Wyatt Earp
Lawman. 1848 - 1929
Wyatt Earp served more than one Kansas cowtown during his career. Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was born March 19, 1848, in Monmouth, Illinois. Earp lived in Iowa before coming to Kansas. He was employed as a policeman in Wichita in 1875–1876 before moving on to Dodge City. An experienced gunman, Earp served as assistant marshal from 1876-1877 and 1878-1879.
The Ford County Globe, commenting on his performance, stated: "Wyatt Earp [was] one of the most efficient officers Dodge ever had. . ." A gambler, gunman, speculator, and saloon owner, Earp may best be remembered for his role in the battle of the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Although experiencing many close calls in his lifetime, Earp died quietly at the age of 80 in 1929.
More on Wyatt Earp
"Wyatt Earp and the Buntline Special Myth"
Entry: Earp, Wyatt
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: February 2011
Date Modified: April 2013
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
