The Top 10 Historical Figures From The Wild West!

William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody led a multifaceted life long before gaining fame for his Wild West tour. At a young age, he participated in California's Gold Rush and later became a Pony Express Rider. Serving as an army scout in the Indian Wars and fighting for the Union in the Civil War, he managed to hone his acting skills as well. When he introduced his vibrant cowboy-themed 'Wild West' show in 1883, he was already a legendary figure.

Robert LeRoy Parker, famously known as "Butch Cassidy", was a prominent American train and bank robber. He led a group of criminal outlaws called the "Wild Bunch," with his partner Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, also known as the Sundance Kid. Both figures have inspired movies and books. It's widely believed that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid met their end in 1908 during a shootout with Bolivian police officers.

Jesse Woodson James, an American outlaw, is famous for his role as a bank and train robber, guerrilla, and leader of the James-Younger Gang. He hailed from the "Little Dixie" region of western Missouri and held strong Southern sympathies. Jesse James stands out as the most iconic outlaw of the Wild West. Alongside his brother Frank James, he gained infamy as a notorious bank and train robber and led the James-Younger Gang. However, his most notable event was his death, widely depicted in movies, when he was infamously shot in the back by Robert Ford.

Though details of Billy the Kid's early life are limited, he was originally named William Henry McCarty Jr. and grew up in the impoverished neighborhoods of New York City. Orphaned at 14, he headed West, fully embracing the life of a notorious Wild West outlaw and gunslinger. Evading New Mexican authorities due to theft, Billy the Kid sought refuge in Arizona, where a deadly altercation ultimately resulted in him taking another man's life. He eventually returned to New Mexico, affiliating himself with a gang of cattle thieves and becoming embroiled in the tumultuous Lincoln County War. Despite his claims of numerous kills, it's likely he took fewer than 10 lives before his own fatal encounter. At just 21, Sheriff Pat Garrett ended his life with a gunshot.

Martha Jane Canary, famously known as "Calamity Jane", was a frontierswoman, sharpshooter, and storyteller. Hailing from Missouri, she gained renown for her unconventional attire, marksmanship, and bold demeanor, often imitating men's behavior and language. Her tales, a mix of truth and fiction, contributed to her legendary status and captivating persona.

"Wild Bill Hickok", originally named James Butler Hickok, is a true Wild West icon. He lived a diverse life as a wagon master, Union spy, lawman, gunslinger, and gambler. Similar to Calamity Jane, they share a burial site, his reputation blossomed due to his captivating stories. His fame soared after a notable gunfight with David Tutt, a showdown that contributed to the rise of quickdraw duels. Hickok's life came to a tragic end while playing poker in Deadwood, Dakota Territory. He was shot in the back by Jack McCall. At the time of his death, he held two pairs of black aces and eights, a hand now famously referred to as the "dead man's hand" in poker.

"Annie Oakley", also known as "Little Miss Sure Shot," hailed from Ohio and led a remarkable life due to her exceptional sharpshooting abilities, which she demonstrated from a young age. At 15, she showcased her skills by challenging expert marksman Frank E. Butler in a shooting contest, narrowly defeating him and eventually marrying him. She later joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West show as a star attraction, interacting with royalty, world leaders, and even forging a friendship with Chief Sitting Bull.

"Davy Crockett", was a famous figure known for being a hunter, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. He's one of the Wild West's most famous folk heroes and early figures. Often called the "King of the Wild Frontier," Crockett didn't just lead an adventurous life; he also took part in politics in Tennessee. He served as a U.S. Congressman from 1827 to 1833. After losing a close election for a fourth term, he moved to Texas in 1835, which was then a part of Mexico. The next year, he fought for Texas' freedom and tragically lost his life in the Battle of Alamo. Crockett's story reflects the spirit of those times and his determination to stand for what he believed in.

"Sitting Bull", also known as Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotȟake in Lakota, was a revered Hunkpapa Lakota holy man. Born around 1831 and often nicknamed "Húŋkešni" or "Slow," he played a significant role in leading his people against the United States government's policies during times of resistance. Tragically, he was killed on December 15, 1890, by Indian agency police on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation during an attempted arrest. This occurred amid concerns that he might align with the Ghost Dance movement. Sitting Bull's leadership marked a period of resilience and defiance by the Hunkpapa Lakota against the government's actions.

Geronimo was a notable leader and respected medicine man of the Bedonkohe band within the Apache tribe. Despite not being a chief, he gained fame for his exceptional leadership skills in raiding and warfare. He often led extensive groups of men beyond his own followers, joining forces with three other Chiricahua Apache bands. He engaged in multiple raids and battled against both Mexican and U.S. military campaigns in northern Mexico's Chihuahua and Sonora states, as well as in the southwestern American territories of New Mexico and Arizona.