Billy The Kid's Historical Coalition

06/18/2026

We’re working on some new merch and kicking around an idea that was inspired by Young Guns. I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.

Is this something you’d actually wear? Does it make sense, or is it a little over the top? Too much? Not enough?

Give me your honest opinion—we can take it. We’re still in the design phase and looking for feedback before moving forward. Thanks!

06/17/2026

Chasing Billy and The Coalition Burn Barrel.

Check it out and tell us what book you think needs to never be read again.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to like and subscribe to Chasing Billy and help us continue to raise funds to preserve this history that we love.

The book, 'The Autobiography of Billy the Kid,' might be the worst ...

06/09/2026

For years, visitors to Billy the Kid’s grave in Fort Sumner were greeted by a weathered wooden marker that no longer reflected the importance of the site or the incredible story behind it.

Today, we’re proud to share that a new permanent stone monument has been placed to tell the story.

The project was made possible through a partnership between the Billy the Kid’s Historical Coalition, Boulder Designs, Mayor Louie Gallegos, the Fort Sumner Chamber of Commerce, and city commissioners.

Special thanks to Aaron Presley and Seth Mogavero with Boulder Designs out of Waco, Texas for helping bring this vision to life.

Billy the Kid’s grave is one of the most iconic historic sites in the American West. Thousands visit every year seeking a connection to one of history’s most legendary figures. This new monument helps ensure visitors understand not only the story of Billy the Kid, but also the remarkable history of the grave itself.

Historic preservation matters. When we protect these places and share their stories, we connect future generations to the people and events that shaped the American West.

We’re honored to have helped make this project a reality and grateful to everyone who supported it.

06/05/2026

Hell Comes to Play/The Bloody Benders

Everyone, I realize this is a little outside our usual wheelhouse, but as lovers of history, I think you’ll appreciate this one.

I’ve had the good fortune of becoming friends with author Lee Ralph, whose new book, Hell Comes to Play, has just been released in its revised 2026 edition. Having had the opportunity to read it before publication, I can honestly say I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Bloody Benders after they fled Kansas, this book tackles that question head-on. Even more fascinating, it explores who they were before the infamous murder spree and what became of them after their disappearance. The research Lee has compiled is nothing short of remarkable—quite possibly some of the most thorough historical research I’ve ever encountered.

Whether you’re interested in the Bloody Benders, true crime, or Western history in general, this is a book well worth your time. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy on Amazon using the link I’ll post in the comments.

Let’s continue supporting history and the dedicated researchers and authors who invest so much of their time preserving and sharing it with the rest of us.

06/03/2026

Do you own all 4???

Search “The Coalition Press” on Amazon.

06/02/2026

Have you watched it? Did your book make the cut? I’d love to know everyone’s thoughts and if you haven’t yet, we beg you to go like and subscribe to our channel. This helps us raise funds to support all of our projects.

AND…. did your favorite book get thrown into the burn barrel? Let us know in the comments below.

When the world ends, what Billy the Kid books do we save?In this episode of Chasing Billy, The Coalition takes on a completely hypothetical, absolutely ridic...

05/29/2026

In this episode of Chasing Billy, The Coalition takes on a completely hypothetical, absolutely ridiculous, and dead-serious question: if civilization collapses and we can only carry ten books on Billy the Kid into the bunker, which ten deserve to survive?

Hard choices had to be made. Favorites were left behind. Arguments were inevitable.

So here’s the question:

If you could only save one Billy the Kid book, which one would it be?

Drop your list in the comments!!

When the world ends, what Billy the Kid books do we save?In this episode of Chasing Billy, The Coalition takes on a completely hypothetical, absolutely ridic...

05/16/2026

Order today!
The Death of Billy the Kid, Annotated and Expanded.

To counter the conspiratorial claims that Billy the Kid survived the night of July 14, 1881, I’d encourage a careful look at my fully annotated edition of John W. Poe’s The Death of Billy the Kid. It presents the historical record plainly, with context, documentation, and analysis grounded in primary sources. Every dollar in proceeds goes directly toward preserving the history we’re working to protect.

Three lawmen were present on July 14, 1881, the night that the notorious outlaw William H. Bonney, alias Billy the Kid, was killed. Of those three, two left behind firsthand accounts of the events of that fateful evening.
Sheriff Pat Garrett, the man who fired the shot that killed the Kid, included his account in his book "The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid!'
Deputy John W. Poe's account was first presented in December of 1919, in "Wild World Magazine;' and, shortly
after that, went on to be published in book form.

Annotated, arranged, expanded
Included here, in an annotated, arranged, and expanded edition by historian Josh Slatten, and featuring numerous maps, diagrams, and photographs, is Deputy Poe's account of the death of Billy the Kid as it has never been presented before.

Link to purchase provided in the comments.

05/16/2026

Billy the Kid Stood Here!!!

For the first time ever, you’re going to see photographs of the Salazar home, where Billy the Kid took refuge after his escape.

Las Tablas is tied to several fascinating moments in Billy the Kid history. First, we know that Pat Garrett stopped here on his way to White Oaks shortly before Billy’s escape—most likely to purchase lumber for the gallows he intended to hang Billy from.

Secondly, after his escape, Billy himself passed through Las Tablas and reportedly stayed with the Salazar family for three to four days before continuing north toward Fort Sumner.

In the photos below, you’ll see me sitting on the foundation of the very home where the Kid is believed to have taken refuge. Both the structure and the historic townsite of Las Tablas are located on the beautiful Shippy Ranch. The family has been incredibly gracious in allowing The Coalition access to the property, and we could not be more appreciative of their hospitality and support in preserving this history.

For more on this historic location and our adventures there, be sure to check out Amy Gauthier article in the latest edition of The Coalition Press. Vol 6.

A special thanks to Massimo De Vito, for your assistance in the research that went into locating this historic site.