Butch Cassidy, born Robert LeRoy Parker on April 13, 1866, in Beaver, Utah, is one of the most infamous outlaws of the American West. His life story is a blend of early influences, criminal endeavors, and a legacy that continues to captivate historians and the public alike. Raised in a family of early Mormon settlers, Cassidy’s upbringing was marked by hardship and a strong sense of loyalty to his word. However, his youthful idealism would soon clash with the realities of law and society, setting him on a path that would lead to his notorious reputation.
Early Influences
Cassidy was the eldest of 13 children in a family that struggled financially. His parents, Maximillian Parker and Ann Campbell Gillies, were English immigrants who settled in Utah as part of the Mormon migration. Growing up in this environment instilled in Cassidy a strong work ethic and resourcefulness. He often worked at neighboring farms and ranches to help support his family. Despite these efforts, he frequently found himself in trouble with the law, which foreshadowed his later criminal activities.
First Encounter with the Law
At around 14 years old, Cassidy’s illicit lifestyle began when he attempted to buy a new pair of overalls but found the store closed. In an act of youthful rebellion, he took a pair he liked and left a note promising payment. This incident led to charges of theft by the store owner, who did not share Cassidy’s belief that a man’s word was sufficient. Although he was acquitted by a sympathetic jury, this experience left Cassidy feeling humiliated and disillusioned with society’s values.
Transition to Crime
After this initial brush with the law, Cassidy’s criminal career began in earnest. By 1884, he was involved in cattle rustling and horse thefts as a way to make quick money. His first significant crime occurred on June 24, 1889, when he participated in the robbery of the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, Colorado. This successful heist netted him and his accomplices $21,000—equivalent to over half a million dollars today—marking his entry into serious criminal activities.
Formation of the Wild Bunch
Cassidy’s criminal exploits led him to form alliances with other outlaws, most notably Harry Longabaugh, known as the Sundance Kid. Together they established the Wild Bunch gang, which became notorious for its daring bank and train robberies across several Western states. The gang included various members, some of whom were women like Ann and Josie Bassett who aided them by providing food and horses.
Train Robberies: A Notorious Endeavor
Train robberies became a defining aspect of Butch Cassidy’s criminal career, showcasing his audacity and strategic planning. The Wild Bunch, the gang led by Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, executed several high-profile train heists that earned them infamy across the American West. One of their most notable robberies occurred on June 2, 1899, when they targeted the Union Pacific Overland Flyer passenger train near Wilcox, Wyoming. This daring act not only secured a significant haul but also triggered a massive manhunt involving numerous lawmen.
Romantic Relationships
Among Cassidy’s associates was Ann Bassett, with whom he had a romantic relationship that lasted seven years. Their relationship was fraught with challenges due to Cassidy’s frequent absences caused by his criminal activities and an 18-month prison sentence for horse theft. When Cassidy ultimately decided to leave the United States for South America, it is believed he never saw Bassett again.
Life as an Outlaw
Despite his criminal lifestyle, Cassidy occasionally attempted to live a legitimate life. He even established a ranch near Dubois, Wyoming; however, he found ranching unfulfilling and returned to crime shortly thereafter. His ability to evade capture for years can be attributed to his strategic planning during robberies and the use of remote hideouts like Robbers Roost.
Fleeing to South America
As law enforcement intensified their efforts to capture him—particularly the Pinkerton Detective Agency—Cassidy fled to South America in 1901 along with Sundance and Etta Place. They initially attempted to settle down by running a ranch in Argentina but continued their criminal activities abroad. The duo adapted their methods to evade capture while living among other U.S. outlaws who had also relocated.
Mysterious Death
The circumstances surrounding Cassidy’s death remain shrouded in mystery. On November 4, 1908, it is alleged that he participated in a robbery near Tupiza in Bolivia that led to a shootout with local soldiers. While some accounts claim that Cassidy was killed during this encounter, no conclusive evidence has been found linking him directly to any death at that time.
Legacy
Butch Cassidy’s life story is one of contradictions: an outlaw who valued loyalty yet lived outside societal norms; a man who sought adventure but faced consequences for his choices. Over a century since his presumed death, Cassidy remains an enduring figure in American folklore—a symbol of rebellion against authority and the romanticized notion of the Wild West outlaw lifestyle. His legacy continues through films, books, and historical discussions that explore both his notorious crimes and the complexities of his character.
References:
6 Things You May Not Know About Butch Cassidy
The Mysterious Deaths of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
