Tombstone Epitaph

11/15/2025

November 16, 1881. The OK Corral hearing. Wyatt Earp takes the stand--and due to a quirk in Arizona Territory law, he is allowed to read his statement on the events before and during the gunfight. He cannot be cross-examined, and so his statement basically goes unchallenged. The prosecution files an objection over the testimony, but it is overruled by Justice of the Peace Wells Spicer. It is a powerful moment.

Part of Wyatt's statement:
"I never fired at Ike Clanton, even after the shooting commenced, because I thought he was unarmed. I believed then, and believe now, from the acts I have stated and the threats I have related and the other threats communicated to me by other persons as having been made by Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, and Ike Clanton, that these men last named had formed a conspiracy to murder my brothers, Morgan and Virgil, Doc Holliday and myself. I believe I would have been legally and morally justified in shooting any of them on sight, but I did not do so, nor attempt to do so. I sought no advantage when I went as deputy marshal [city marshal] to help disarm them and arrest them. I went as a part of my duty and under the direction of my brother, the marshal; I did not intend to fight unless it became necessary in self-defense and in the performance of official duty. When Billy Clanton and Frank McLaury drew their pistols, I knew it was a fight for life, and I drew in defense of my own life and the lives of my brothers and Doc Holliday."

11/15/2025

The Real Heroes of the Movie Tombstone: While Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday dominate the screen, they weren't the only courageous figures in the film "Tombstone." This article shines a light on the characters who are the true, unsung heroes of the movie. Read about the other brave souls who contributed to the fight for justice.

Tombstone's two heroes.

11/14/2025

November 14, 1882. Billy "The Kid" Claiborne--drunk again--gets into an argument with Oriental Saloon bartender Buckskin Frank Leslie (picture). Claiborne takes a shot at Leslie outside the bar, and misses. Leslie does not; Billy dies a few hours later.

A year before, Claiborne was in the empty lot with his Cow-boy friends when the Earps and Doc Holliday entered, ready to arrest them. Billy ran out the back, through the OK Corral--living to fight (and die) another day.

11/12/2025

Little Known Facts About the Wild West: Think you know everything about the American frontier? This article uncovers some fascinating and little-known facts about life in the Wild West. Challenge your historical knowledge and discover the surprising truths about the Old West era.

The Wild West is one of America’s most romanticized eras, filled with tales of gunfighters, outlaws, and fearless cowboys. Hollywood has painted a picture of constant shootouts, bank heists, and lawless towns where danger lurked around every corner. But the reality of frontier life was far differe...

11/12/2025

American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average?

This Veterans Day, we take a look back at the service of the Pawnee Scouts, the very first members of the Pawnee Nation to serve in the military. https://history.nebraska.gov/pawnee-scouts/

📷: Pawnee Scouts: Roam Chief, Knife Chief, Charley Brave Chief, and Young Chief, 1869. The “North Brothers” caption refers to their commander, Frank North, and his brother, Luther. NSHS RG2065-13-2.

11/11/2025

13 Of The Most Welcoming Towns In Arizona: Arizona is famous for its rugged landscapes and rich history, including the legendary town of Tombstone. This article highlights thirteen of the state's most welcoming towns, perfect for your next historical road trip. Discover the charm and beauty of the region where the Old West came alive.

Arizona is dotted with small towns brimming with beauty and friendliness, from art colonies to hot springs, filled with history and unique festivals.

11/09/2025

The Real Story Behind Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday's Lifelong Friendship: The bond between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday is one of the Wild West's most famous and complex friendships. This article separates fact from fiction to reveal the true story behind their enduring, lifelong relationship. Discover how this iconic partnership influenced the events in Tombstone and beyond.

Historian Mark Lee Gardner reveals what fresh research uncovers about the complicated friendship between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.

11/06/2025

Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday had one of the most fascinating friendships in the Old West--one that took them through thick and thin. And a new book by Mark Lee Gardner focuses on that relationship.

The November Tombstone Epitaph has an excerpt from that trailblazing book, Brothers of the Gun: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and a Reckoning in Tombstone.

Also, the lies and falsehoods told by lawman John Poe. An analysis of a classic Western. And we remember long-time Tombstone historian Ben Traywick.

tombstoneepitaph.com

11/05/2025

We've just been informed about the passing of yet another member of the Greatest Generation of Old West Historians.

For many, Bill O'Neal was Texas history, writing countless books, articles, etc. on the Old West period of the Lone Star State.

One of his obits is below. But other points about Bill--he was a supremely good guy, always quick with a smile and a kind word. And he was a storyteller, a man who captured an audience in-person and on the page. They don't make them like Bill O'Neal anymore.

Vaya con Dios.

11/04/2025

November 4, 1881. Texas lawyer Will McLaury--the brother of Tom and Frank McLaury--is sworn in as associate prosecutor in the case against the Earps and Doc Holliday, who are accused of murder in the OK Corral gunfight.

He is not happy. McLaury sees that the prosecution lacks focus. He is determined to see the Earps and Holliday pay for what he considers to be the ex*****on of his brothers and Billy Clanton. Will wants nothing less than the rope for the defendants.

Later scholars will suggest that McLaury was more hindrance than help. There are rumors to this day that he paid to have Virgil and Morgan Earp shot a few months later.

10/31/2025

Mike Mayberry's latest Cochise Country Travels podcast with Mark Lee Gardner is on iTunes. In this episode, they talk about Gardner's new book, 'Brothers Of The Gun.'

Podcast Episode · CochiseCounty_Travels - Wild West History Podcast · 10/30/2025 · 1h 2m