Birth: Jul. 21, 1851
Death: Jul. 21, 1878
With four friends, he robbed stagecoaches in South Dakota, the Union Pacific Railway in Nebraska, and banks in Texas. He was killed during an attempted bank robbery in Round Rock, TX.
Family links:
Parents:
Daniel Bass (1821 – 1864)
Cause of death: He was mortally wounded by a Texas Ranger named George Harrell on July 19, 1878, just moments after Bass and one of his gang, Seaborn Barnes, had shot and disabled Morris Moore, a one-time Texas Ranger.
Sam Bass: The Wild West Outlaw of Round Rock 🤠
Round Rock isn’t just known for its famous rock or vibrant community—it’s also home to a piece of Wild West history. Sam Bass, one of Texas’s most notorious outlaws, ended his legendary life right here in Round Rock.
Who Was Sam Bass?
Born in Indiana in 1851, Sam Bass drifted west and became a legendary train and stagecoach robber. His daring heists and fast escape skills made him both feared and admired in Texas folklore.
The Famous Round Rock Shootout 🔫
In July 1878, Bass and his gang arrived in Round Rock, planning to rob a local bank. But local lawmen and the Texas Rangers were ready. A gunfight erupted, leaving Deputy A.W. Grimes dead and Bass seriously wounded.
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Bass was found the next day in a nearby pasture
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He died in Round Rock on his 27th birthday, July 21, 1878
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He was buried in Round Rock Cemetery, a historic site still visited today
This dramatic showdown cemented Round Rock’s place in Wild West history.
Sam Bass Today: History You Can Visit 🏜️
Round Rock keeps Sam Bass’s story alive with:
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Historic markers detailing the shootout
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Sam Bass Road, a street named in his honor
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Round Rock Cemetery, where Bass rests
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Frontier Days reenactments, bringing the legend to life
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these sites let you experience a thrilling piece of Texas history firsthand.
Why Visit Sam Bass Sites in Round Rock?
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Step into the Wild West: Explore real locations tied to an infamous outlaw
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Learn local history: Understand how Round Rock shaped Texas frontier life
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Fun for all ages: Great for history enthusiasts, families, and tourists looking for unique experiences
Discover the story of Sam Bass in Round Rock—where the legend of Texas outlaws comes alive!
