Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri)
Crotalus helleri is a venomous pit viper species commonly known as the Southern Pacific rattlesnake. It is part of the family Viperidae, which includes venomous snakes known for their long, hinged fangs that allow them to deliver venom deep into their prey.
Description
Crotalus helleri typically ranges from 60 to 120 centimeters (2 to 4 feet) in length, although some individuals can grow larger. The snake exhibits a variety of color patterns depending on its geographical location. Common colors include brown, olive, gray, and occasionally greenish tones. The body is marked with dark, diamond-shaped blotches running along the length of its back, often bordered by lighter scales. These blotches may be less defined in older individuals. The snake’s head is triangular with a distinct neck, and it has a characteristic rattle at the end of its tail, which it uses as a warning signal.
Distribution and Habitat
Crotalus helleri is primarily found in Southern California, extending into Baja California, Mexico. Its range includes a variety of habitats such as coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, woodlands, and deserts. The snake is adaptable and can be found at elevations from sea level to over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet).
Behavior
This species is generally diurnal in the cooler months and becomes more nocturnal during the warmer summer months to avoid the heat. Crotalus helleri is a sit-and-wait predator, typically ambushing its prey, which includes small mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians. The snake’s heat-sensing pit organs, located between the eyes and nostrils, allow it to detect warm-blooded prey even in total darkness.
Reproduction
Crotalus helleri is ovoviviparous, meaning that the females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating occurs in the spring, and after a gestation period of about 5 to 6 months, the female gives birth to a litter of 4 to 12 young, usually in late summer or early fall. The newborn snakes are independent from birth and are capable of hunting and defending themselves immediately.
Venom
The venom of Crotalus helleri is highly toxic and is composed of a mixture of hemotoxins, neurotoxins, and myotoxins. This potent combination can cause significant tissue damage, disrupt blood clotting, and lead to paralysis. Envenomation in humans requires immediate medical attention, as the venom can be life-threatening if untreated. Antivenom is effective, but the severity of the bite varies depending on the amount of venom injected.
Conservation Status
As of now, Crotalus helleri is not listed as endangered or threatened. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, human encroachment, and intentional killing due to its venomous nature. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and public education to reduce unnecessary killings.
Ecological Role
Crotalus helleri plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both predator and prey. As a predator, it helps control the populations of small mammals and other prey species, which in turn influences the population dynamics of these animals. As prey, it provides food for larger predators such as hawks, eagles, and some mammalian carnivores.
Human Interaction
Encounters between humans and Crotalus helleri are relatively common in Southern California, especially in areas where urban development encroaches on natural habitats. While the snake is generally not aggressive and prefers to avoid confrontation, it will defend itself if threatened. Public education on rattlesnake behavior and safety is essential to minimize negative interactions and ensure the safety of both humans and snakes.
Taxonomy and Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Crotalus
- Species: Crotalus helleri
Conclusion
Crotalus helleri is a fascinating and important species within its range. Understanding its biology, behavior, and ecological role is essential for promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife in regions where this rattlesnake is found. Conservation efforts should focus on habitat protection and educating the public about the importance of this species in maintaining ecological balance.
Johnson Canyon Road
Johnson Canyon Road, located in the southern Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, is a remote backcountry route that functions as both a challenging 4×4 road and a hiking trail. This rugged path leads through a dramatic canyon with steep walls, alluvial fans, and lush oases, offering opportunities to explore historic mining sites, Native American heritage, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep or desert tortoises. Less crowded than frontcountry trails like Golden Canyon, it provides solitude and stunning views of the valley floor. The road starts from West Side Road and ascends into the canyon, with options for day hikes to Willow Spring or Hungry Bill’s Ranch, or longer backpacking trips. High-clearance 4×4 vehicles are required for driving, but hiking is often preferred to avoid damage from rough terrain. Note that while called a “road,” it becomes increasingly trail-like beyond the initial miles.
