Was the Outlaw Josey Wales a Real or Fictional Character?

The figure of the Outlaw Josey Wales remains enigmatic, evoking discussions about the line between fiction and reality. While Josey Wales is a fictional creation by author Forrest Carter, his story is deeply rooted in historical contexts, drawing parallels to real-life figures and events of the American Civil War era.

The Fictional Character of Josey Wales

Josey Wales is a character in the novel 'The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales' published in 1972 and the subsequent 1976 film directed by and starring . The narrative follows Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer who becomes an outlaw during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. Despite its rich historical context, Josey Wales is firmly placed within a fictional realm, created to explore themes of justice, survival, and moral ambiguity.

Based on Real-Life Figures

While Josey Wales may not be based on a specific individual, his character shares some similarities with real historical figures, particularly Bill Wilson. Bill Wilson was born around 1830 in Phelps County, Missouri, and belonged to a well-off farming family who held slaves but freed them before the Civil War. This background contrasts sharply with the character of Josey Wales, who is portrayed as a self-sufficient and pragmatic individual.

Historical Context and Parallels

The American Civil War was a cataclysmic event that left profound and lasting marks on the Southern United States. The defeat of the Confederacy shocked and angered the South, leading to significant demographic and economic changes. Many Southerners felt that the outcome of the war was unfair and began to vent their frustrations through various means, including outlaws like Josey Wales.

Anger and Loss in the Southern States

Contrary to popular belief, the Southern states faced an incredibly high casualty rate, with approximately a fifth of war-age men losing their lives. The war also destroyed much of the Southern plantation system and infrastructure. Moreover, the post-war period known as the Reconstruction era (1865-1877) was marked by military occupation, which was deeply unpopular among Southerners.

Quantrill's Raiders and the Formation of Outlaws

The actions of Quantrill's Raiders during the war, such as the sacking of Lawrence, Kansas, epitomized the chaos and violence that characterized the conflict in several Southern states. After the war, many of these outlaws, including Bill Longley, Jesse James and Frank James, who rode with Quantrill's Raiders, and the Younger brothers, turned to banditry and murder. They were skilled horsemen and favored revolvers for their close-range firepower advantage.

The Ku Klux Klan and Southern Resentment

The formation of the Ku Klux Klan in 1870 was primarily aimed at intimidating freed African American slaves, but it was also a manifestation of Southern resentment towards the changes imposed by the Union after the war. While Josey Wales is often portrayed as a hardened killer, his character arguably spared innocent lives, unlike many of the real-life outlaws who murdered numerous innocent people.

Conclusion

While Josey Wales is a fictional creation, his character resonates with the real-life experiences and acts of violence that marred the post-Civil War period in the Southern United States. The narrative explores themes of survival, justice, and moral complexity that reflect the harsh realities of that time. Understanding the historical context and the real-life figures that inspired Josey Wales helps in appreciating the depth and complexity of this fictional character.