Tombstone, Arizona, known as “The Town Too Tough to Die,” is steeped in the lore of the Old West, filled with gunfights, outlaws, and legendary figures. Among its most notorious families are the Clantons, a clan that played a pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the late 1800s.

The Clanton Family Background
The Clanton family, originally from Alabama, moved to Arizona in search of opportunity during the 1870s. Led by patriarch Isham Clanton, the family sought fortune in mining and ranching. Isham was a tough man, and his family soon established themselves as significant players in Tombstone’s burgeoning economy.
The Clantons became known for their cattle ranching, but their reputation took a darker turn as they became embroiled in the criminal underworld. They were linked to rustling and other illegal activities, which drew the ire of lawmen and rival ranchers.
Key Figures
The Clanton family included several notable figures:
- Isham Clanton: The family patriarch, he was known for his rugged demeanor and his controversial dealings.
- Frank Clanton: One of Isham’s sons, Frank was heavily involved in the family’s cattle operations and later became implicated in various criminal activities.
- Billy Clanton: Perhaps the most famous of the Clantons, Billy was a key figure in the events leading up to the O.K. Corral shootout. His youth and fervor made him a prominent figure among the outlaw community.
- Phineas Clanton: Another son who, like his brothers, found himself tangled in the complexities of life in a lawless town.
The O.K. Corral: A Turning Point
The Clantons are perhaps best remembered for their involvement in the infamous O.K. Corral shootout on October 26, 1881. Tensions had been rising in Tombstone, with the Clantons at odds with the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—who were lawmen in the area.
The confrontation erupted over issues related to cattle rustling and the enforcement of law and order. During the shootout, Billy Clanton and Frank McLowery, allies of the Clantons, were killed alongside Billy, while the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday emerged relatively unscathed.
This clash marked a pivotal moment in Tombstone’s history and solidified the Clantons’ reputation as outlaws. The aftermath led to a series of vendettas and a long-standing feud that would haunt the town for years.

The Clantons After the Shootout
Following the shootout, the Clanton family faced increasing scrutiny and pressure from law enforcement. Isham Clanton was killed just a few months later in 1887, and with each passing year, the family’s influence waned. The town of Tombstone continued to evolve, and the era of lawlessness began to recede.
Despite their downfall, the Clantons have remained an integral part of Tombstone’s narrative, often romanticized in Western lore and cinema. Their story embodies the complexities of the Old West, where notions of law, order, and justice were often blurred.

Legacy
Today, the Clanton family is remembered as iconic figures in the history of Tombstone. Their story is one of ambition, conflict, and tragedy—a reminder of the harsh realities of life in the Old West. The tales of their exploits continue to fascinate visitors to Tombstone, where reenactments of the O.K. Corral shootout and historic tours bring the past to life.
The Clantons may have been a family on the fringes of the law, but their legacy remains firmly etched in the annals of American history, a testament to the rugged spirit of a time and place that continues to capture the imagination.