Key Trail Statistics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Full out-and-back: ~20 miles (10 miles one-way to road’s end); shorter options: 6-8 miles round-trip to Willow Spring; add 2-4 miles for hike to Hungry Bill’s Ranch from road end. AllTrails lists it as 23.1 miles out-and-back for the full route. |
| Elevation Gain | ~3,000-4,000 feet overall (starting ~200 feet below sea level, reaching ~5,000 feet at Hungry Bill’s Ranch); steady climb up the alluvial fan. |
| Difficulty | Moderately challenging to strenuous; rocky, eroded sections with loose gravel, steep inclines, and potential washouts. 4×4 high-clearance required for driving; hiking involves boulder-hopping and brushy areas. |
| Time Required | 6-10 hours for full road out-and-back hike; 3-5 hours for shorter day hikes; multi-day for backpacking with explorations. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); year-round access, but flash floods possible July-September. |
| Access | Junction 7.7 miles from northern end of West Side Road (via Badwater Road). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit; free backcountry permits for overnight (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile off West Side Road. |
| Water and Amenities | Willow Spring and upper canyon springs (treat water); carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~30 miles away). |
Trail Map
What to Expect on the Hike
The route begins on a gravelly road from West Side Road, climbing tediously up the alluvial fan with loose rocks and ruts—drivable with caution in 4×4 for the first 5-7 miles, but often hiked to preserve vehicles. The canyon narrows, revealing colorful geologic layers, narrow washes, and views of the Panamint Mountains. Around 3-4 miles in, Willow Spring offers a shaded oasis with cottonwoods and year-round water. Continuing, the road ends at a parking area (~10 miles), where a foot trail leads 1-2 miles to Hungry Bill’s Ranch—featuring historic stone walls, remnant orchards (apples, figs), and Shoshone village sites. Side explorations include old mining tunnels and talc prospects. The terrain includes brushy sections (watch for rattlesnakes) and steep scrambles, with profound desert silence and starry skies for campers. Flash floods can alter the path, creating sand traps or debris.
This low-use trail suits adventurers seeking history and isolation, but demands preparation—no cell service, and self-rescue may be necessary.
Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)
Johnson Canyon Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, following repairs to West Side Road after 2023-2024 floods. Recent reports from late 2024 indicate good conditions, with some rutted alluvial fan sections and brushy areas harboring rattlesnakes, but no major closures. West Side Road is fully open, though high-elevation roads elsewhere in the park reopened in April 2025 after historic flooding. Summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often exceed 110°F), and flash flood risks persist during monsoons—avoid during storms. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for updates, as conditions can change rapidly. Tire punctures are common on gravel approaches; carry spares and emergency gear.
History of the Region
History of Johnson Canyon
Johnson Canyon’s history intertwines Indigenous heritage, ranching, and mining, emblematic of Death Valley’s resource-rich but harsh landscape. The area was an ancestral village site for the Timbisha Shoshone (also known as Panamint Shoshone), who utilized its reliable springs and canyons for seasonal habitation, hunting, and gathering for centuries. In the late 1800s, Euro-American settlers arrived; rancher William Johnson established a homestead in the canyon around the 1870s, giving it his name, though he clashed with Native residents over land use.
A key figure was Hungry Bill (real name Bah-Vanda-Sada), a Timbisha Shoshone leader who filed a homestead claim in 1907 on 160 acres in upper Johnson Canyon, planting orchards with apples, figs, and grapes using traditional irrigation. He never received the patent due to bureaucratic hurdles, but his family maintained the ranch into the 1920s, producing crops amid the desert. Mining activity surged in the early 1900s, with gold, silver, and talc claims; prospectors and Natives alike filed claims, extracting minerals from tunnels and open pits. Operations were small-scale due to isolation, peaking during World War eras for strategic minerals like talc, but declined by mid-century as deposits dwindled.
Today, remnants include Hungry Bill’s stone walls, fruit trees, and mining ruins, preserved as cultural sites. The Timbisha gained federal recognition and land rights in the 1980s-2000s, including areas near Furnace Creek, marking a reclamation of ancestral lands.
