The Wild Bunch
The annals of the American West are rife with tales of daring outlaws, legendary figures who roamed the vast landscapes, defying the law and carving their own destinies. Among these notorious characters, few groups command as much attention and intrigue as The Wild Bunch. This loosely organized gang, operating primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, etched its name into history through audacious robberies and a reputation for fearless defiance.
Headed by the charismatic Butch Cassidy, whose given name was Robert Leroy Parker, and the quick-drawing Harry Longabaugh, famously known as the "Sundance Kid," The Wild Bunch was more than just a band of thieves; it was a symbol of resistance against the encroaching forces of civilization that were rapidly transforming the American frontier. Their exploits, though undoubtedly criminal, have been romanticized over time, contributing to the enduring allure of the Wild West.
A Roaming Territory:
The operational theatre of The Wild Bunch spanned a considerable area of the American West, encompassing the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. This vast territory, characterized by rugged terrain, sparse settlements, and limited law enforcement, provided the ideal environment for their activities. The gang’s ability to navigate this challenging landscape and evade capture for nearly five years is a testament to their knowledge of the region and their resourcefulness.
The composition of The Wild Bunch was fluid, with members joining and leaving over time. While the core leadership remained consistent with Cassidy and Longabaugh, the supporting cast varied depending on circumstances and opportunities. The gang typically consisted of around ten individuals, a mix of hardened outlaws and their female companions.
Hideouts and Havens:
To survive and operate effectively, The Wild Bunch relied on a network of remote hideouts, strategically located to provide refuge from the law and a base for planning their next moves. These havens, often situated in isolated and difficult-to-access areas, became legendary in their own right.
One of the most famous hideouts was the "Hole in the Wall," nestled in the southern Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. This natural fortress, with its narrow canyons and hidden valleys, offered excellent protection and a clear vantage point for spotting approaching lawmen. Brown’s Hole, a desolate valley near the borders of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, was another favored location, providing ample grazing land for horses and a secluded environment for the gang to regroup. Further south, the Robber’s Roost, situated in the harsh desert of southeastern Utah, served as a remote and unforgiving sanctuary.
A Rogues’ Gallery:
Beyond Cassidy and Longabaugh, The Wild Bunch included a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and backgrounds. Etta Place, Longabaugh’s enigmatic girlfriend, remains a figure of mystery and fascination. Other notable members included Bill Carver, known for his reliability and marksmanship; Ben "The Tall Texan" Kilpatrick, a seasoned outlaw with a reputation for toughness; and Kid Curry (Harvey Logan), considered by some to be the most dangerous member of the gang.
The roster also included Willard "the Mormon Kid" Christianson, George Curry, Laura Bullion, Elzy Lay, Tom "Peep" O’Day, Jesse Linsley, Annie Rogers, and Lillie Davis, among others. The diverse backgrounds and personalities of these individuals contributed to the complex dynamic within the gang.
The Wilcox Train Robbery:
Perhaps the most audacious and well-known crime committed by The Wild Bunch was the robbery of the Union Pacific Overland Limited train near Wilcox, Wyoming, on June 2, 1899. This meticulously planned operation showcased the gang’s audacity and their willingness to use extreme measures to achieve their goals.
The robbers, after stopping the train, forced the crew to uncouple the express car and move it away from the passenger cars. They then used dynamite to blow open the safe inside the express car, completely destroying the car in the process. This act of wanton destruction shocked the nation and solidified The Wild Bunch‘s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
The Aftermath and Pursuit:
In the wake of the Wilcox robbery, the Union Pacific Railroad, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, formed a special posse of railroad special agents known as the "Rangers." This dedicated group relentlessly pursued The Wild Bunch, adding to the pressure on the gang.
As communication networks improved and law enforcement became more coordinated, the activities of The Wild Bunch became increasingly risky. Following their last train robbery in the summer of 1901, the gang began to splinter, with members going their separate ways to evade capture.
Fleeing to South America:
Facing relentless pursuit by the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Etta Place fled to Argentina in 1902, seeking refuge in a new land. Their time in South America is shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts of their activities and ultimate fate.
Some believe that the outlaw pair were killed in a shootout with Bolivian soldiers, bringing their legendary careers to a violent end. Others claim that they eventually returned to the United States, living out their lives anonymously under assumed identities. The true fate of Cassidy and Longabaugh remains one of the most enduring mysteries of the American West.
The End of the Line:
While the fates of Cassidy and Longabaugh remain uncertain, other members of The Wild Bunch met more definitive ends. Many reportedly died violently in various locations across the West, including Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.
Harvey Logan, also known as Kid Curry, was arrested in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1902 on federal charges. He escaped from custody in 1903 and committed his last crime on June 7, 1904, when he and two accomplices held up a Denver & Rio Grande train near Parachute, Colorado. Their haul was meager, consisting only of a worn gold watch taken from an express guard. The following day, Logan was wounded by a posse and reportedly took his own life rather than face capture.
A Lasting Legacy:
Despite their criminal activities, The Wild Bunch has become an enduring symbol of the Wild West, representing a spirit of independence, rebellion, and adventure. Their exploits have been romanticized in countless books, films, and television shows, solidifying their place in popular culture.
While their actions were undoubtedly illegal and often violent, The Wild Bunch remains a fascinating chapter in the history of the American West, a testament to the enduring allure of the outlaw and the romanticized image of a bygone era.