Author and historian Mark Lee Gardner is set to release his latest book, titled Brothers of the Gun, on November 7, 2023. This dual biography dives into the lives of two legendary figures of the American West: Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The narrative spans their journeys from Dodge City, Kansas, to Tombstone, Arizona, with a notable chapter featuring the town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, during a tumultuous period in their lives.
Gardner, recognized for his expertise in Western history, will host a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Santa Fe Place Mall on November 15. In his book, Gardner recounts pivotal moments in the lives of Earp and Holliday, both of whom became infamous for their roles in a deadly shootout at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881.
Born in 1848 in Illinois, Earp was a man of many trades, while Holliday, a dentist turned gambler, hailed from Georgia and was born in 1851. Gardner’s previous works include a detailed account of the 1st United States Cavalry, known as the Rough Riders, many of whom were from New Mexico. His approach to writing focuses on enriching narratives and offering fresh perspectives on historical figures.
Unraveling the History of Las Vegas, New Mexico
In 1878, Holliday and his companion, known as Big Nose Kate, arrived in Las Vegas after leaving Trinidad, Colorado, following a violent incident. Gardner notes that Las Vegas was a thriving town at the time, filled with excitement and gambling establishments, even before the arrival of the railroad. The allure of the Montezuma Hot Springs, located just an hour away, may have drawn Holliday, who suffered from tuberculosis, in search of health benefits.
The book details Holliday’s tumultuous period in Las Vegas, where he faced multiple arrests between March and August 1879. The arrival of the railroad in July was a significant event for the town, coinciding with Holliday’s co-ownership of a saloon and dance hall. One of the most significant events during this time occurred on July 19, when a former Army scout named Mike Gordon fired a shot in the saloon. Holliday responded, fatally wounding Gordon, an incident that Gardner emphasizes had no witnesses to corroborate the events.
Challenges in Historical Narration
Gardner’s exploration of Earp and Holliday’s lives required extensive research, including diving into historic newspapers and visiting archives. He faced challenges in verifying facts due to the often dubious claims surrounding the protagonists and the high value placed on records related to their stories. Auction houses and collectors frequently acquire documents that contain crucial historical information, complicating the task for historians.
Despite these challenges, Gardner believes he has successfully enriched the narrative, integrating the latest findings about Earp, Holliday, and the important women in their lives. He aims to illustrate how their stories are intertwined and deserving of a comprehensive retelling.
As Brothers of the Gun prepares for release, Gardner continues to highlight the complexities of these iconic figures in American history, offering readers a fresh view of their legacies.