Broader History of Death Valley National Park
Death Valley’s human history dates back over 10,000 years, with Native American groups like the Timbisha Shoshone inhabiting the region since at least 1000 CE, adapting to its extremes through migratory patterns and using resources like mesquite pods and pinyon nuts. European-American exploration began infamously in 1849, when the “Lost ’49ers”—a group of gold rush pioneers—became trapped en route to California, enduring hardships that inspired the name “Death Valley” despite most surviving.
Mining booms defined the late 19th and early 20th centuries: borax extraction in the 1880s (famous for 20-mule teams), gold and silver rushes around 1900 (birthing ghost towns like Rhyolite and Skidoo), and later talc, lead, and tungsten mining. Tourism emerged in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover designated it a national monument to protect against unchecked exploitation, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building roads and facilities in the 1930s. Expanded dramatically under the 1994 California Desert Protection Act, it became the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., spanning 3.4 million acres.
The park now draws over a million visitors annually for its geologic wonders—like Badwater Basin (-282 feet, North America’s lowest point) and record heat (134°F in 1913)—while addressing modern challenges such as climate change, flash floods, and cultural preservation.
Pleasant Canyon
The Panamint Mountains, forming the western boundary of Death Valley National Park in California, offer some of the most rugged and scenic off-road and hiking adventures in the region. Among the standout routes is the Pleasant Canyon to South Park Canyon loop, a challenging trail that combines steep ascents, narrow shelf roads, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This trail is primarily an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) route but can also be hiked in sections, though it’s demanding due to its length and terrain. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and borders Death Valley National Park, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles for full traversal. Always check for permits, road closures, and weather conditions before heading out, as the area is prone to flash floods and rockslides.
Trail Overview
- Route Description: The loop typically starts near the ghost town of Ballarat in Panamint Valley (accessible via Wingate Road off Trona-Wildrose Road). From there, Pleasant Canyon ascends eastward through a narrow, rocky canyon with waterfalls (often dry), old mining ruins, and dense vegetation in lower sections. The trail climbs steeply to Rogers Pass at the crest of the Panamints, offering panoramic views of Butte Valley to the east. From the pass, the route descends via South Park Canyon, which features more open terrain, wildflower meadows in spring, and challenging “stair-step” rock ledges before looping back toward Ballarat or connecting to other backcountry roads. The full loop is counterclockwise for easier navigation, but it can be done out-and-back via either canyon for shorter trips.
- Length: Approximately 28 miles for the full loop; allow at least 6-8 hours by vehicle or multiple days for hiking/backpacking.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (rated 3 out of 5 on many OHV scales). Most sections are easy to moderate with high-clearance 4WD, but steep, narrow shelf roads and rocky obstacles require low-range gears and experienced drivers. Hiking portions are strenuous due to loose rock, water crossings, and exposure. Not recommended for stock vehicles without modifications or beginners.
- Elevation Gain: Starts around 1,600 feet in Panamint Valley and peaks at Rogers Pass (6,430 feet), for a net gain of about 4,800 feet. Expect dramatic drops on the descent.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring (October to May) to avoid extreme heat; summers can exceed 100°F (38°C) with no shade. Wildflowers bloom in wet springs, enhancing the scenery. Winter may bring snow at higher elevations, making the trail impassable.
- Highlights and Features: Abundant mining history with remnants of cabins, mills, and shafts from the 19th century. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and birds of prey. Scenic overlooks provide views of Telescope Peak (11,049 feet, the highest in the Panamints) and distant Sierra Nevada mountains. Camping is available at dispersed sites like Chicken Rock or Clair Camp, but pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Current Conditions (as of August 2025)
Based on available reports, the trail remains open but is susceptible to damage from storms, with potential washouts in steep sections of both canyons. Rockslides and erosion are common, especially after heavy rains—repairs are typically made promptly by BLM, but always verify status via the Ridgecrest BLM Field Office or apps like onX Offroad. No major closures were noted in early 2025 searches, but users report the “stair-step” obstacle in South Park Canyon as particularly tricky, requiring spotters for vehicles. Water may flow in Pleasant Canyon’s lower waterfalls during wet seasons, adding to the challenge. For hikers, the trail is dry with no reliable water sources—carry at least 1 gallon per person per day. Recent user feedback emphasizes the need for high-clearance vehicles and airing down tires for better traction.
