5 Bill Longley Documentaries: The Wildest of the Wild West
Exploring the Life of a Notorious Gunslinger
William Preston Longley, known as Wild Bill Longley, was one of the most notorious outlaws and gunfighters of the American Wild West. His reputation for ruthlessness, quick temper, and deadly accuracy with a gun has captivated audiences for generations. Longley's life and exploits have been the subject of numerous documentaries, each offering unique perspectives on this controversial figure.
These documentaries provide viewers with a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the Old West's most infamous characters. From his early days in Texas to his eventual capture and execution, Longley's story is filled with violence, intrigue, and the harsh realities of frontier life. Through interviews, historical reenactments, and expert analysis, these films shed light on the man behind the legend and the complex social and cultural factors that shaped his turbulent life.
1) Frontier Justice: The Legend of Bill Longley (2012)
This documentary explores the life and crimes of William Preston Longley, one of the deadliest gunfighters in the Old West. Born in 1851, Longley gained notoriety for his quick temper and ruthless nature.
The film delves into Longley's exploits, including his numerous killings and encounters with law enforcement. It examines his reputation as a skilled marksman and his ability to evade capture for years.
Frontier Justice also covers Longley's eventual arrest and trial. It details the circumstances leading to his execution by hanging in 1878, at the age of 27.
The documentary uses historical records and expert interviews to separate fact from fiction in the Longley legend. It provides context on the lawless frontier environment that shaped his violent path.
Viewers gain insight into Longley's complex character and motivations through dramatized reenactments and archival materials. The film offers a balanced look at one of the Wild West's most infamous outlaws.
More information on William Preston Longley
2) Bill Longley: The Deadly Pistolero
William Preston Longley, known as "Wild Bill" Longley, was one of the most feared gunfighters of the Old West. Born in Texas in 1851, Longley gained notoriety for his quick temper and deadly accuracy with a pistol.
Longley's reputation as a ruthless killer grew rapidly. He claimed to have killed 32 men, though the actual number is disputed. Many of his victims were African Americans, reflecting the racial tensions of post-Civil War Texas.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Longley's criminal career was relatively short-lived. He was captured in 1877 and sentenced to death for murder. Longley met his end on the gallows in 1878, at the age of 27.
Before his execution, Longley expressed remorse for his actions. He famously stated, "I deserve this fate. It is a debt I owe for my wild, reckless life."
Longley's life and crimes have fascinated historians and Old West enthusiasts for generations. His story serves as a stark reminder of the lawlessness and violence that characterized the American frontier in the late 19th century.
Learn more about Bill Longley on Wikipedia
3) The Rise and Fall of an Outlaw: Bill Longley
William Preston Longley, born in 1851, gained notoriety as one of the deadliest gunfighters in the Old West. His journey into outlaw life began at the young age of 16 when he arrived in Houston City.
Longley's reputation grew rapidly due to his quick temper, unpredictable behavior, and remarkable speed with a gun. He became known as "Wild Bill" Longley, a name that struck fear in many.
Throughout his criminal career, Longley was involved in numerous violent encounters and killings. His ruthless nature and disregard for the law made him a target for lawmen across Texas.
Despite his notoriety, Longley's life of crime was relatively short-lived. He was eventually captured and sentenced to death for his crimes. On October 11, 1878, at the age of 27, Longley was executed by hanging in Giddings, Texas.
Before his death, Longley reportedly acknowledged his fate, stating, "I deserve this fate. It is a debt I owe for my wild, reckless life." His story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of a life of violence in the Wild West.
Learn more about Bill Longley on Wikipedia
4) Texas Terror: The Life of Bill Longley
Bill Longley was one of the most notorious gunfighters of the American Old West. Born in 1851, he gained a reputation as a ruthless outlaw and skilled marksman.
Longley's criminal career began in his teens. He was known for his quick temper and unpredictable behavior, which often led to violent confrontations.
Throughout the 1870s, Longley roamed Texas, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. He claimed to have killed 32 men, though the actual number is disputed.
Law enforcement eventually caught up with Longley in 1877. He was tried and convicted for murder, receiving a death sentence.
On October 11, 1878, Longley was executed by hanging in Giddings, Texas. He was 27 years old at the time of his death.
Longley's life has been the subject of much speculation and legend. Some accounts suggest he survived his hanging, though historians generally dismiss these claims.
5) Bill Longley: Gunslinger of the Wild Frontier
William Preston Longley, also known as Wild Bill Longley, was one of the deadliest gunfighters in the Old West. Born on October 6, 1851, Longley gained notoriety for his quick temper and unpredictable behavior.
