Oriental Saloon Gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona
The echoes of gunfire still resonate in the dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona, whispering tales of a bygone era where fortunes were won and lost on the turn of a card, and disputes were often settled with a quick draw. Among the many legendary events that have shaped Tombstone’s identity as "the town too tough to die," the Oriental Saloon Gunfight stands out as a particularly dramatic example of frontier justice. This incident, unfolding on February 25, 1881, pitted two professional gamblers and known gunfighters, Luke Short and Charlie Storms, against each other in a deadly confrontation that would further cement the reputation of both men and the infamous saloon itself.
The Oriental Saloon, a beacon of opulence and entertainment in the burgeoning town, had opened its doors just months before the fateful shootout. Situated prominently on the northeast corner of Allen and Fifth Streets, the establishment was quickly lauded as the most elegant saloon in Tombstone. Contemporary accounts described its interior as "simply gorgeous," boasting impressive features like plush carpeting, fine furnishings, and live piano and violin music. This commitment to upscale ambiance aimed to attract a clientele of high rollers and maintain a sense of order, even amidst the rugged realities of frontier life.
The saloon was cleverly divided into two distinct sections: the "saloon" itself, where patrons could imbibe and socialize, and the "gaming" section, where fortunes could be made or lost at the tables. Recognizing the need for security and a steady hand in managing the high-stakes gambling operations, the owners granted Wyatt Earp a one-quarter interest in the gambling concession in January 1881. Earp, known for his law enforcement skills and reputation for maintaining order, was tasked with managing the gaming area and ensuring a fair environment. To assist him, Earp invited his friend, the famed gunslinger and lawman Bat Masterson, to Tombstone in February 1881. Masterson accepted the offer, adding his expertise and reputation to the already formidable presence at the Oriental. His primary role was overseeing the faro tables, a popular card game that attracted significant wagers.
Luke Short, a man of many talents and a reputation that preceded him, arrived in Tombstone in late November 1880. Short was a cowboy, gunfighter, U.S. Army scout, dispatch rider, gambler, boxing promoter, and saloon owner, embodying the multifaceted nature of individuals drawn to the frontier. He quickly integrated himself into the town’s social fabric, associating with figures like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. Soon enough, Short also acquired an interest in the gambling concession at the Oriental Saloon, further solidifying the establishment’s reputation as a hub of both entertainment and potential danger.
The combined presence of Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Luke Short provided the Oriental Saloon with an unparalleled level of security, deterring troublemakers and ensuring that the games of chance remained relatively fair. However, even their combined influence could not completely eliminate the potential for conflict, as the events of February 25th would soon demonstrate.
On that fateful morning, Luke Short was acting as a lookout, keeping a watchful eye on the faro game from a seat next to the dealer. Among the players was Charlie Storms, another well-known gunfighter and gambler who had recently arrived in Tombstone. Storms, fueled by alcohol and seemingly unaware of Short’s lethal reputation, began directing a series of rude and provocative comments toward Short. The tension in the room escalated rapidly, and it appeared that both men were on the verge of drawing their weapons.
Just as the situation reached its boiling point, Bat Masterson entered the saloon. Recognizing the potential for bloodshed and being a friend to both Short and Storms, Masterson intervened, stepping between the two men and attempting to defuse the situation. He successfully persuaded Storms to return to his room at the San Jose House, seemingly averting an immediate confrontation.
For a brief period, it seemed as if the crisis had passed. Masterson and Short exited the Oriental Saloon and were conversing on the boardwalk in front of the establishment when, without warning, Storms reappeared. He grabbed Short’s arm, pulling him off the sidewalk and into the street. In a move that sealed his fate, Storms reached for his gun.
However, Luke Short was quicker. With lightning speed, he drew his own weapon and fired a shot that struck Storms directly in the heart. The impact of the bullet sent Storms staggering backward, the force of the shot reportedly igniting his shirt. As Storms fell to the ground, Short fired a second shot, ensuring that his adversary would not rise again.
With Charlie Storms lying dead in the dusty street, Luke Short turned to Bat Masterson and delivered a sardonic remark, "You sure as hell pick some of the damnedest people for friends, Bat!" The incident was a stark reminder of the brutal realities of life in Tombstone, where even seemingly minor disagreements could quickly escalate into deadly confrontations. Adding to the almost surreal nature of the event, one bystander later reported that "the faro games went right on as though nothing had happened," highlighting the desensitization to violence that had become commonplace in the town.
Bat Masterson, a firsthand witness to the Oriental Saloon Gunfight, provided his own account of the events in a magazine article published in 1907. He emphasized his friendship with both men, explaining his initial attempt to prevent the confrontation:
"Charlie Storms and I were very close friends, as much as Short and I were, and for that reason, I did not care to see him get into what I knew would be a very serious difficulty. Storms did not know Short and, like the bad man in Leadville, had sized him up as an insignificant-looking fellow whom he could slap in the face without expecting a return. Both were about to pull their pistols when I jumped between them and grabbed Storms, at the same time requesting Luke not to shoot, a request I knew he would respect if it was possible without endangering his own life too much. I had no trouble in getting Storms out of the house, as he knew me to be his friend. When Storms and I reached the street, I advised him to go to his room and take a sleep, for I then learned for the first time that he had been up all night and had been quarreling with other persons…"
Masterson continued, recounting the fatal moment:
"I was just explaining to Luke that Storms was a very decent sort of man when, lo and behold! There he stood before us without saying a word, at the same time pulling his pistol. Luke stuck the muzzle of his pistol against Storm’s heart and pulled the trigger. The bullet tore the heart asunder and, as he was falling, Luke shot him again. Storms was dead when he hit the ground."
Following the shooting, Tombstone City Marshal Ben Sippy arrested Short for the killing of Storms. However, during the preliminary hearing, Masterson testified that Short had acted in self-defense. Based on this testimony and other evidence presented, Short was ultimately released. The Arizona Weekly reported that Storms was approximately 60 years old and survived by a widow residing in San Francisco.
Shortly after his release, Luke Short departed Tombstone, heading towards Dodge City, Kansas. There, he acquired an interest in the Long Branch Saloon, continuing his career as a gambler and saloon owner in another iconic Western town.
Tragedy struck the Oriental Saloon in June 1881 when a devastating fire swept through Tombstone, destroying much of the town’s business district, including the original saloon. However, the establishment was quickly rebuilt, a testament to its importance and the resilience of the community. The Oriental Saloon continues to stand today, a tangible link to Tombstone’s storied past. It was recognized for its historical significance by being listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. The Oriental Saloon stands as a reminder of the turbulent times and colorful characters that shaped the American West.
The Oriental Saloon Gunfight, though a single event in Tombstone’s rich history, serves as a microcosm of the challenges and dangers inherent in frontier life. The quick draw, the saloon setting, and the presence of legendary figures like Short and Masterson all contribute to the enduring appeal of this particular tale. It continues to captivate those interested in the history of the American West.
