Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
History

Jesse James

What is jesse james?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Full name Jesse Woodson James[1]
Born September 5, 1847[1]
Died April 3, 1882[1]
Birthplace Clay County, Missouri[2]
Role American outlaw[1]
Gang James–Younger Gang[1]

Jesse James was an American outlaw from Missouri, born September 5, 1847, and killed April 3, 1882. He is known for bank and train robberies and for leading the James–Younger Gang.

Context

Jesse James was born in Clay County, Missouri, and became a Confederate guerrilla during the Civil War. After the war, he led the James–Younger Gang in a series of bank and train robberies across the Midwest. He was killed by Robert Ford in 1882, but his legend grew after his death, with some viewing him as a folk hero and others as a murderer [3].

Documented claims

  • Jesse James joined Confederate guerrillas in 1864. [2]
  • He robbed banks, trains, and stagecoaches. [1]
  • He was shot and killed by Robert Ford in St. Joseph, Missouri. [1]

Questions and answers

What ever happened to Jesse James?

Jesse James was shot and killed by Robert Ford on April 3, 1882, in St. Joseph, Missouri [1].

What was Jesse James most famous for?

He was most famous for leading the James–Younger Gang and robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches [1].

Where was Jesse James shot?

He was shot in St. Joseph, Missouri [1].

Is the story of Jesse James true?

Yes, Jesse James was a real historical figure, though his story has been romanticized over time [3].

Sources

  1. Jesse James | St. Joseph, MO - Official Website — stjosephmo.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Jesse James: Topics in Chronicling America — guides.loc.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Jesse James - SHSMO Historic Missourians — historicmissourians.shsmo.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History