If planning a trip, cross-reference with Death Valley National Park updates, as portions border the park, and consider guided tours for first-timers.
Trail Map
History of the Panamint Mountains Region
The Panamint Mountains have a rich and rugged history spanning millennia, shaped by Native American inhabitants, mining booms, and environmental extremes. Indigenous peoples, including the Timbisha Shoshone and Southern Paiute, have occupied the area for thousands of years, using the canyons as trade routes and seasonal hunting grounds. They adapted to the harsh desert with knowledge of water sources and edible plants, leaving behind petroglyphs and artifacts that hint at their deep connection to the land.
European exploration intensified in the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush, but the Panamints’ remote location delayed major activity. Mining began slowly in the late 1850s or early 1860s, focusing on silver and lead, though the arid conditions and difficult access made operations challenging. The big break came in 1872-1873 when prospectors Richard C. Jacobs, William L. Kennedy, and Robert B. Stewart discovered rich silver veins in Surprise Canyon (near Pleasant Canyon), leading to the founding of Panamint City—a boomtown that swelled to over 2,000 residents by 1874. Infamously, some early miners were outlaws fleeing justice, earning the town a reputation as a “hard-boiled hellhole” with saloons, brothels, and vigilante justice. The Panamint Mining District formed in 1873, and by the mid-1870s, mills processed ore hauled by mule teams. However, flash floods in 1876 destroyed much of the infrastructure, and declining silver prices led to the town’s abandonment by the 1880s, leaving it a ghost town accessible via nearby Surprise Canyon Trail.
Sporadic mining revived in the early 20th century, including operations in the 1920s, but never matched the initial frenzy. The region also served as outlaw hideouts and later military testing grounds during World War II. Today, the Panamints are protected within Death Valley National Park (established 1994), preserving ruins like those in Pleasant and South Park Canyons as windows into this boom-and-bust era. The trails themselves follow old mining roads, a testament to the area’s enduring allure for adventurers.
Tips and Safety
- Preparation: Download offline maps (e.g., from AllTrails or onX), carry extra fuel/water, and inform someone of your itinerary. Cell service is spotty.
- Warnings: Flash floods are a real risk—avoid during rain. Watch for mining hazards like open shafts.
- Access: Free entry, but OHV stickers required for vehicles in California.
- Sustainability: Stick to established trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems.
This trail offers a perfect blend of adventure and history, but respect its challenges for a rewarding experience in one of California’s most dramatic landscapes.
Killing of Frank Stilwell
Frank C. Stilwell (1856–March 20, 1882) was a complex figure in the American Old West, known as an outlaw, sometime deputy sheriff, and businessman in Arizona Territory. Born in Iowa, Stilwell moved with his family to Kansas Territory along the Santa Fe Trail. After his parents’ divorce in 1863, he was raised by his father, a Union Army veteran who participated in Sherman’s March to the Sea. Stilwell’s early life was marked by frontier instability, which shaped his later path as a man entangled in violence and crime.
By 1877, Stilwell had arrived in Arizona with his brother Simpson Everett “Comanche Jack” Stilwell, a noted Indian fighter and scout who took a more honorable path. Frank, however, became associated with the notorious Cochise County Cowboys, a loosely organized group involved in cattle rustling and other illicit activities. He worked as a teamster, miner, and entrepreneur, owning interests in mines, a saloon, a wholesale liquor business, a stage line, and livery stables in Charleston and Bisbee. He also partnered with ex-Texas Ranger Pete Spence in a Bisbee saloon.
