The names of the Earp Brothers – Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan – are inextricably linked with the tumultuous history of Tombstone, Arizona, and the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This authoritative account delves into the complex lives and contentious actions of the Earps and their volatile associate, Doc Holliday, whose collective story is a cornerstone of American Old West lore.
In 1881, Tombstone was a booming mining town, a crucible of lawlessness and ambition. Wyatt Earp served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, while his brother Virgil held the critical post of City Marshal, positions that gave them significant, albeit often challenged, legal authority. Their influence frequently clashed with Sheriff Johnny Behan, creating a deep-seated antagonism. The Earps, all with a background in professional gambling, were often implicated in the numerous stagecoach robberies plaguing the roads around Tombstone. While direct participation was rarely proven, rumors persisted of their involvement, most notably in the Bisbee stage robbery, allegedly carried out by Frank Stillwell, with a dispute over the spoils said to ignite a lasting feud.
Early Conflicts and Stagecoach Incidents
The violence around Tombstone escalated with the tragic death of Bud Philpot, a well-known stage driver, during an attack on the Benson stage near Contention. Bob Paul, then riding as a guard and later a U.S. Marshal for Arizona, was present, and it was widely believed the bullet meant for the messenger struck Philpot instead. The Earp Brothers and Doc Holliday were absent from town during this particular incident but returned shortly thereafter. Despite widespread suspicion, particularly against Holliday, they were not arrested. Many speculated that stage robberies provided a substantial portion of the Earps’ income, which, according to some accounts, was often squandered.
The Infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The climax of the Earp-Clanton feud erupted on October 26, 1881, an event that would forever etch Tombstone into the annals of the Wild West. The Clanton Gang, a formidable group of cowboys, openly defied the Earps’ authority, leading to escalating tensions. The night before the gunfight, Ike Clanton was arrested and fined by Virgil Earp for disorderly conduct, a charge Ike vehemently disputed, claiming he was simply objecting to the marshal’s abuse.
Tension Escalates on October 26th
On the morning of the 26th, Ike Clanton, along with Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, and Billy Clanton, were in Tombstone, preparing to leave town for their ranch. Their horses were stabled at the O.K. Corral, and they planned to exit via Fremont Street to avoid further confrontation. Crucially, Ike Clanton and Tom McLaury were reportedly unarmed, their pistols having been confiscated by city authorities the previous evening. The other two, however, still carried revolvers.
The Confrontation
As the Clanton group led their horses out of the corral, they were suddenly confronted by Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp, joined by Doc Holliday. (Note: Although Jim Earp was in town, he was not involved in the actual gunfight.) Virgil Earp, armed with a sawed-off shotgun, immediately demanded,
