American Outlaws

American Outlaws

Year: 2001

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Les Mayfield

ActionWestern

A group of young ranchers fights back against a ruthless railroad baron who has stolen their land. Their rebellion sparks a legendary manhunt across the Old West, turning them into infamous outlaws. Jesse James rises as a fearless leader, becoming a symbol of resistance against corruption and injustice as they struggle to reclaim what was taken from them.

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Timeline – American Outlaws (2001)

Trace every key event in American Outlaws (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Raid on Union Army camp and survival

Confederate guerillas raid a Union Army camp late in the Civil War. The attackers are briefly ambushed, but Frank James's sharp shooting and Jesse James's distractions help the group weather the assault. Surviving the encounter, they plan to return to Missouri.

Late in the Civil War Union Army camp
2

War ends; return to Missouri

With the Confederacy surrendering, the James and Younger brothers decide to head home. They travel back to Missouri to be with their families and farms.

After Confederate surrender Missouri
3

Return to a town under Union occupation

Upon their return, their town is occupied by the Union Army. Zee, Jesse's childhood friend and cousin, has grown into a striking young woman, and a man is hanged in the town square.

Upon return Missouri town
4

Railroad pressure on farmers

Farmers are pressured to sell their lands to the expanding railroad company. Thaddeus Rains and Allan Pinkerton push intimidation, threatening burns or worse if they refuse.

Following their return Missouri countryside
5

Cole Younger violence and threat of hanging

Frank discovers the railroad doesn't need the land it claims. When several railroad men press Cole Younger to sell, he loses his temper and shoots two of them. The incident triggers the authorities to plan to hang him.

Shortly after arrival Near town
6

Rescue of Cole Younger

Jesse, Cole Younger, and their allies stage a daring rescue. During the escape, Jesse is shot in the shoulder and must hide at Zee's.

During the escape Outside the town
7

Home burned; mother killed

Several weeks later, the railroad sets fire to the James home, killing Jesse's mother. The group initially seeks revenge against railroad men but soon shifts to stealing bank payrolls and plundering trains, hoping to draw the army's attention.

A few weeks later James home
8

Birth of the James–Younger Gang

With Pinkerton and Rains in pursuit, they dub themselves the James–Younger Gang and begin robbing banks and supplying trains. The publicity elevates them into local folk heroes.

During the robberies Missouri towns and rail lines
9

Leadership conflict within the gang

Leadership tensions erupt as Cole feels overshadowed by Jesse's rising fame. After an argument, Jesse steps back and lets Cole plan a robbery, which turns out to be a Pinkerton trap set by Rains.

During gang operations Various locations
10

Jim is killed; Jesse and family depart

Jim is shot and killed during the bungled robbery. This loss pushes Jesse and the others to leave the gang, and Jesse later marries Zee.

After the failed raid During the robbery
11

The gang falters without the James brothers

Without the James brothers, the gang struggles and loses much of their early public support. The Younger brothers are not as respected as the James–Younger Gang had been.

After their departure Missouri towns
12

Jesse arrested; train transport to jail

Pinkerton locates Jesse and arrests him. He is then transported by train to a jail cell, chained in a rear car as the authorities move him toward confinement.

After arrest Train transport to jail
13

Jesse's escape from the train

On the train, Jesse is chained in a rear car but tricks a deputy into revealing his gun. He steals the weapon and climbs to the top of the train car to escape.

During transport Inside the train
14

Rescue at the train; cannon fire

Zee and the remainder of the gang fire a cannon at the train, stopping it and rescuing Jesse. The daring act marks a dramatic final act of their pursuit.

During the rescue Train vicinity
15

Final exchange and departure toward Tennessee

Confronted with Rains and Pinkerton, Jesse fires at neither of them but strikes Rains' prized watch. Pinkerton advises him to go to Tennessee, noting that the railroad has no interest there.

After the rescue Train/roadside

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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