General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]OldRedneck
(1,397 posts)The Clanton family and their associates . . . some would say "their gang" . . . was engaged in a lot of entrepreneurial activities, including going into Mexico, rustling cattle, then selling the cattle on the US side of the border. They also were implicated in stagecoach robberies and other money-making ventures. They presented themselves as just good ol' boys trying to make a living.
The Earp's decided to bring law and order to the area, including clamping down on the Clanton "businesses." The Tombstone town marshal was on the take from the Clanton's and he and the Earp's butted heads. Tensions grew and grew, eventually leading to the OK Corral gun fight. . . which did not happen in the OK Corral!!!
It's quite complicated but it's a great story about the reality of the "wild west" where sometimes the peace officers were not much more than thugs with a badge.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunfight_at_the_O.K._Corral