Jesse James was the infamous American outlaw known for his robberies in the Old West during the late 1800s. He gained notoriety for leading a gang that executed daring heists on banks and trains, becoming a symbol of rebellion against the established order. His exploits captivated the public, with some viewing him as a folk hero challenging authority, while others saw him as a criminal disrupting law and order. Ultimately, James’ life of crime ended when he was killed by a member of his own gang in 1882. His legacy endures in American folklore, representing the complexities of outlaws in the frontier era.