Stilwell’s criminal record began to take shape in 1877 when he shot and killed Jesus Bega near Miller’s Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, after an argument over Bega serving tea instead of coffee. He was acquitted on grounds of self-defense. In 1879, Stilwell was charged with the murder of Col. John Van Houten in a dispute over claim-jumping in Pima County. Van Houten was beaten to death with a rock, but Stilwell and co-defendant James Cassidy escaped indictment due to insufficient evidence. These incidents established Stilwell’s reputation as a violent man, though he avoided legal consequences.
In 1881, Stilwell briefly served as a deputy sheriff under Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, a key figure in the escalating feud with the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—and their ally, Doc Holliday. Stilwell’s association with Behan and the Cowboys placed him in direct conflict with the Earps, who represented law enforcement and opposed the Cowboys’ criminal activities. Stilwell was also implicated in the September 8, 1881, Bisbee stage robbery alongside Pete Spence, though both were acquitted due to lack of evidence. This event further strained relations with the Earps, particularly after Wyatt, acting as a deputy U.S. marshal, arrested Stilwell and Spence.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Its Aftermath
The tensions between the Earps and the Cowboys culminated in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. Although Stilwell was not present at the gunfight (he was in jail in Tucson at the time), his close ties to the Cowboys, including Ike Clanton and the McLaury brothers, made him a suspect in subsequent events. The shootout left three Cowboys—Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton—dead, intensifying the feud.
Following the gunfight, threats against the Earps escalated. Cowboy Frank McLaury warned Morgan Earp that the McLaurys would kill the Earps if they attempted further arrests of Stilwell, Spence, or their allies. The Tombstone Epitaph reported “veiled threats” against the Earps, fueled by misreports that Stilwell and Spence had been arrested for a separate stage robbery near Contention City, which added to perceptions that they were being unfairly targeted.
On December 28, 1881, Virgil Earp was ambushed and severely wounded, losing the use of his left arm. The Earps suspected Cowboy involvement, including Stilwell. Then, on March 18, 1882, Morgan Earp was assassinated while playing billiards in Tombstone. Shot through a window, he died within an hour. A coroner’s inquest, led by Dr. H. M. Mathews, named Stilwell, Pete Spence, Indian Charlie, Frederick Bode, and an unnamed “half-breed” as suspects, based partly on testimony from Spence’s wife, Marietta Duarte, who said the group returned home an hour after the shooting and that Spence threatened her to remain silent. Despite the suspicions, there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Stilwell or the others.
The Killing of Frank Stilwell
The assassination of Morgan Earp set the stage for Wyatt Earp’s vendetta, a campaign to exact revenge on those he believed responsible. On March 20, 1882, Wyatt, his brother Warren, Doc Holliday, Sherman McMaster, and “Turkey Creek” Jack Johnson escorted the crippled Virgil Earp and his wife, Allie, to Tucson to board a train for California, where they could find safety. The group traveled by buckboard to Contention City, then by train to Benson, and finally to Tucson, arriving at dusk. Tucson was celebrating the activation of its first gaslights, and the festive atmosphere was punctuated by celebratory gunfire, which masked the violence about to unfold.
According to Wyatt Earp’s later accounts, he received word—likely via telegraph in Benson—that Stilwell and Ike Clanton were in Tucson, possibly planning to ambush the Earps. Clanton later claimed they were at the train station to meet a witness, McDowell, for a grand jury hearing, but Wyatt believed they were armed and waiting to attack Virgil. As the train approached the Tucson Southern Pacific Depot, near the Porter Hotel (later renamed the San Xavier Hotel), Wyatt’s posse spotted Stilwell and Clanton on a flatcar in the train yard, allegedly armed with shotguns under their coats.
