The Clanton Gang of Tombstone – The Cowboys

The arid landscapes of the American Southwest, particularly the burgeoning boomtown of Tombstone, Arizona, in the late 19th century, served as a dramatic backdrop for the unfolding saga of the Clanton Gang. More colloquially known as "The Cowboys," this loosely affiliated group of ranchers, rustlers, and outright outlaws carved a notorious reputation through their brazen activities along the volatile Mexican border. Their story, a blend of familial ties, economic desperation, and violent clashes, has become deeply intertwined with the mythology of the Wild West.

The Clanton Gang was not a meticulously structured organization with formal ranks and initiation rituals. Instead, it functioned more as a network of individuals, bound together by shared interests, mutual support, and, often, familial connections. At the heart of this network was the Clanton family, led by the patriarch Newman Haynes Clanton, often referred to as "Old Man" Clanton.

The Clanton family’s arrival in Arizona Territory in 1873 marked the beginning of their ascent in the region. Initially, they engaged in legitimate pursuits such as freighting and ranching, contributing to the growing economy of the territory. However, as the years passed, their activities gradually shifted towards more illicit endeavors. The lure of quick riches and the perceived lack of effective law enforcement proved too tempting for some, and the Clanton Ranch became a haven for those operating outside the boundaries of the law.

By 1878, when brothers Tom and Frank McLaury established themselves as neighbors to the Clantons, the transformation into an outlaw enterprise was well underway. The McLaury brothers, with their own ambitions and willingness to engage in illegal activities, quickly became integral members of the growing "Cowboy" faction. The Clanton Gang’s sphere of influence began to expand, encompassing a wide range of criminal activities. Cattle rustling was a common practice, with herds of livestock stolen from both American and Mexican ranches, then driven across the border to be sold. Stagecoach robberies became another lucrative source of income, as the gang targeted the vulnerable transportation routes that connected the scattered settlements of the territory. Ambushes on teamsters, who transported valuable goods and supplies, further added to their ill-gotten gains. And, tragically, violence and murder were not uncommon elements of their operations.

The composition of the Clanton Gang was fluid and ever-changing. While the Clanton family – "Old Man" Clanton and his sons Ike, Billy, and Phin – formed the core of the group, they were supported by a diverse cast of characters. The McLaury brothers, Tom and Frank, were key figures in the gang’s operations. Other notorious individuals, such as Curly Bill Brocius and Johnny Ringo, were also associated with the Cowboys, though the extent of their involvement varied. Pete Spence, another figure linked to the gang, added to the growing list of names associated with the Cowboy faction. Importantly, not everyone associated with the Clantons actively participated in their criminal activities. Some, like Sheriff Johnny Behan, were accused of turning a blind eye to their misdeeds, either through corruption, sympathy, or fear.

The geographical reach of the Clanton Gang was extensive, spanning the territory from Tombstone, Arizona, to the Animas Valley of New Mexico. This vast area provided ample opportunities for their illegal activities, and their control over this region allowed them to operate with relative impunity for a time.

The arrival of the Earp brothers in Tombstone marked a turning point in the Clanton Gang’s reign. Wyatt Earp, along with his brothers Virgil and Morgan, sought to establish themselves as lawmen and bring order to the chaotic town. Virgil Earp’s appointment as town marshal directly challenged the Cowboys’ dominance and initiated a period of escalating tensions between the two factions.

The simmering conflict finally erupted on October 26, 1881, in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This brief but bloody encounter pitted the Earp brothers, along with Doc Holliday, against the Clanton and McLaury brothers, as well as Billy Claiborne. When the smoke cleared, Tom and Frank McLaury, and Billy Clanton lay dead. Virgil and Morgan Earp were wounded, and Holliday sustained a graze wound.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, however, did not end the feud. Instead, it ignited a new wave of violence as both sides sought revenge for their fallen comrades. Assassinations and ambushes became the order of the day, as the Clanton Gang and their allies sought to eliminate their rivals. The Earps, in turn, pursued those they believed responsible for attacks against them.

The Clanton Gang and their activities have become a central part of the Wild West narrative, immortalized in countless books, movies, and television shows. The Clanton Gang represents a complex chapter in American history, filled with shades of grey and conflicting perspectives.

The Clanton Gang‘s legacy continues to fascinate and inspire debate. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, a pivotal event in the story of the Clanton Gang, remains one of the most iconic moments in Western lore. The Clanton Gang‘s story serves as a reminder of the challenges of establishing law and order in a rapidly changing frontier society. The Clanton Gang, their allies, and their adversaries continue to capture the imagination of those interested in the history of the American West. The legend of the Clanton Gang lives on, a testament to the enduring power of the Wild West myth.

The individuals associated with the Cowboy faction were a diverse group, each with their own motivations and stories. Here is a list of some of the key figures:

• Newman Haynes "Old Man" Clanton
• Joseph Isaac "Ike" Clanton
• Phineas Fray "Phin" Clanton
• William "Billy" Clanton
• Robert Findley "Frank" McLaury
• Thomas Clark "Tom" McLaury
• William "Curly Bill" Brocius
• Billy Claiborne
• John Peters Ringo
• Alex Arnett
• Johnny Barnes
• Sheriff Johnny Behan

In addition to these individuals, a number of other men were associated with the Cowboy faction, including:

• Tall Bell
• Jim Crane
• Florentino "Indian Charlie" Cruz
• Pony Deal
• Harry Ernshaw
• William Harrison
• Jake Gauze
• Dick "Dixie" Gray
• Charlie Green
• John Greene
• Billy Grounds
• Harry Head
• Milt Hicks
• Joe Hill

The Clanton Gang’s story is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with violence, intrigue, and conflicting loyalties. Their legacy continues to shape our understanding of the Wild West and the challenges of establishing law and order in a lawless frontier. The Clanton Gang‘s actions reverberate through history, reminding us of a time when the lines between good and evil were often blurred.

Also See:

• Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
• Outlaw Gangs
• Tombstone, Arizona
• Virgil Earp