Where is Pistol Pete Buried?
Pistol Pete, the legendary American cowboy and outlaw, is one of the most fascinating figures in the Wild West. His life was marked by bravery, cunning, and a reputation for being one of the most feared and respected men of his time. But what happened to him after his death? In this article, we’ll delve into the mystery of where Pistol Pete is buried.
Who was Pistol Pete?
Before we get to the question of where he’s buried, let’s take a brief look at who Pistol Pete was. Born in 1858 in Tennessee, William H. Bonney, better known as Pistol Pete, was a notorious outlaw who spent most of his life on the run from the law. He was known for his quick draw and accuracy with a gun, earning him the nickname "Pistol Pete." He was also known for his charismatic personality and his ability to talk his way out of trouble.
The Life of Pistol Pete
Pistol Pete’s life was marked by a series of bank robberies, stagecoach holdups, and shootouts with lawmen. He was a member of the infamous Dalton Gang and was involved in several high-profile robberies, including the infamous Dalton Gang Bank Robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1892. The robbery went awry, and Pistol Pete was forced to flee the scene, leaving behind several of his gang members who were killed in the shootout.
The Death of Pistol Pete
Pistol Pete’s life of crime eventually caught up with him. On July 14, 1880, he was shot and killed by Sheriff Charles W. Smith in Silver City, New Mexico. The exact circumstances of his death are still disputed, with some accounts claiming that he was killed in a shootout and others claiming that he was shot while trying to escape.
Where is Pistol Pete Buried?
So, where is Pistol Pete buried? The answer is not a simple one. Pistol Pete’s body was initially buried in Silver City, New Mexico, where he was killed. However, his body was later exhumed and reburied in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in 1888.
The Mystery of Pistol Pete’s Burial
But here’s the thing: Pistol Pete’s grave in Fort Sumner is not marked with a headstone. In fact, there is no official record of his burial in Fort Sumner. So, where is he really buried?
Theories and Speculations
Over the years, there have been several theories and speculations about Pistol Pete’s burial. Some claim that he was buried in Tombstone, Arizona, while others believe that he was buried in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
The Search for Pistol Pete’s Grave
In recent years, a group of researchers and historians has been searching for Pistol Pete’s grave. Using old maps, documents, and eyewitness accounts, they have been trying to pinpoint the location of his final resting place.
A Possible Solution
One possible solution to the mystery of Pistol Pete’s burial is that he was buried in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, but the grave was later destroyed or lost. This theory is supported by some accounts that suggest that Pistol Pete’s body was reburied in Fort Sumner after his initial burial in Silver City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of where Pistol Pete is buried is still a mystery. While there are several theories and speculations about his burial, there is no concrete evidence to support any of them. The search for Pistol Pete’s grave continues, and it’s possible that the truth about his burial will never be known for certain.
Table: Theories and Speculations about Pistol Pete’s Burial
Theory/Speculation | Location | Evidence |
---|---|---|
Buried in Tombstone, Arizona | Tombstone, Arizona | No concrete evidence |
Buried in Santa Fe, New Mexico | Santa Fe, New Mexico | No concrete evidence |
Buried in Fort Sumner, New Mexico (initially) | Fort Sumner, New Mexico | Some accounts suggest that his body was reburied in Fort Sumner after his initial burial in Silver City |
Bullets List: Key Points
• Pistol Pete was a notorious outlaw who spent most of his life on the run from the law.
• He was known for his quick draw and accuracy with a gun, earning him the nickname "Pistol Pete."
• He was a member of the infamous Dalton Gang and was involved in several high-profile robberies.
• He was shot and killed by Sheriff Charles W. Smith in Silver City, New Mexico, on July 14, 1880.
• His body was initially buried in Silver City, New Mexico, but was later exhumed and reburied in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in 1888.
• There is no official record of his burial in Fort Sumner, and his grave is not marked with a headstone.
• The search for Pistol Pete’s grave continues, and it’s possible that the truth about his burial will never be known for certain.