What followed was a chaotic and brutal encounter. As the Earp party confronted Stilwell and Clanton, both men fled. Stilwell, running in the dark train yard, dropped his weapon and stumbled. Wyatt pursued him and, according to his 1926 account with John H. Flood, caught up to Stilwell, who tried to fend off Wyatt’s shotgun with his hands. Wyatt fired both barrels at close range, striking Stilwell under the ribs. The coroner’s report detailed a gruesome scene: Stilwell’s body, found the next morning 100 yards north of the station, was riddled with two rounds of buckshot (one in the leg, one in the chest with powder burns) and four additional bullet wounds, suggesting multiple shooters. Wyatt later claimed Stilwell’s last words were “Morg! Morg!,” possibly referencing Morgan Earp. Other accounts, including Virgil’s March 1882 interview with the Arizona Daily Star, alleged Stilwell confessed to Morgan’s murder before dying, naming his accomplices. However, the reliability of this confession is debated, as it aligns with the Earps’ narrative.
The Arizona Daily Star on March 22, 1882, condemned the killing as an act of “desperadoes” seeking vengeance, noting its boldness in a busy depot and suggesting Stilwell was targeted as a friend of Ike Clanton, whom the Earps may have initially sought. The Tombstone Epitaph and other newspapers reported the coroner’s jury verdict that Stilwell died from shots fired by Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Doc Holliday, and others. The severity of Stilwell’s wounds—described as “the worst shot-up man” some had ever seen—underscored the vengeful nature of the attack.
Aftermath and Legal Consequences
The killing of Stilwell marked the beginning of the Earp Vendetta Ride, a series of retaliatory killings targeting suspected Cowboys. Arrest warrants were issued by Pima County Sheriff Bob Paul for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, Sherman McMaster, and Jack Johnson, and a grand jury indicted them for murder. However, Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, a Cowboy ally, did not serve the warrants when he had the chance, possibly intimidated by Wyatt’s armed posse. Wyatt initially agreed to turn himself in but instead fled to Colorado, where he and his men evaded prosecution.
Stilwell’s body was buried in Tucson’s old cemetery with, according to some reports, only Ike Clanton as a mourner. His brother, Comanche Jack, traveled to Tombstone seeking revenge but left without confronting the Earps. The killing fueled public outrage, with newspapers like the Arizona Weekly Citizen decrying the lawlessness of the Earps’ actions, though some viewed it as frontier justice.
Historical Significance and Legacy
The killing of Frank Stilwell is a pivotal moment in the lore of the American West, epitomizing the violent feuds and blurred lines between law and vengeance in Arizona Territory. It is commemorated by life-sized statues of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday at the site of the former Tucson Southern Pacific Depot, now part of the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, which offers tours of the historic site. The original depot and Porter Hotel were destroyed by fire and demolition in the early 20th century.
Stilwell’s life and death have been depicted in popular culture, notably in the 1993 film Tombstone (played by Tomas Arana) and the 1994 film Wyatt Earp (played by John Dennis Johnston). He also appeared in Season 5 of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (played by John Baxter). A fictionalized version of Stilwell, spelled “Stillwell,” is the antagonist in Disney’s 1975 film The Apple Dumpling Gang, loosely inspired by the historical figure.
Stilwell’s story reflects the duality of the frontier: a man who was both a businessman and an outlaw, caught in a deadly conflict between rival factions. While the Earps framed his killing as retribution for Morgan’s murder, critics argue it was an extrajudicial execution, highlighting the lawlessness of the era. The lack of definitive evidence against Stilwell for Morgan’s murder leaves open questions about the justice of his death, making it a subject of ongoing debate among historians.