Longley's criminal career began at the young age of 16 when he committed his first murder. He went on to use multiple aliases throughout his life, including Rattling Bill, Tom Jones, and Bill Black.
Known for his speed with a gun and ruthless nature, Longley became a feared outlaw in Texas. He claimed to have killed 32 men, though the actual number remains disputed.
Longley's life of crime came to an end when he was captured and sentenced to death. On October 11, 1878, he was hanged in Giddings, Texas, at the age of 27.
His final words reflected on his violent past: "I deserve this fate. It is a debt I owe for my wild, reckless life." Longley's story continues to fascinate those interested in Wild West history.
Learn more about Bill Longley on Wikipedia
Historical Context
The Wild West era provided a lawless backdrop for outlaws like Bill Longley to thrive. This period saw frequent clashes between criminals and lawmen as the American frontier expanded westward.
The Wild West Era
The Wild West era spanned roughly from 1865 to 1895. It was characterized by rapid westward expansion, lawlessness, and conflict. Settlers pushed into new territories, often clashing with Native American tribes.
This period saw the rise of iconic frontier towns like Deadwood and Tombstone. Railroads expanded, connecting distant regions and fueling economic growth.
The discovery of gold and other precious resources attracted fortune-seekers and opportunists. This influx of people contributed to the wild and often violent nature of frontier life.
Outlaws and Lawmen
The Wild West became notorious for its outlaws and the lawmen who pursued them. Legendary figures like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Wyatt Earp emerged during this time.
Outlaws took advantage of the sparse law enforcement in frontier territories. They engaged in activities such as cattle rustling, stagecoach robbery, and bank heists.
To combat crime, towns hired sheriffs and marshals. These lawmen faced dangerous odds in their efforts to maintain order. Some, like Wild Bill Hickok, became famous for their gunfighting skills.
The era also saw the formation of groups like the Texas Rangers, dedicated to enforcing law in remote areas.
Biography of Bill Longley
William Preston Longley, known as "Wild Bill" Longley, was a notorious outlaw and gunfighter in the American Old West. Born in 1851, he gained a reputation for his deadly accuracy with firearms and his volatile temperament.
Early Life
William Preston Longley was born on October 6, 1851, in Austin County, Texas. He grew up on a farm and received little formal education. As a teenager, Longley developed a reputation for his quick temper and skill with firearms.
At age 15, he killed his first man during a dispute. This incident marked the beginning of his violent career. Longley's family moved frequently, trying to escape his growing notoriety.
Outlaw Activities
Longley's criminal activities escalated in the 1870s. He became known for his ruthlessness and racist attitudes, often targeting Black victims. Longley claimed to have killed 32 men, though this number is likely exaggerated.
He worked as a cowboy and drifted between Texas and Indian Territory. Longley's most infamous crimes included:
Killing a preacher in Calendar, Texas
Murdering two men in a saloon in Tuscosa, Texas
Shooting a lawman in Lexington, Texas
His reputation grew, and he became one of the most feared gunmen in Texas.
Capture and Execution
In June 1877, Longley was captured in Louisiana while living under an alias. He was extradited to Texas to face murder charges. During his trial, Longley maintained a defiant attitude.
On October 11, 1878, Longley was hanged in Giddings, Texas. His execution was botched, and it took over 11 minutes for him to die. Before his death, Longley reportedly said, "I deserve this fate. It is a debt I owe for my wild, reckless life."
Longley's life and death became the stuff of Wild West legend, cementing his place in outlaw history.
Impact on Popular Culture
Bill Longley's notorious reputation as a gunfighter and outlaw has inspired various depictions in popular media. His life story has been adapted into films, television shows, books, and literature, often embellishing his exploits and character.
Films and TV Shows
Bill Longley's life has been portrayed in several Western films and television series. The 1940 film "The Lawless Nineties" loosely based a character on Longley. In 1954, the TV series "Stories of the Century" featured an episode about the outlaw.
More recently, Longley appeared as a character in the 2011 video game "Red Dead Redemption." His reputation as a quick-draw artist and ruthless killer made him an attractive figure for fictional adaptations set in the Wild West era.
Books and Literature
Numerous non-fiction books have been written about Bill Longley's life and crimes. Notable works include "The Last Gunfighter: Bill Longley" by John Wesley Hardin and "Bill Longley: The Wild West's Most Dangerous Gunman" by Rick Miller.
Longley has also appeared as a character in Western novels and short stories. His dramatic life story, including multiple brushes with the law and his infamous botched hanging, provides rich material for both historical accounts and fictionalized narratives.
