Historical Events tagged with "billy the kid"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Billy the Kid's Notorious Jailbreak

April 28th, 1881 143 years ago

Billy the Kid escaped from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico, on April 28, 1881, during a well-planned breakout. Taking advantage of a moment of distraction, he killed two guards and managed to flee captivity. This audacious escape further solidified his reputation as a legendary outlaw of the American West. His actions sparked intense manhunts and media frenzy, contributing to his infamy.

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Crime & Law

Murder of John Tunstall Ignites Lincoln County War

February 18th, 1878 147 years ago

John Tunstall was murdered by outlaw Jesse Evans in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on February 18, 1878. This act of violence was a pivotal moment that ignited the Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival factions in the county over business interests. Tunstall was a prominent cattleman and merchant, and his murder marked the escalation of tensions between his supporters and those aligned with Evans. As a consequence, a series of violent confrontations ensued, drawing in local lawmen and forming the backdrop for the notorious skirmishes that characterized the war.

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