Articles Related to Frank Stilwell
 Charleston ArizonaCharleston, Arizona, now a ghost town in Cochise County, was a short-lived but vibrant settlement in the Arizona Territory from the late 1870s to the… |
 Grand Jury Indictment for the Killing of Frank StilwellFrank Stilwell The following is the Grand Jury Indictment for the Killing of Frank Stilwell which charges Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters… |
 Morgan Seth EarpMorgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association… |
 The Tombstone Epitaph – March 27, 1882Frank Stilwell On March 27, 1882, The newspaper the Tombstone Epitaph announced the murder of Frank Stilwell in Tucson Arizona. Frank Stilwell was an outlaw… |
 Warren Baxter EarpWarren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would… |
 Wyatt Berry Stapp EarpWyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler who became a legendary figure of the Old… |
Sources
- Wikipedia: Frank Stilwell
- Legends of America: Frank C. Stilwell
- Destination4x4: Frank Stilwell
- HistoryNet: The Stilwell Shooting Near the Tucson Depot
- True West Magazine: Blood on the Tracks
Billy Claiborne
Billy Claiborne was an American Old West gunfighter and outlaw known for his involvement in some of the most famous events of the period, particularly in Tombstone, Arizona. Born in 1860 in Yazoo County, Mississippi, Claiborne’s early life is somewhat obscure, but he rose to infamy during his time in Tombstone, where he became associated with notorious figures like the Clanton and McLaury brothers.
Early Life
Little is known about Claiborne’s early years, including his family background or what led him to the West. Like many young men of the time, he was likely drawn by the prospect of adventure, opportunity, and perhaps the hope of striking it rich in the burgeoning mining towns.
Tombstone and the Earp-Clanton Feud
Claiborne arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, during a time of significant tension between lawmen and outlaws. The town was a hotbed of conflict, particularly between the Earp brothers (Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan) and a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys, which included Ike Clanton, Curly Bill Brocius, and the McLaury brothers.
Claiborne became associated with the Cowboys, a loose affiliation of rustlers, ranchers, and bandits who were at odds with the Earp brothers. Claiborne wasn’t as prominent as some of the other members of the group, but he was known for his quick temper and willingness to engage in violence.
The Shootout at the O.K. Corral
Claiborne’s most infamous connection is with the Shootout at the O.K. Corral, one of the most famous gunfights in the history of the American West. The shootout occurred on October 26, 1881, and involved the Earp brothers, their ally Doc Holliday, and members of the Cowboys. Claiborne was present during the events leading up to the gunfight but did not directly participate in the shootout itself. However, he was friends with Billy Clanton, one of the Cowboys who was killed in the gunfight.
Claiborne did testify for the prosecution at the preliminary hearing of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, but the two men are exonerated.
Violent End
After the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, Claiborne’s life took a downward spiral. He idolized William “Billy the Kid” Bonney and even adopted the nickname “Billy the Kid” after the latter’s death in 1881. Claiborne’s growing reputation as an outlaw and his increasingly erratic behavior led to a series of confrontations with lawmen and citizens alike.
In November 1882, Billy Claiborne’s life came to a tragic end in Tombstone, Arizona. The exact circumstances of his death involve a confrontation that escalated into violence. Claiborne, who was reportedly intoxicated, had a dispute with a local gambler and gunman named Franklin “Buckskin” Leslie.
Leslie, known as a skilled marksman and a man not to be trifled with, was confronted by Claiborne on the streets of Tombstone. Claiborne, emboldened by alcohol and his desire to prove himself as a dangerous gunman, challenged Leslie to a fight. Accounts of the event vary, but it is generally believed that Claiborne drew his weapon first. However, Leslie, quick on the draw, fired at Claiborne, hitting him and inflicting fatal wounds.
Billy Claiborne succumbed to his injuries shortly after the confrontation. He was buried in Tombstone’s Boothill Graveyard, a resting place for many of the town’s notorious characters. His death marked the end of a brief and troubled life, largely overshadowed by the more infamous figures of the Old West.
Franklin “Buckskin” Leslie, the man who shot Claiborne, continued his life as a gambler and gunman, eventually fading into obscurity. Claiborne’s death is often remembered as a cautionary tale of the dangers of living by the gun in a lawless and tumultuous time.
Legacy
Billy Claiborne is remembered as a minor figure in the tumultuous history of Tombstone and the American West. While he lacked the notoriety of more famous gunfighters, his life and death are emblematic of the chaotic and often violent nature of frontier life. His involvement with the Cowboys and his death at the hands of “Buckskin” Frank Leslie have ensured that he remains a part of the legend of Tombstone, even if his role was a relatively small one.