I was thinking about…
The Bandit Queen
By Andy Lee
Belle Starr, also known as the “Bandit Queen,” was a notorious female outlaw who gained notoriety during the American Old West. Her life of crime, which spanned from the late 1800s until her death in 1889, made her a legend in her time.
Born Myra Maybelle Shirley on February 5, 1848, in Carthage, Missouri, Belle grew up in a family with strong ties to the Confederacy. Her father, John Shirley, fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and after the war ended, he moved the family to Texas to escape the Union army’s occupation.
It was in Texas where Belle first met notorious outlaws such as Jesse James and the Younger brothers. She eventually became involved in a life of crime, running with a gang that included her husband, Sam Starr, and others. Belle was known for her sharpshooting skills and her ability to ride horses, which made her an asset to the gang.
Belle’s crimes included horse theft, bootlegging, and robbery. She was also known for her love affairs, which included relationships with several notorious outlaws. Her involvement with the James-Younger gang and her association with the Starr gang led to her becoming a target of the law.
On February 3, 1889, Belle was found shot to death on a remote road near Briartown, Oklahoma. Her death remains a mystery, with many theories about who was responsible. Some believe that she was killed by a member of her own gang, while others speculate that she was the victim of a revenge killing.
Despite her life of crime, Belle Starr became a folk hero in her time, known for her bravery and her defiance of societal norms. She was also known for her flair for fashion, often wearing extravagant clothing and jewelry. Her legacy has been romanticized in books, movies, and music, making her a cultural icon of the Old West.
However, the reality of Belle Starr’s life was far from glamorous. Her involvement in a life of crime brought her much pain and suffering, including imprisonment and the loss of loved ones. Her death was a tragic end to a life of adventure, but it also served as a reminder of the dangers of a life of crime.
Belle Starr’s life and death were a product of the tumultuous times in which she lived. She was a complex character, with a mix of bravery, defiance, and criminal behavior. While her legacy has been romanticized, her story is a reminder of the consequences of choosing a life of crime and the high price one must pay for such a decision.
I was thinking about... 