Outlaws of New Mexico

Each century has its folk figures in which villainy and heroism combine to produce larger than life individuals who then become part of American history and legend celebrated in song and story. This is particularly true of the western United States in the 19th century when the restless expansion of a growing nation was reflected in an era of extreme individualism. This was not only the time of Horatio Alger's "rags to riches" sagas but also a time when violence was seen, as another way of achieving material success. By its very nature the American West attracted men (and some women) who considered themselves to be outside the law and generally superior to those who tried to maintain order and justice on the new frontier. Because it was a border state, New Mexico had a large population of outlaws. These desperadoes such as Clay Allison, Jesse James, Black Jack Ketchum, James Masterson, Johnny Ringo, and Vicente Silva, by their actions and often-wanton killings, influenced the course of history in the area. And, at least one, Billy the Kid, became a romanticized figure in art, music and literature.