Prelude to the Gunfight

The Earps and Cow-boys make their way to the empty lot…

October 26, 1881. After being informed the Cow-boys are armed, Virgil Earp decides to make the arrest. The Earp’s and Holiday walk toward a vacant lot on Fremont Street in Tombstone. The group stops a few feet away from the Cow-boys. Virgil says, “Throw up your hands boys, I intend to disarm you.” Billy Clanton and Frank McLaury have their hands on their pistols. Tom McLaury stands behind his horse, his hand on a Winchester in its scabbard. Doc opens his coat and levels a shotgun. Frank and Billy go for their pistols. Virgil shouts, “Hold on, I don’t want that!”