The Wild West was a time of lawlessness and adventure, when outlaws roamed the land and criminal activities were rampant. In this gallery, we take a glimpse into the lives of some of the most notorious outlaws of the late 1800s and early 1900s through their mugshots.
One infamous group of outlaws was the Younger Gang, consisting of Cole, Bob, and Jim Younger, who were known for their string of robberies across several states. They joined forces with the James brothers, Frank and Jesse, creating the notorious James-Younger Gang. Together, they executed daring robberies, evading the authorities for years. Jesse James even portrayed the gang as modern-day Robin Hoods, stealing from the rich to help the poor.
However, their criminal reign came to an end when they attempted to rob a bank in Northfield, Minnesota. Outnumbered and facing armed civilians, the gang was forced to retreat. While the James brothers managed to escape, the Younger brothers were captured and subjected to a brutal beating by the townspeople. Jim Younger’s mugshot, taken after the incident, shows him still bloody from the encounter.
These mugshots give us a glimpse into the lawless and harsh realities of the Wild West. The criminals were sent to prisons like the Wyoming Frontier Prison, where conditions were abysmal and punishments barbaric. Inmates had no electricity or indoor plumbing, and some were even subjected to routine beatings and torture.
Despite some judicial reforms aimed at ending the inhumane treatment of prisoners, many Old West jails continued their brutal ways. The Wyoming Frontier Prison, for instance, remained open until 1981, with approximately 13,500 people incarcerated there, including 11 women.
Though the days of the Wild West are long gone, the stories of these outlaws live on through their mugshots. These photographs capture a unique and fascinating chapter in American history, reminding us of a time when the law was elusive and the criminal spirit thrived.
Stay tuned for more famous mugshots throughout history and incredible vintage mugshots that bring the past to life.
