Cole Younger

Riding for a cause-riding with outlaws

The Civil War between the states in many ways created the outlaws of the 'Wild West' of myth and legend. Cole Younger and his brothers and the perhaps more infamous Jesse and Frank James may have won lasting notoriety on the 'wrong side of the law,' but they learned their craft during the war. Cole Younger was born on 'the dark and bloody ground'-the political hotspot that was the Missouri and Kansas border. Related to 'Lighthorse Harry' Lee, the Younger's were avowed supporters of the Confederacy and the outbreak of war was but a continuation of hostilities dating back to 1855. It seemed natural, perhaps, that he should join Quantrell's guerrilla band and that he should have taken part in the notorious Lawrence Raid. Younger's Civil War recollections make fascinating reading, as do those of his later exploits culminating in the famous Northfield, Minnesota Raid which cost him his freedom. A riveting book for those interested in the war's raiders and the life of a famous 'bad man.'