Why Did Jesse James Fight During the Civil War?

When the Civil War sparked in 1861, Jesse James was just a 13-year-old youth. By the time the war ended in 1865, he was a seasoned fighter, driven by his pro-Confederate beliefs and the turmoil of his home state, Missouri.

The Beginning of Jesse James, A Pro-Confederate Guerrilla

James, along with his brother Frank, initially did not serve in any organized military unit or army. Instead, they participated in what would now be classified as terrorist or guerilla actions against Federal employees, starting at the young age of 13. This marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming a notorious figure later known for his criminal activities.

Under Captain William C. Quantril and Bloody Bill Anderson

James served under a man named Captain William C. Quantril, who was a member of the Confederate Army. Later, he joined the ranks of Bloody Bill Anderson, a man described as arguably insane and a war criminal. There are reports and credible evidence that Jesse and his brother Frank murdered unarmed Union Army soldiers during their time with Quantril and Anderson.

A Brutal Period in History

The Civil War was a brutal period rife with atrocities. Pro-Confederate guerrillas from Missouri and pro-Union Kansas Jayhawkers committed murders on both sides. One notable incident was Quantril's raiders' slaughter of 200 unarmed civilians in Lawrence, Kansas. This gave James and his group of irregular guerrillas a real taste of the conflict and the lawlessness that came with it.

Unconventional Training for a Future Career

James' war-time experiences were instrumental in his subsequent career as a robber and murderer. The guerrilla tactics and the chaotic nature of the warfare provided him with a testing ground to develop skills that he would use later. The period also initiated a transformation in his mindset and behavior, preparing him for the criminal activities that would follow the war.

The James Family and Their Role

The James family was deeply entrenched in the slaveholding society and were pro-Confederate in their sympathies. Frank James, Jesse's older brother, joined a roving group of secessionists, known as Bushwackers, in 1861. He became a target for the pro-Union faction, known as the Jayhawkers, and eventually sought refuge with his brother Jesse.

In 1864, a group of Jayhawkers visited the James farm, questioning the whereabouts of Frank with a harsh and brutal method. There are accounts of them hanging Jesse until he was near death and possibly whipping him. Given the severity of the incident, it is not surprising that Jesse would have developed a strong antipathy towards the Union and a desire to join his brother in the conflict.

Despite the violence and lawlessness, Jesse eventually joined Quantrill's partisans and later Bloody Bill Anderson's band. These experiences would shape both his ideology and his future actions, leading to his eventual criminal career.

Conclusion

Jesse James' early participation in guerrilla warfare during the Civil War was not a choice but a consequence of the environment he found himself in. His experiences during the war provided him with the means and the mindset required for his life as a criminal. The brutal and chaotic nature of the Civil War was a training ground that prepared him for the challenges and opportunities he would later face.

References

This article draws information from historical sources and the Wikipedia entry on Jesse James. For accurate and detailed information, consult historical records and recognized academic publications on the topic.