34 Facts About Laura Bullion

Early Life and Background

Laura Bullion, a name that echoes through the annals of the Wild West, lived a life full of intrigue and adventure. Here are some fascinating facts about her early years and background.

1. Born in 1876 in Knickerbocker, Texas, Laura Bullion was the daughter of a Native American mother and a German father.
2. Her father, Henry Bullion, was a cowboy and a cattle rustler, which influenced Laura's future choices.
3. Laura's mother passed away when she was just a child, leaving her to be raised by her father.
4. She grew up in a rough environment, surrounded by outlaws and cowboys, which shaped her tough persona.
5. Laura attended school sporadically, but her education was limited due to the nomadic lifestyle of her family.

Association with the Wild Bunch

Laura Bullion's life took a dramatic turn when she became involved with the infamous Wild Bunch gang. Here are some key facts about her association with this notorious group.

6. Laura met and fell in love with Ben Kilpatrick, also known as "The Tall Texan," a member of the Wild Bunch.
7. She joined the gang in the late 1890s, becoming one of the few women involved in their criminal activities.
8. Laura was known for her skills in disguising herself as a man to avoid detection by law enforcement.
9. She participated in several train and bank robberies alongside the Wild Bunch.
10. Laura was often referred to as "Della Rose" during her time with the gang.

Criminal Activities and Arrests

Laura Bullion's life of crime led to several arrests and encounters with the law. Here are some notable facts about her criminal activities and brushes with the law.

11. In 1901, Laura was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, for her involvement in a train robbery.
12. She was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after serving three and a half years.
13. Laura was known for her ability to forge documents, which she used to aid the gang's criminal activities.
14. She was also involved in smuggling stolen goods across state lines.
15. Despite her criminal record, Laura managed to evade capture multiple times due to her cunning and resourcefulness.

Later Life and Legacy

After her release from prison, Laura Bullion attempted to leave her life of crime behind. Here are some interesting facts about her later years and legacy.

16. Laura moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she lived under the alias "Fredrika Bullion."
17. She worked as a seamstress and a housekeeper to make a living.
18. Laura never married but maintained a low profile to avoid attracting attention.
19. She passed away on December 2, 1961, at the age of 85.
20. Laura was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.

Interesting Tidbits

Laura Bullion's life was filled with unique and intriguing details that add to her mystique. Here are some lesser-known facts about her.

21. Laura was known for her striking beauty, which often helped her manipulate people to her advantage.
22. She was fluent in both English and German, thanks to her diverse heritage.
23. Laura had a talent for drawing and often sketched portraits of her fellow gang members.
24. She was an avid reader and enjoyed novels about adventure and romance.
25. Laura was known to carry a small pistol hidden in her garter for protection.

Connections to Other Outlaws

Laura Bullion's life intersected with many other famous outlaws of her time. Here are some facts about her connections to these notorious figures.

26. Laura was acquainted with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, two of the most famous members of the Wild Bunch.
27. She had a close friendship with Etta Place, the Sundance Kid's girlfriend.
28. Laura was rumored to have had a brief romantic relationship with Kid Curry, another member of the Wild Bunch.
29. She often collaborated with other female outlaws, such as Pearl Hart, to carry out criminal activities.
30. Laura's connections to these infamous figures helped solidify her place in Wild West history.

Pop Culture and Media

Laura Bullion's life has been immortalized in various forms of media and pop culture. Here are some facts about her portrayal in books, movies, and more.

31. Laura's character has appeared in several Western novels and films, often depicted as a femme fatale.
32. She was portrayed by actress Joanna Pettet in the 1979 film "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days."
33. Laura's life story has been the subject of numerous biographies and historical accounts.
34. Her legacy continues to inspire writers, filmmakers, and historians fascinated by the Wild West.

Laura Bullion's Legacy

Laura Bullion's life was anything but ordinary. From her days with the Wild Bunch to her later years in Memphis, she left an indelible mark on history. Known as the "Rose of the Wild Bunch," she was a key figure in one of the most notorious outlaw gangs of the Old West. Her story is a blend of adventure, crime, and resilience. Bullion's ability to navigate a male-dominated world and her involvement in high-profile heists make her a fascinating character. Even after her criminal career ended, she reinvented herself, showing a remarkable ability to adapt. Laura Bullion's life reminds us that history is filled with complex, multifaceted individuals who defy easy categorization. Her legacy continues to captivate those interested in the untamed spirit of the American West.