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Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp (1848–1929) was an American frontier lawman, gambler, saloon keeper, and businessman best known for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wyatt Earp (1848–1929) was an American frontier lawman, gambler, saloon keeper, and businessman best known for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. He became one of the most enduring figures of the American Old West, with his life later popularized in books, films, and television.

Early life

Wyatt Earp was born in Monmouth, Illinois, on March 19, 1848, and grew up in a large family. Sources describe his early life as varied, with later work that included stagecoach driving and buffalo hunting.

Law enforcement career

Earp served in frontier law enforcement in places such as Wichita and Dodge City. His reputation was built on work as a marshal and peace officer in rough western towns.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Earp became famous for the 1881 shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, involving his brothers and Doc Holliday. The event became one of the best-known episodes in American Western history.

Later life and legacy

After his frontier years, Earp remained a figure of public interest and later attracted attention through popular histories and entertainment. His image as a frontier lawman became a lasting part of Old West mythology.

Key facts

  • Wyatt Earp was born in Monmouth, Illinois, in 1848 and died in Los Angeles in 1929.
  • He worked in several roles on the American frontier, including law enforcement and gambling.
  • He is most closely associated with the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
  • He also became known for his role as a boxing referee in the Fitzsimmons vs. Sharkey fight.
  • Earp's life became part of Western popular culture and helped shape his legendary reputation.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Wyatt Earp?
Wyatt Earp was an American frontier lawman and gambler best known for his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
When was Wyatt Earp born?
He was born on March 19, 1848, in Monmouth, Illinois.
When did Wyatt Earp die?
He died on January 13, 1929, in Los Angeles, California.
What is Wyatt Earp most famous for?
He is most famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881.
Was Wyatt Earp only a lawman?
No. He also worked as a gambler, saloon keeper, miner, buffalo hunter, and boxing referee.
Why is Wyatt Earp considered important?
He became one of the most enduring symbols of the American Old West and a central figure in Western folklore.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyatt_Earp
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupations, years active, and major associations
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wyatt-Earp
    Supports: Biographical overview, frontier reputation, and O.K. Corral association
  3. Sky HISTORY — https://www.history.co.uk/biographies/wyatt-earp
    Supports: Law enforcement career, O.K. Corral involvement, and later life context
  4. University of Nebraska–Lincoln — https://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.ii.020.html
    Supports: Early life, frontier occupations, and historical significance in the American West