Where is Jessie James Buried? The enigmatic and notorious outlaw, Jessie James, has long been a subject of intrigue and speculation. Despite his fame as a bandit and his numerous escapades, the final resting place of this infamous figure remains a mystery to many. In this article, we will delve into the various theories and clues surrounding the question of where Jessie James is buried.
Jessie James, born as Jesse Woodson James on September 5, 1847, was an American outlaw who became a symbol of the Wild West. He was a member of the James-Younger Gang, a notorious gang of train robbers and bank robbers during the late 19th century. His criminal activities, along with his charismatic personality and the numerous legends surrounding him, have cemented his place in American folklore.
The search for Jessie James’ burial site began almost immediately after his death. On April 3, 1882, Jessie James was shot and killed by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang. Ford was paid $10,000 by the railroad companies to kill James, and after the murder, the body was buried in a shallow grave near Little North Fork of the White River in Missouri.
However, the story of Jessie James’ burial took a twist when the grave was reportedly unearthed in 1959. The body was found to be that of a man who had been shot in the back of the head, but there was no evidence to confirm that it was Jessie James. Some theories suggest that the body was that of Frank James, Jessie’s brother, who was also a member of the James-Younger Gang. Others believe that the body could have been a look-alike or even a body planted by the railroad companies to frame the James brothers.
In 1976, a team of researchers led by historian Billingsley Martin claimed to have found the real grave of Jessie James. They discovered a body buried in a concrete-lined grave in an overgrown area near the Little North Fork of the White River. However, the identification of the body was inconclusive, and the discovery was met with skepticism by many.
Another theory suggests that Jessie James may not have been buried at all. Some believe that he was buried at a different location, or that his body was exhumed and moved to another site. There are even claims that his remains were cremated and scattered.
In conclusion, the question of where Jessie James is buried remains unanswered. The various theories and conflicting evidence have only added to the mystique surrounding this legendary figure. Whether he was buried in Missouri, exhumed, or even cremated, the final resting place of Jessie James will likely remain a topic of debate and speculation for generations to come.
