How tall was Jesse James?

The Tall Tale of Jesse James: Uncovering the Truth About His Height

Jesse James, the notorious outlaw, has been the subject of many myths and legends throughout his life and after his death. One of the most enduring and debated topics is his height. Over the years, various accounts have reported Jesse James’ height ranging from 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 2 inches. But what was his actual height? In this article, we will delve into the truth about Jesse James’ height, separating fact from fiction and providing a comprehensive answer to this question.

A Look at the Sources

To understand Jesse James’ height, we must examine the sources that have contributed to the debate. American Experience, a PBS documentary, reported Jesse James’ height as 5 feet 6 inches, while other sources, such as Jesse James Firearms Unlimited, claim he was around 6 feet 2 inches. But which one is accurate?

Historical Records

One of the most reliable sources of information about Jesse James’ height is his tombstone. His tombstone in Kearney, Missouri, lists his height as 5 feet 8 inches. Another reliable source is the 1876 census, which reports Jesse James’ height as 5 feet 8 inches.

Physical Description

Jesse James’ physical appearance has been described by various sources. His brother, Frank James, described Jesse as tall and slender, while His lover, Zee, described him as having a boyish appearance. These descriptions suggest that Jesse James was likely closer to 5 feet 8 inches than 6 feet 2 inches.

The Debate

So, why the discrepancy in Jesse James’ height? One reason is that Jesse James was known to be a bit of a prankster and enjoyed playing pranks on people. His height was likely exaggerated to make him seem more intimidating or to fuel his outlaw legend. Another reason is that there is a lack of concrete evidence, making it difficult to pinpoint his exact height.

In Conclusion

Based on the historical records, physical descriptions, and lack of concrete evidence, it is likely that Jesse James’ height was around 5 feet 8 inches. While some sources may claim he was 6 feet 2 inches, these reports are likely exaggerated or based on myth. Jesse James’ actual height may never be known for certain, but we can rely on the available evidence to paint a more accurate picture of this notorious outlaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is Jesse James’ height according to his tombstone?
  A: According to his tombstone, Jesse James’ height is listed as 5 feet 8 inches.
• Q: What is Jesse James’ height according to the 1876 census?
  A: According to the 1876 census, Jesse James’ height is listed as 5 feet 8 inches.
• Q: Why are there discrepancies in Jesse James’ height?
  A: There are several reasons, including the lack of concrete evidence, Jesse James’ penchant for playing pranks, and the tendency for his height to be exaggerated.

Table: Jesse James’ Height by Source

Note: The table above provides a summary of the various sources’ reports on Jesse James’ height.