Tombstone's City Council Approves Ordinance No.9 Effective April 19, 1881

The City Council of Tombstone passed Ordinance No. 9, which became effective on April 19, 1881, six months before the Shootout at the O.K. Corral.

This ordinance played an important role in the trial of the Earp's and Doc Holliday following the gunfight. It served as a key element of the defense strategy to explain why the Earp's and Holliday confronted the cowboys in the vacant lot behind the O.K. Corral.

The prosecutor hired by Phineas "Phin" Clanton, the brother of Billy and Ike Clanton, intended to invoke Section 2, contending that Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, Billy Clanton, Ike Clanton, and Billy Claiborne were trying to leave after settling some business in town and were adhering to the ordinance when they were confronted.

Ordinance No. 9

Section 1. It is hereby declared unlawful to carry in the hand or upon the person of otherwise any deadly weapon within the limits of said city of Tombstone, without first obtaining a permit in writing.

Section 2. The prohibition does not extend to persons immediately leaving or entering the city, who, with good faith, and within a reasonable time are proceeding to deposit, or take from the place of deposit such deadly weapon.

Section 3. All fire-arms of every description, and bowie knives and dirks, are included within the prohibition of this ordinance.

Watercolor depiction of the iconic "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," capturing the intense confrontation on October 26, 1881, with figures engaged in a dramatic shootout under a grey sky.