It was the Earp brothers against the Clanton-McLaury gang
in a legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. It was a 30-second gunfight that is generally
regarded as the most famous shootout in the history
of the American Wild West.
Wild Bill Hickok threatens the friends of Davis Tutt after defeating Tutt in a duel.
In what may be the first true western showdown on this day in 1865, Wild Bill Hickok shoots Dave Tutt dead in the market square of Springfield, Missouri.
Hollywood movies and dime novels notwithstanding, the classic western showdown–also called a walkdown–happened only rarely in the American West. Rather than coolly confronting each other on a dusty street in a deadly game of quick draw, most men began shooting at each other in drunken brawls or spontaneous arguments. Ambushes and cowardly attacks were far more common than noble showdowns.
The first story of the shootout was detailed in an article in Harper’s Magazine in 1867, making Hickok a household name and folk hero.
On this day in 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act, an anti-terrorism law drawn up in response to the 9/11 attacks. Its intent, in Bush’s words, is to “enhance the penalties that will fall on terrorists or anyone who helps them.”
The "Gunfight at the OK Corral" took place in Tombstone, AZ. The fight was between Wyatt Earp, his two brothers and Doc Holiday and the Ike Clanton Gang. It occurred around 3pm on the afternoon of Wednesday 26 October 1881 and only lasted about 30 seconds.
KILLED IN GUNFIGHT AT OK CORRAL PHOTO (LEFT TO RIGHT) TOM & FRANK MCLAURY BILLY CLANTON.
President George W. Bush signs the Patriot Act, Anti-Terrorism Legislation, in the East Room on this day in 2001.
U.S. National security adviser Henry Kissinger declared, "Peace is at hand" in Vietnam on this day in 1972.
The "Gunfight at the OK Corral" took place in Tombstone, AZ. on this day in 1881. The fight was between Wyatt Earp, his two brothers and Doc Holiday and the Ike Clanton Gang.