The immortal William McCarthy also known as William Bonney, but made famous as Billy the Kid, is a perfect example of the wonderful history of the American West. Billy the Kid is a name that continues to live in American folklore and captures youthful imaginations, but where this outlaw finally laid his head is often disputed. Pat Garret said that the body of William Henry McCarty, Jr. is in Fort Sumner military cemetery between two of his friends.

However, Fort Sumner has multiple museums claiming to have the grave of Billy the Kid. The Billy the Kid museum in downtown Fort Sumner claims to have the grave as well as memorabilia. The grave marker there clearly states that it is a replica.

The "real" grave of Billy the Kid belongs to the Old Fort Sumner Museum. Unfortunately, the placement of the body is still unknown, because shortly after the Kid's death the cemetery was flooded which caused all the grave markers to wash away. The current location's placement was determined by the aid of town locals and "ole timers" drawing from their memories.

Fans of the outlaw are encouraged to visit both sites, which are only blocks apart. Do not be surprised if they are gone, as the grave marker at the Fort Sumner location, on three occasions, has been relocated by vandals. This has given Fort Sumner a tradition, the Tombstone Race held in June.