Origins & Early Life

Jesse Woodson James (September 5, 1847 – April 3, 1882) was an American outlaw, bank and train robber, guerrilla and leader of the James–Younger Gang. Raised a Southern sympathizer in the "Little Dixie" area of Missouri, James and his brother Frank joined pro-Confederate guerrillas known as "bushwhackers" operating in Missouri and Kansas during the American Civil War. As followers of William Quantrill and "Bloody Bill" Anderson, they were accused of committing atrocities against Union soldiers and civilian abolitionists, including the Centralia Massacre in 1864. After the war, as members of various gangs of outlaws, the James brothers robbed banks, stagecoaches and trains across the Midwest, gaining national fame and often popular sympathy despite the brutality of their crimes.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The brothers were most active as members of their own gang from about 1866 until 1876, when as a result of their attempted robbery of a bank in Northfield, Minnesota, several members of the gang were captured or killed. They continued in crime for several years afterward, recruiting new members, but came under increasing pressure from law enforcement seeking to bring them to justice. On April 3, 1882, Jesse James...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Graham Bell — Contemporary (Born in 1847) (1847): Pioneering inventor credited with patenting the first practical telephone.
• Annie Besant — Contemporary (Born in 1847) (1847): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen — Contemporary (Died in 1847) (1847): Austrian Field Marshal, celebrated general, and reformer during the Napoleonic Era.
• A. A. Milne — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• Abd el-Krim — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Éamon de Valera — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• Abu Hanifa — Shared historical date (09-05 · Born) (699): Founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence, a pivotal scholar of early Islam.
• Ali al-Rida — Shared historical date (09-05 · Died) (818): The Eighth Shia Imam, renowned for his piety and profound scholarly works.
• Alec Baldwin — Shared historical date (04-03 · Born) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Amanda Bynes — Shared historical date (04-03 · Born) (1986): American retired actress known for Nickelodeon and teen comedies.
• 1847 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1847
• September 5 (09-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 5
• 1882 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1882
• April 3 (04-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 3