Talk:Billy the Kid

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Billy the Kid was a History good articles nominee, but did not meet the good article criteria at the time. There may be suggestions below for improving the article. Once these issues have been addressed, the article can be renominated. Editors may also seek a reassessment of the decision if they believe there was a mistake.

Article milestones
Date	Process	Result
December 15, 2016	Good article nominee	Not listed
February 14, 2016	Good article nominee	Not listed
June 20, 2016	Good article nominee	Not listed
A fact from this article was featured on Wikipedia's Main Page in the "On this day..." column on September 23, 2015.
Current status: Former good article nominee

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This article has been viewed enough times in a single week to appear in the Top 25 Report. The week in which this happened:

October 11 to 17, 2015 (16th)

Possible photos of Billy the Kid

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NpwwzUbfsFU

I found these possible photos of Billy the Kid on FamilySearch.

1st photo - FamilySearch user kendoughty claims "A recent discovery has reignited interest in the legend of Billy the Kid, with forensic expert Lois Gibson asserting that a newly found photograph of the notorious outlaw is authentic. The image, which belonged to a New Mexico collector, depicts a young, clean-cut Billy the Kid, a stark contrast to the typical portrayals of him as a rough and rebellious figure. Gibson's expertise in forensic analysis, combined with her track record of authenticating historical photographs, lends considerable weight to her claim. This revelation has the potential to reshape our understanding of the infamous gunslinger, who has become an enduring symbol of the Wild West.

The photograph reportedly surfaced during an estate sale, where it was discovered tucked away among family heirlooms. Its provenance is particularly compelling, as it traces back to individuals connected to Billy the Kid's life, including those who may have known him personally. Gibson's analysis involved comparing the facial features in the photograph with known images of the outlaw, including various sketches and photographs taken during his life. The results of her examination suggest that the image aligns with historical records of Billy the Kid's appearance, reinforcing the notion that this photograph could indeed be a rare and valuable addition to the narrative of one of America’s most legendary figures.

If confirmed as authentic, this photograph would not only be a significant find for historians and collectors but also serve to deepen the mythos surrounding Billy the Kid. It highlights the ongoing fascination with the Wild West and its larger-than-life characters, whose stories have been immortalized in books, films, and folklore. As the investigation into the photograph continues, the implications for both historical scholarship and popular culture could be profound, offering new insights into the life and legacy of a man who has captivated the imagination for over a century."

2nd photo - none look generally similar in appearance to Billy the Kid from the known photo.

3rd photo - Billy the Kid is supposedly on the left, name marked "Henry McCarthy" and someone named "William McCarthy" is on the right.none look generally similar in appearance to Billy the Kid from the known photo.

4th photo - none look generally similar in appearance to Billy the Kid from the known photo.

5th photo - Billy the Kid is in the chair. This is the most likely and looks the most similar to Billy the Kid in appearance. It is also noticeable this person has hair going down the back of his head, similar to Billy the Kid, and has the same stance as Billy the Kid, with a tilted hat. Newaccount33333 (talk) 18:46, 6 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

"as of 2021"

hasn't changed as far as i'm aware, updating it to '24 confirms to the reader that the information is still correct and not outdated. 62.6.174.29 (talk) 13:21, 12 December 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Gambling in the Wild West | Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid is one of the most enduring legends of the American West. Known for his daring escapes, outlaw lifestyle, and quick draw, he left a lasting legacy that continues to capture imaginations. While much has been written about his gunfights, outlaw exploits, and role in the Lincoln County War, his involvement in gambling is a fascinating aspect of his life that highlights the culture of the Old West. Gambling, an integral part of frontier life, served as both entertainment and a means of survival, and Billy the Kid was no stranger to its allure. During the late 19th century, gambling halls were as ubiquitous in the West as saloons and general stores. These establishments weren’t merely places to wager—they were social hubs where fortunes could be won and lost, reputations made or shattered. Faro, poker, monte, and various dice games dominated the tables, with gamblers betting on their skill or sheer luck. For Billy the Kid, gambling wasn’t just a pastime; it was woven into the fabric of his outlaw existence. The card table was often where he mingled with other notorious figures, tested his wits, and cultivated his reputation. Accounts from those who encountered Billy depict him as a charismatic young man who exuded confidence at the card table. Like many gamblers of the era, he relied on his charm, sharp instincts, and occasional sleight of hand to stay ahead. Whether in the dusty gambling halls of New Mexico or around campfires, Billy’s gambling skills reflected the same boldness that defined his outlaw lifestyle. He was known for taking risks, which endeared him to some and made him feared by others. John Richard James (talk) 17:34, 31 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have any independent, reliable sources? A website about gambling is not really a reliable source for this claim. The Banner talk 12:55, 1 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Definitely not a reliable source and the text is almost certainly AI-generated. Unusable. Carlstak (talk) 13:24, 1 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]