Silver City's Own Billy the Kid

A special website of the Silver City - Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

Grant County is in the sunny southwest corner of New Mexico.

A large map of the county, showing points of interest, roads and features of the county, is available here.

Upcoming Events in Grant County

Beaded Embroidered Pendant
March 13, 9:00 am
9am–1pm Students will learn a variety of techniques to help lay out their designs to form a two-dimensional drawing of beads. This pendant is finished on a necklace of coordinated beads or a chain. $30 includes some materials. Cabochon, chain and beads extra. Instructor: Shannon Curry - Call to reserve your space. Location: A Bead or Two, 703 N. Bullard Street Phone: 575-388-8973

Historic Fort Bayard Walking Tour
March 13, 9:30 am
9:30am —Come see the 100 year old buildings and relive some of the history of this important military fort and hospital. Kathy Hill, who grew up at Fort Bayard will be your guide. Meet at the theater which is located on the north-east side of the hospital. Although the tour is free, donations to support the preservation of Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark are always accepted. For further information or to make reservations 575-956-3294 or 307-640-3012. Location: Fort Bayard Phone: 575-956-3294

Art exhibit for Patricia Tabor
March 13, 11:00 am
11am to 1pm. Come meet Patricia Tabor and enjoy her watercolors. Light refreshments. Location: a.i.r. Coffee House, 208 Central

Prostate Cancer Support Group
March 17, 6:30 am
Current patients, survivors, and those at-risk for prostate cancer are encouraged to attend. Information on local, state and national resources will be available! Location: Gila Regional Medical Center— Conference Room (1313 E. 32nd St.) Phone: 388-1198 ext. 10

More on the web...

Southwest Breastfeeding Council
March 18, 12:00 pm
Advocates, educates and promotes the benefits of breastfeeding in Southwest New Mexico. Open to the community. Mothers and babies always welcome!! Help begin planning for Worldwide Breatsfeeding Week 2010. Location: Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room, 1313 E. 32nd St. Phone: 388-1198

Silver City's Own Billy the Kid

By Mary Alice Murphy,
Silver City Daily Press

The controversy over Billy the Kid’s life and death started when he was shot and killed by Pat Garrett in July 1888. But did Billy die, did Garrett really kill him or was somebody else the victim of Garrett’s bullets? The legend holds that Billy, also known as William Bonney Henry McCarty and Henry Antrim, was born in New York, or was it Texas? His mother was Catherine Antrim, or was he born to her sister and raised by Antrim?

The controversy of his life stems far beyond what documented history can tell us. However, a few things about Billy’s life are not controversial. He was raised in Silver City, New Mexico, by Antrim and known then as Henry McCarty. After her death, he had no role models, got involved with shady characters and began his brief life of crime. Also not disputed is that Billy the Kid attended Sixth Street Elementary School in Silver City.

A cabin, from the movie set of “The Missing” was donated by the movie’s director Ron Howard and sits at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center near the site where Billy (a.k.a. Henry) and his mother lived. So, while the stories of Billy change as quickly as time passes, one fact that will always remain is “the Kid” will always be known as one of the West’s most rumored and remembered outlaws.

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