37 Facts About Laura Bullion

Early Life and Background

Laura Bullion, a name that echoes through the annals of Wild West history, led a life filled with adventure and intrigue. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her early years.

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 sometimes an outlaw, which influenced Laura's future choices.
3. Laura's mother passed away when she was young, leading her to live with her father and learn the ways of the Wild West.
4. She was known to be a tomboy, often dressing in boys' clothing and learning to ride horses and shoot guns.

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 them.

5. Laura met and fell in love with Ben Kilpatrick, also known as "The Tall Texan," a member of the Wild Bunch.
6. Through Kilpatrick, Laura was introduced to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the leaders of the Wild Bunch.
7. She became an active member of the gang, participating in train and bank robberies.
8. Laura was known as the "Rose of the Wild Bunch" due to her beauty and charm.

Criminal Activities

Laura Bullion's criminal career was marked by several daring heists and escapades. Let's explore some of her most notable activities.

9. In 1900, Laura participated in the Great Northern Train Robbery, which netted the gang a significant amount of money.
10. She was skilled in forging banknotes and often used her charm to deceive law enforcement.
11. Laura was arrested in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri, for her involvement in the train robbery.
12. She was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after serving three and a half years.

Life After Crime

After her release from prison, Laura Bullion's life took a different path. Here are some facts about her later years.

13. Laura moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she lived under various aliases.
14. She worked as a seamstress and a housekeeper to make a living.
15. Laura never married but had several relationships throughout her life.
16. She remained in Memphis until her death in 1961 at the age of 85.

Legacy and Influence

Laura Bullion's life has left a lasting impact on popular culture and the history of the American West. Let's look at some aspects of her legacy.

17. Laura's story has been featured in numerous books, movies, and TV shows about the Wild West.
18. She is often portrayed as a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the American frontier.
19. Laura's life has inspired many fictional characters in Western literature and media.
20. Her association with the Wild Bunch has cemented her place in the annals of outlaw history.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond her criminal activities and association with the Wild Bunch, Laura Bullion's life was filled with intriguing details. Here are some lesser-known facts.

21. Laura was known to carry a pearl-handled revolver, which she used with deadly accuracy.
22. She had a knack for disguises, often changing her appearance to evade capture.
23. Laura was fluent in both English and German, thanks to her mixed heritage.
24. She was known to be a skilled poker player, often winning large sums of money in saloons.

Relationships and Personal Life

Laura Bullion's personal life was as colorful as her criminal career. Let's delve into some aspects of her relationships and personal experiences.

25. Laura had a close friendship with Etta Place, the girlfriend of the Sundance Kid.
26. She was known to be fiercely loyal to her friends and fellow gang members.
27. Laura had a tumultuous relationship with Ben Kilpatrick, marked by periods of separation and reunion.
28. Despite her criminal activities, Laura was known to be kind-hearted and generous to those in need.

Final Years and Death

Laura Bullion's final years were marked by a quieter, more subdued existence. Here are some facts about her later life and death.

29. Laura lived in relative obscurity in Memphis, rarely speaking about her past.
30. She was known to be a private person, keeping to herself and avoiding publicity.
31. Laura suffered from heart disease in her later years, which eventually led to her death.
32. She was buried in Memphis under the name "Fredricka Bullion," one of her many aliases.

Miscellaneous Facts

Here are some additional interesting facts about Laura Bullion that didn't fit into the previous categories.

33. Laura was known to have a love for animals, often keeping pets wherever she lived.
34. She was an avid reader, with a particular interest in adventure novels and dime-store Westerns.
35. Laura was known to have a sharp wit and a quick temper, traits that served her well in her criminal endeavors.
36. Despite her criminal past, Laura was never bitter about her life choices and often spoke fondly of her time with the Wild Bunch.
37. Laura Bullion remains a fascinating figure in the history of the American West, embodying the spirit of adventure and rebellion that defined the era.

Laura Bullion's Legacy

Laura Bullion's life was anything but ordinary. From her early days with the Wild Bunch to her later years living quietly, she left a mark on history. Known as the "Rose of the Wild Bunch," she was one of the few women involved in notorious outlaw activities. Her story shows the grit and determination of a woman navigating a male-dominated world.

Despite her criminal past, Laura managed to reinvent herself, living under different names and working various jobs. Her ability to adapt and survive speaks volumes about her resilience. Laura Bullion's tale is a fascinating mix of adventure, crime, and redemption.

Her legacy continues to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike. Laura's life reminds us that history is full of complex, multifaceted individuals who defy easy categorization. Her story remains a testament to the wild, unpredictable nature of the American West.