The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place on October 26, 1881. It began in the 18 foot wide lot behind the O.K. Corral next to C.S. Fly's Boarding House and Photo Studio. This inevitable showdown over control of Tombstone climaxed months of threats, romantic rivalries, stage robberies, pistol whippings, and arrests. When you visit Tombstone you are treated to a reinactment of that day in history as well as stepping back in time on main street. You can even visit Boothill Cemetary where the dead cowboys are buried.
Police chief Virgil Earp deputized brothers Wyatt and Morgan and Doc Holliday to help him disarm the cowboys who were waiting to confront Doc when he returned to his rented room at Fly's.
When the shooting started, unarmed cowboy Ike Clanton ran into Fly's and kept on running. In the next 30 seconds nearly 30 shots were fired. The three cowboys who stood their ground were all killed.
Tom McLaury, who may have been unarmed, was cut down by a clast from Doc's shotgun. Frank McLaury stumbled onto Fremont Street and was shot in the head. Morgan Earp shot 19-year old Billy Clanton.
Both Virgil and Morgan Earp were badly wounded, while Doc Holliday suffered a superficial hip wound. Only Wyatt Earp walked away unscathed.
The Lawmen
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