The Harpe Brothers became some of the most infamous outlaws in early American history. But the stories surrounding them have grown far beyond the historical record.

In this video, we follow Micajah “Big” Harpe and Wiley “Little” Harpe from their early years through their violent journey across the American frontier — including their time in Tennessee and Kentucky, their escape from jail, the killings attributed to them, and the final fate of the two brothers.

Some of the darkest stories about the Harpes come from later accounts and folklore, while others are supported by contemporary records and testimony. The truth is disturbing enough without turning every legend into fact.

This is the story of the Harpe Brothers — and why their real history is even more complicated than the legend.

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