Billy the Kid's Waco - Siege & Arson in 1878

Published on August 11, 2021
Duration: 15:49

This video details the Lincoln County War in 1878, focusing on the siege and arson of the McSween house. It explains the conflict's origins in corruption involving the Santa Fe Ring and the Murphy-Dolan operation, and the rise of figures like Billy the Kid and Alexander McSween as opposition. The narrative culminates in a five-day siege, the intervention of Lieutenant Colonel Dudley under Posse Comitatus, and the eventual burning of the McSween house, leading to McSween's death and the dispersal of the Regulators. The video also highlights the remarkable post-conflict success of Susan McSween.

Quick Summary

The Lincoln County War of 1878 was a violent conflict in New Mexico Territory, driven by corruption from the Santa Fe Ring and opposition led by figures like Billy the Kid and Alexander McSween. The war culminated in a five-day siege and arson of the McSween house, resulting in McSween's death and the dispersal of his allies.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to Lincoln County War
  2. 00:22Tunstall Store and McSween Partnership
  3. 00:44Corruption of the Santa Fe Ring
  4. 01:17The House: Murphy-Dolan Headquarters
  5. 01:50Hiring Ranch Hands and Gun Hands
  6. 02:10Murder of John Tunstall
  7. 02:38The Regulators Formed
  8. 03:03Escalation to Lincoln County War
  9. 03:27Return to Lincoln: July 14, 1878
  10. 03:54The Battle Begins: July 15, 1878
  11. 04:14Request for Military Assistance
  12. 04:50Buffalo Soldier Investigation
  13. 05:20Snipers on the Hills
  14. 05:48Montano's Store and Long-Range Shot
  15. 06:54Lieutenant Colonel Dudley's Camp
  16. 07:07Military Intervention: July 19, 1878
  17. 07:31Gatling Gun and Howitzer Intimidation
  18. 08:00Ceasefire and Reinforcements
  19. 08:21Susan McSween Confronts Dudley
  20. 09:44The McSween House Location
  21. 10:04Howitzer Used to Displace Regulators
  22. 10:30Arson of the McSween House
  23. 11:18The Battle Rages On
  24. 11:32Women and Children Evacuate
  25. 11:58Billy the Kid's Breakout Plan
  26. 12:29The Breakout Begins
  27. 13:01Alexander McSween's Death
  28. 13:11Aftermath and Susan McSween's Success
  29. 13:50White Oaks and Susan's Later Life
  30. 15:13InRange Patreon Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Lincoln County War and when did it occur?

The Lincoln County War was a violent conflict in 1878 in New Mexico Territory, stemming from economic and political corruption. It involved factions led by figures like Billy the Kid against established powers like the Murphy-Dolan company, fueled by disputes over resources and influence.

Who were the main factions involved in the Lincoln County War?

The main factions were the 'Regulators,' associated with Alexander McSween and Billy the Kid, who opposed the corrupt Santa Fe Ring and the Murphy-Dolan cattle ranching operation, often referred to as 'the House.'

What role did Billy the Kid play in the Lincoln County War?

Billy the Kid was a key figure among the 'Regulators,' hired as a gun hand for John Tunstall and Alexander McSween. He participated in battles and retaliatory actions, and notably devised the breakout plan from the burning McSween house.

How did the siege of the McSween house end?

The siege ended after five days when the McSween house was set on fire. During a breakout attempt, Alexander McSween was killed, and the remaining Regulators dispersed. The military's presence under Lieutenant Colonel Dudley, while not directly engaging, influenced the outcome.

What happened to Susan McSween after the Lincoln County War?

Susan McSween, Alexander's widow, demonstrated remarkable resilience. After the war, she became a highly successful cattle baroness, building a vast fortune from a small herd and becoming a prominent figure in the Southwest.

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