The Tombstone Epitaph is a historic newspaper in the American West, closely tied to the lore of the Wild West and the famous town of Tombstone, Arizona. It was founded on May 1, 1880, by John Clum, a former Indian agent and the first mayor of Tombstone. The newspaper played a significant role in documenting the events of one of the most storied periods in American history.
Founding and Early History
John Clum founded the Tombstone Epitaph during a time when Tombstone was booming due to the discovery of silver in the nearby mountains. The town quickly grew into one of the largest and most notorious in the West, attracting miners, gamblers, outlaws, and lawmen alike. Clum, a staunch Republican and supporter of law and order, used the paper to promote his views and to support the efforts of the Earps, who were the town’s law enforcement at the time.
The newspaper’s name, “Epitaph,” was reportedly chosen by Clum as a nod to the violent and often deadly nature of life in Tombstone. He believed that the paper would serve as the “epitaph” for many of the stories and lives that would pass through the town. The Epitaph became known for its bold headlines, sensational stories, and fierce editorials.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
One of the most famous events covered by the Tombstone Epitaph was the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. The shootout between the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—and Doc Holliday on one side, and the Clanton and McLaury brothers on the other, was a pivotal moment in Tombstone’s history. The newspaper provided a detailed account of the event, and its coverage helped shape the public’s perception of the Earps as lawmen battling against lawlessness.
Decline and Revival
As Tombstone’s silver mines began to decline in the late 1880s, the town’s population dwindled, and the Tombstone Epitaph faced financial difficulties. The paper struggled to survive but managed to continue publishing, albeit with less frequency. Over the years, the Epitaph shifted from being a daily to a weekly, and eventually to a monthly publication.
In the 20th century, the Tombstone Epitaph experienced a revival as interest in the Old West and its colorful history grew. The newspaper became a cherished piece of Americana, and its archives were preserved as valuable historical records. In the 1960s, the paper was revived as a historical publication, focusing on the history of Tombstone and the American West. It continues to be published today, both as a historical monthly and as a tourist newspaper, providing visitors with stories and insights into the town’s storied past.
Legacy
The Tombstone Epitaph remains one of the most iconic newspapers of the American West. Its coverage of the events in Tombstone, particularly during the 1880s, has made it a key source for historians and enthusiasts of the Wild West. The newspaper not only documented the events of a bygone era but also helped shape the legends that continue to captivate people today.
Tombstone Epitaph Headlines
 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… |
 The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882 reports of the murder of Tombstone Resident Morgan Earp while playing pool in Tombstone, Arizona. This event followed the… |
 The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral… |
