from the entirely. A man across the street from the bank ran over when he heard the shots, bank ran over when he heard the shots, was held captive by the thieves, managed was held captive by the thieves, managed to escape and return to his office, and to escape and return to his office, and later fired at the escaping outlaws — but later fired at the escaping outlaws — but also missed hitting any of them.also missed hitting any of them.

After the Villa Mercedes robbery, After the Villa Mercedes robbery, Butch's trail goes quiet, and it is unclear Butch's trail goes quiet, and it is unclear how the trio occupied their time or how the trio occupied their time or exactly where they went. Etta exactly where they went. Etta apparently left at some point after the apparently left at some point after the Villa Mercedes robbery — some claim Villa Mercedes robbery — some claim she became ill and returned to America she became ill and returned to America for treatment — but it is clear that she for treatment — but it is clear that she was not present for the puzzling "final was not present for the puzzling "final chapter" of Butch Cassidy's life.chapter" of Butch Cassidy's life.

The "last days" of Butch Cassidy are still The "last days" of Butch Cassidy are still hotly debated, and it is partially due to this hotly debated, and it is partially due to this dispute that Butch developed into the dispute that Butch developed into the object of lore and mythology that he has object of lore and mythology that he has become today.become today.

What happened on November 4, 1908, in a What happened on November 4, 1908, in a remote region of Bolivia has been remote region of Bolivia has been described and conjectured in countless described and conjectured in countless retellings of the story, so it is now nearly retellings of the story, so it is now nearly impossible to separate fact from legend.impossible to separate fact from legend.

The bare facts state that a man and a mule The bare facts state that a man and a mule made the difficult journey along a remote made the difficult journey along a remote trail in Bolivia, carrying the payroll of a trail in Bolivia, carrying the payroll of a mining company. Somewhere along his mining company. Somewhere along his expedition, two English-speaking bandits expedition, two English-speaking bandits held up the courier. The outlaws were polite held up the courier. The outlaws were polite but intent on relieving the carrier of his but intent on relieving the carrier of his money. After taking the payroll money, the money. After taking the payroll money, the pair rode off, leaving the man to report the pair rode off, leaving the man to report the robbery to local lawmen.robbery to local lawmen.

The two bandits, instead of going into hiding, The two bandits, instead of going into hiding, went to a small village called San Vincente went to a small village called San Vincente and spent their days and nights in a and spent their days and nights in a boisterous manner, drawing much attention to boisterous manner, drawing much attention to themselves — and generally behaving in ways themselves — and generally behaving in ways that Butch and Sundance, being professional that Butch and Sundance, being professional bandits, had never previously behaved so bandits, had never previously behaved so soon after a heist.soon after a heist.

Three nights after the robbery, the two men Three nights after the robbery, the two men were surrounded in the small house where were surrounded in the small house where they were staying.they were staying.

The village's mayor, miscellaneous village officials, The village's mayor, miscellaneous village officials, and two soldiers went to the house where the two and two soldiers went to the house where the two bandits were holed up. One of the soldiers bandits were holed up. One of the soldiers approached the house and was shot by someone approached the house and was shot by someone from within. The soldier retreated to care for his from within. The soldier retreated to care for his injury, and a few more volleys of gunfire were injury, and a few more volleys of gunfire were exchanged, although no sounds came from within exchanged, although no sounds came from within the house after midnight. As the sun came up the the house after midnight. As the sun came up the following morning, the men outside cautiously following morning, the men outside cautiously approached the house again and, upon entering, approached the house again and, upon entering, found both men inside dead. The money from the found both men inside dead. The money from the mining company payroll heist was also inside and mining company payroll heist was also inside and was later returned to the company. The bodies of the was later returned to the company. The bodies of the two outlaws were soon buried in a local graveyard. two outlaws were soon buried in a local graveyard.

Later, some time after the hasty burials, the Later, some time after the hasty burials, the pair was conjectured to have been Butch pair was conjectured to have been Butch and Sundance, and a common belief grew and Sundance, and a common belief grew that Butch shot Sundance before turning the that Butch shot Sundance before turning the gun on himself.gun on himself.

Almost immediately after this Almost immediately after this "identification," doubt about the identities of "identification," doubt about the identities of the dead men spread, and rumors and the dead men spread, and rumors and sightings of Butch and/or Sundance became sightings of Butch and/or Sundance became commonplace and widely reported.commonplace and widely reported.

Most historians believe that Butch and Most historians believe that Butch and Harry died that day and are buried in San Harry died that day and are buried in San Vicente, but others have serious doubts. In Vicente, but others have serious doubts. In subsequent years a number of sightings of subsequent years a number of sightings of Butch Cassidy were reported and a few Butch Cassidy were reported and a few people believe that he was still alive in the people believe that he was still alive in the early 1930s. The Pinkerton Detective early 1930s. The Pinkerton Detective Agency, who probably knew them as well or Agency, who probably knew them as well or better than anyone else, never closed their better than anyone else, never closed their file on either Butch Cassidy or Harry file on either Butch Cassidy or Harry Longabaugh. Longabaugh.

The rest of the GangThe rest of the Gang

On April 1,1901 Will Carver was wounded by On April 1,1901 Will Carver was wounded by lawmen and died later in May of complications. lawmen and died later in May of complications.

Ben Kilpatrick was captured in Ben Kilpatrick was captured in TennesseeTennessee in in December, 1901, along with Laura Bullion, and December, 1901, along with Laura Bullion, and received a 20 year prison sentence, with her received a 20 year prison sentence, with her receiving a five year sentence.receiving a five year sentence.

Kid Curry killed two lawmen in Kid Curry killed two lawmen in Knoxville, TennesseeKnoxville, Tennessee, escaping capture, then , escaping capture, then traveled to traveled to MontanaMontana where he killed a rancher where he killed a rancher that had killed his brother Johnny years before. that had killed his brother Johnny years before. He then returned to He then returned to TennesseeTennessee, was captured, , was captured, only to escape once again. Kid Curry was killed in only to escape once again. Kid Curry was killed in ColoradoColorado in 1904, during a shootout with lawmen. in 1904, during a shootout with lawmen.

Etta Place disappeared completely, with her last Etta Place disappeared completely, with her last known sighting being in 1909 in known sighting being in 1909 in San FranciscoSan Francisco. It . It is believed that she reinvented herself, becoming is believed that she reinvented herself, becoming a a brothelbrothel and and hotelhotel owner named owner named Eunice GrayEunice Gray, in , in Fort Worth, Texas, dying in 1962. Fort Worth, Texas, dying in 1962.

Elzy Lay was released from prison in 1906, and Elzy Lay was released from prison in 1906, and after a brief visit at the Bassett ranch in Utah, he after a brief visit at the Bassett ranch in Utah, he relocated to relocated to CaliforniaCalifornia where he became a where he became a respected businessman, dying there in 1934.respected businessman, dying there in 1934.

Ben Kilpatrick was released from prison in 1911, Ben Kilpatrick was released from prison in 1911, and was killed during a train robbery in and was killed during a train robbery in TexasTexas in in 1912.1912.

Laura Bullion was released from prison in 1905, Laura Bullion was released from prison in 1905, living the remainder of her life as a seamstress, living the remainder of her life as a seamstress, dying in dying in Memphis, TennesseeMemphis, Tennessee in 1961, the last of in 1961, the last of the Wild Bunch.the Wild Bunch.