The Wild West – a land of outlaws, cowboys, pioneers and of course: legends. While the Earp brothers are a whole bunch of legends, one brother often stands in the shadows – Morgan Earp. Often overshadowed by his more prominent siblings, Morgan Earp nonetheless played his role in the Earp saga and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This blog is going to put the life and legacy of Morgan Earp into the spotlight, a sharpshooter whose bravery and loyalty shall not be forgotten.
Born in Monmouth, Illinois in 1851, Morgan Earp initially led a quieter life compared to his adventurous brothers. He worked as a farmer alongside his father before heading west, too. In 1878, he joined his brothers Wyatt and Virgil in Dodge City, Kansas, where he gained experience as a lawman. Morgan Earp improved his shooting skills, soon becoming known for his remarkable accuracy.
In 1879, Morgan Earp followed his brothers once again, this time to the town of Tombstone, Arizona. He quickly adjusted. Morgan Earp aligned himself with his brothers, becoming a deputy marshal alongside Virgil. His loyalty and sharpshooting skills helped massively maintaining order in the lawless town.
The infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881 is a moment known to almost everyone interested in Wild West history. Morgan Earp, alongside his brothers Virgil and Wyatt, and their friend Doc Holliday, faced off against a group of cowboys known as "The Cowboys". Morgan Earp's sharp shooting played an important role in the shootout, his accuracy helping to tip the scales in favor of the outnumbered lawmen.
Morgan Earp's life was tragically cut short just a year after the O.K. Corral Gunfight. In 1882, while playing pool in a Tombstone saloon, he was ambushed and fatally shot from behind. His death made the Earp family go into grief deeply and further intensified the ongoing feud with the Cowboys.
Morgan Earp may not be as widely recognized as his brothers, but his contribution to all of this, nobody can deny. His loyalty, courage, and exceptional marksmanship were what Tombstone needed at the time. Morgan Earp stands for the fact that even the lesser-known figures played their roles in the Wild West's storylines.
Despite his shortened life, Morgan Earp's legacy lives on, and this blog shall be written in his memory.