Wyatt Earp

Born: March 19, 1848 Monmouth, Illinois
Died: January 13, 1929 (age 80), Los Angeles, California

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was an American farmer, teamster, sometime buffalo hunter, officer of the law in various Western frontier towns, gambler, saloon-keeper, miner, and boxing referee.

He is best known for his participation in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, along with Doc Holliday, and two of his brothers, Virgil Earp and Morgan Earp. He is also noted for the Earp Vendetta. Wyatt Earp has become an iconic figure in American folk history. 

He is the major subject of various movies, TV shows, biographies and works of fiction.

What do you know about Wyatt Earp? Try this US Old West History Made Easy Quiz. "Check Your Answers" at the end of the page.

1. In 1865, what was Wyatt's first occupation?

• Cattle rustler
• Wagon driver
• Marshall

2. In the spring of 1868, the Earps settled in Lamar, Missouri, where Nicholas became the local constable. When Nicholas resigned to become justice of the peace on November 17, 1869, Wyatt was appointed constable in place of his father. On January 10, 1870, in Lamar, Missouri, Earp married his first wife, Urilla Sutherland.

• Fact or Myth?

3. Earp officially joined the marshal's office on April 21, 1875, after the election of Mike Meagher as city marshal. Where did he become a deputy?

• Wichita, Kansas
• Hope, Kansas
• River City, Kansas

4. In 1876, he worked with the Dodge City police. Who was on the police force?

• Rob Minor
• Bat Masterson
• Kim Hunter

5. Who saved Wyatt's life in Dodge City, Kansas in August 1878?

• Morgan Earp
• Lucas McCain
• Doc Holliday

6. Wyatt and his older brothers James (Jim) and Virgil moved to silver-mining boomtown Tombstone, in the Arizona Territory, in December 1879. Jim worked as a barkeep. Virgil was appointed deputy U.S. marshal, just prior to arriving in Tombstone. Wyatt rode shotgun for a stage company. Who did Wyatt work for?

• Wells Fargo
• Butterfield
• Smith-Buntline

7. When did the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral happen?

• July 4, 1878
• October 26, 1881
• December 1, 1882

8. The Earp Vendatta was revenge for a killing. Who was killed?

• Virgil Earp
• Marshall Cogburn
• Morgan Earp

9. Wyatt Earp died at home in the Earps' small apartment at 4004 W 17th Street, in Los Angeles, of chronic cystitis (some sources cite prostate cancer)

• Fact or Myth?

10. Where is Wyatt Earp buried?

• Cremated, buried Hills of Eternity Memorial Park Cemetery Colma, California
• Hermosa Cemetery, Colton, California
• Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Glendale, California