In the annals of American western history, few people have left behind such lasting and far-reaching fame as Billy the Kid. Some have suggested that his legend began with his death at the end of Pat Garrett’s revolver on the night of July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner. Others believe that the legend began with his unforgettable jailbreak in Lincoln, New Mexico, several months prior on April 28, 1881. Others still insist his legend began with the publication in 1926 of Walter Noble Burns’s book, The Saga of Billy the Kid. James B. Mills has left no stone unturned in his twenty-year quest to tell the complete story of Billy the Kid. He explores the Kid’s disputable origins, his family’s migration from New York into the Southwest, and how he became an orphan, as well as his involvement in the Lincoln County War, his outlaw exploits, and his dealings with Governor Lew Wallace. Mills illuminates the Kid’s relationships with his enemies, lovers, and numerous friends to contextualize the man’s character beyond his death and legacy. Most importantly, Mills is the first historian to fully detail the Kid’s relations with New Mexicans of Spanish descent. So, the question remains, who really …

Aerial view of the swamplands covering the site of Spindletop in Beaumont, TX as seen from above Spindletop Park located off of West Port Arthur Road/Spur 93.

Aerial view of the swamplands covering the site of Spindletop in Beaumont, TX as seen from above Spindletop Park located off of West Port Arthur Road/Spur 93. Video footage is silent.

Photograph of the Historical Marker in front of St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Elmore St. in New Waverly, TX. Marker Text reads: "The Rev. Felix Orzechowski, who came to Texas in 1866 to answer an appeal for Polish missionaries, organized St. Joseph's Parish in 1869. The first Catholic church in Walker County, it served the many Polish families who settled this area in the 1870s. Church tradition often sustained the immigrants until they adjusted to life in a new country. Services were held outdoors or in private homes during Father Orzechowski's pastorate. Soon after leaving this parish in 1876, he returned to Poland and was imprisoned by ruling Russian officials for advocating democratic ideals. A frame church building was erected in 1877 under the direction of the Rev. Victor Justiana Linicki, who was a Polish baron before he became a priest. A larger edifice, designed by Tom Lavandoski, was built in 1897, and the original structure was used as a school. The present church was begun in 1905 and dedicated on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1908, during the pastorate of the Rev. Thomas Aloysius Bily (1859-1921). The stately Gothic-style structure, designed by L.S. Green, reflects the European …

Photograph of a water tower and Murski's Cafe located in New Waverly, TX.

Nighttime Aerial Photograph of the San Jacinto Monument and reflecting pool at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial view of the swamplands covering the site of Spindletop in Beaumont, TX as seen from above Spindletop Park located off of West Port Arthur Road/Spur 93.

Photograph of a a pump jack and oil storage containers on display in Spindletop Park in Beaumont, TX.

Photograph of St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Elmore St. in New Waverly, TX. Property is listed as a historic site by the Texas Historical Commission.

Photograph of St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Elmore St. in New Waverly, TX. Property is listed as a historic site by the Texas Historical Commission.

Photograph of St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Elmore St. in New Waverly, TX. Property is listed as a historic site by the Texas Historical Commission.

Photograph of a water tower and liquor store in Sour Lake, TX.

Aerial equirectangular panoramic photograph of the San Jacinto Monument at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas. View is from the southeast above the marker noting the place where Houston was injured.

Aerial photograph of the Reflecting Pool and San Jacinto Monument at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial photograph of the San Jacinto Monument at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas. View is from the southeast above Santa Anna's camp.

Aerial photograph of the San Jacinto Monument at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas. View is from the southeast above the marker noting the place where Houston was injured. The reflecting pool and Battleship Texas are visible in the distance.

Aerial photograph of the San Jacinto Monument, Reflecting Pool, and Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial photograph of the San Jacinto Monument, Reflecting Pool, and Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Photograph a granite marker at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site with the Monument rising in the background. Marker reads: "No 17 Almonte captured and greatest carnage of battle occurred."

Elevated view of the B.R. Brigham Monument, located on the grounds of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial photographs of the Battleship Texas, docked in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial photographs of the Battleship Texas, docked in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial photographs of the Battleship Texas, docked in La Porte, Texas.

Aerial footage of the Battleship Texas, docked in Site in La Porte, Texas. Video footage is silent.