Fort Sumner in De Baca County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Billy the Kid

Photographed by James Hulse, March 24, 2025

1. Billy the Kid Marker

Inscription. He was known by many names, William Henry McCarthy, William H. Bonney, but he was best known as "Billy the Kid." Born in New York City in 1859, he would find infamy in the old west as a hired gun, outlaw and other wise stone-cold killer. His mother died in 1874 when he was 14 leaving Billy to spend the next year in foster homes. In 1875 he was caught stealing clothing from a Chinese laundry. McCarthy, fled town and began his career as a roving ranch hand, gambler and gang member. Billy first earned his reputation as a gunslinger' in 1878 when he participated in a bloody frontier war in Lincoln County, NM. He joined a vigilante group called "The Regulators" and was charged with the murder of Lincoln County Sheriff William Brady. Pursued by Sheriff Pat Garrett, the Kid sought refuge with friends in Fort Sumner, NM. On the night of July 14, 1881 Garrett went to the home of rancher Peter Maxwell to question him about Billy's whereabouts. No sooner had he woken Maxwell, the Kid also approached the house suspicious of one of Garrett's deputies on the porch. The Kid backed into the Maxwell's darkened room, shouting "Who's that?”

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Recognizing the Kid's voice, Garrett drew his gun and fired off two rounds, one bullet struck the 21 year old near his heart, killing him instantly.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is July 14, 1881.

Location. 34° 24.227′ N, 104° 11.611′ W. Marker is in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in De Baca County. It is on Billy the Kid Drive south of Pecan Drive, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in the Old Fort Sumner Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3501 Billy the Kid Dr, Fort Sumner NM 88119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern New Mexico

and in the Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Southwest,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At

Billy the Kid and Pals Gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 24, 2025

2. Billy the Kid and Pals Gravestone

Billy the Kid is buried with his pals, Tom O'Folliard and Charlie Bowdre.

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tom O'Folliard (here, next to this marker); Billy the Kid's Elusive Tombstone (here, next to this marker); Charlie Bowdre (here, next to this marker); Joe "Texas Red" Grant (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Historic Fort Sumner Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell (within shouting distance of this marker); Deluvina Maxwell (within shouting distance of this marker); William "Billy the Kid" Bonney Grave 1859-1881 / Old Fort Sumner Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Sumner.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Fort Sumner and “Billy the Kid’s” Grave (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Billy the Kid. Wikipedia

Henry McCarty (September 17 or November 23, 1859 – July 14, 1881), alias William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid, was an American outlaw and gunfighter of the Old West who was linked to nine murders: four for which he was solely responsible, and five in which he may have played a role alongside others. He is also noted for his involvement in New Mexico's Lincoln County War.

(Submitted on April 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Billy the Kid Gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 24, 2025

3. Billy the Kid Gravestone

The Billy the Kid Gravestone is cover to protect from theft and vandalism image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 24, 2025

4. The Billy the Kid Gravestone is cover to protect from theft and vandalism

The marker is the first ground marker from the right side.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.