Short History Of... – Episode: Butch Cassidy

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Short History Of..., host John Hopkins delves deep into the life and legend of Butch Cassidy, one of the most notorious outlaws of the American West. Produced by Katrina Hughes, Kate Simants, Nicole Edmunds, Jacob Booth, Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer, and Cody Reynolds-Shaw, with compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, and Tom Pink, this episode meticulously traces Cassidy's journey from his humble beginnings to his enigmatic end.

Early Life and Formation of a Rebel

Robert Leroy Parker, later known as Butch Cassidy, was born on April 13, 1866, in Beaver, Utah Territory, into a devout Mormon family. As the eldest of 13 children, Cassidy naturally assumed the role of a leader early on. Historian commentary at [06:59] highlights, "Butch Cassidy's the oldest of 13 children... that carried over from his growing up years to being the leader of a wild and woolly gang."

In his teenage years, Cassidy exhibited signs of rebellion. At 13, his family moved to Circle Valley, where financial struggles led him to work on various ranches. A pivotal moment occurred when a friendship with Mike Cassidy, a horse wrangler, introduced him to the darker side of cowboy life—stealing horses and exploiting his skills with branding irons. By 18, Cassidy had fully embraced his outlaw identity, leaving home to partake in horse rustling and soon turning to more ambitious criminal endeavors.

Rise of the Wild Bunch

Cassidy's charisma and strategic mind naturally led him to form alliances with other like-minded individuals. Key figures such as Elzie “L.Z.” Lay and Harry Longabaugh, famously known as the Sundance Kid, became integral members of what would eventually be known as the Wild Bunch. Historian insights at [27:06] note, "Elsie Leigh was reportedly Butch's best friend... Kid Curry, who was probably the most feared of the Wild Bunch..."

The gang conducted a series of meticulously planned robberies, including bank heists and train robberies, across multiple states. One of their most audacious acts occurred on June 2, 1899, when they successfully robbed a Union Pacific passenger train near Wilcox, Wyoming, making off with $50,000—a staggering sum equivalent to over half a million dollars today.

Tactics and Escapes

The Wild Bunch was notorious for their elaborate escape plans, involving relay teams of fresh horses and hiding out in remote locations such as Robbers Roost in southeastern Utah and Brown's Park on the borders of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Cassidy's ability to blend into legitimate society was exemplified during his time working under the alias Jim Low at the Basset Ranch, where he gained the trust and admiration of the local community.

Confrontation with the Pinkerton Agency

As their crimes escalated, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency became determined to capture Cassidy and his gang. The pivotal moment came when a photograph of the Wild Bunch was distributed nationwide, igniting a massive manhunt. At [32:21], the historian explains, "The Pinkerton Agency... plays a significant role in both law enforcement and private security... their slogan, we never sleep."

Despite intensive efforts by the Pinkertons, Cassidy's ingenuity allowed him to evade capture repeatedly. His interactions with law enforcement often showcased his strategic mind, such as his attempted negotiation with lawyer Orlando Powers in 1900, seeking amnesty in exchange for his skills in protecting trains.

The Journey to South America

Feeling the pressure from relentless pursuits, Cassidy, along with the Sundance Kid and Etta Place, decided to flee to South America in January 1901. They settled in Cholila, Patagonia, Argentina, seeking a quiet life amidst the booming cattle and sheep ranching industry. However, peace was fleeting. Reports of bank robberies in Bolivia in 1908 linked back to Cassidy and his companions, casting doubt on the official account of their demise.

At [49:05], the historian adds, "Butch Cassidy's family swears he came back... there is no real evidence that they died in Bolivia." This ambiguity has fed numerous legends and theories about Cassidy’s true fate, making his story one of the Wild West’s most enduring mysteries.

Legacy and Conclusion

Butch Cassidy's legacy is a blend of fact and folklore. His reputation as a "gentleman rogue" persists, contrasting with the often violent realities of his fellow Wild Bunch members. As [51:10] states, "The romance and the stories of his goodness have kind of risen to the top... they don't exist for the other men."

Many Wild Bunch members met violent ends, but Cassidy’s story remains shrouded in mystery. Whether he met his end in Bolivia or lived out his days quietly in Washington State, his legend endures, immortalized in literature and film—most notably in the 1969 movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

As historian insights throughout the episode reveal, Cassidy's ability to navigate both legitimate and criminal worlds, coupled with his elusive nature, cemented his status as an iconic figure of the American frontier. His story serves as a testament to the complex interplay between myth and reality in shaping historical narratives.

Notable Quotes

• Historian at [06:59]: "Butch Cassidy's the oldest of 13 children and it's interesting, he was born on April 13th, Friday the 13th, and he was really in charge at home with the kids because his parents were farmed out, working, trying to make ends meet."

• Historian at [12:42]: "When he was leaving town, he was seen by a rancher that he knew... that was one of those turning points... put him on the path of no return."

• Historian at [25:36]: "The Sundance Kid was a Pennsylvania boy... he had that temperament... they kind of ended up together... their names have been joined through history."

• Historian at [31:21]: "The Pinkerton Agency was established around 1850... a forerunner of the US Secret Service."

• Historian at [49:34]: "There is no evidence that they died in Bolivia... the family says he came back and lived in Washington State."

Conclusion

Short History Of... provides an in-depth exploration of Butch Cassidy's life, balancing historical facts with the enduring myths that surround this legendary outlaw. Through engaging narration and expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Cassidy's impact on American history and his lasting legacy in popular culture.