The ‘Wild West’ is a term often used to describe the American frontier between the mid-19th and early 20th century. It is a period in history that has long captured the imagination of a global audience. A large part of this fascination stems from the fact that this period was a complete dichotomy of old and new.

The term ‘Wild West’, however, has become synonymous with the ‘Wild West Outlaw’. In a time when no real judicial system existed and disputes were most often resolved by deadly duels, the frontier became a breeding ground for criminal gangs who robbed steam trains and banks, rustled cattle and killed lawmen. Whether or not they were morally corrupt and dishonourable, they have become the hallmark of the Wild Western Era.

Here are 5 of the most famous and notorious of these outlaws of the Wild West.