Making History Come Alive Newsletter offers The term "cowboy gang" refers to various groups of outlaws in the American Old West,

One of the most famous and historically significant was the Cochise County Cowboys, active primarily in the southeastern part of the Arizona Territory during the late 19th century. This group is often specifically associated with the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the subsequent events in Tombstone, Arizona. Here is an in-depth look at their history:

Origins and Activities
- Formation and Background: The Cochise County Cowboys were not a formalized gang with a centralized leadership structure. Instead, they were a loosely affiliated group of ranchers, rustlers (cattle thieves), and outlaws. This lack of structure often meant that various members would engage in criminal activities independently or in small groups.
- Economic Context: The cowboy gang's activities were often driven by economic hardships and opportunities. The open range and relatively sparse law enforcement in the Arizona Territory provided ample opportunities for cattle rustling and other criminal enterprises.
- Criminal Activities: Members of the Cochise County Cowboys were involved in a variety of criminal activities, including cattle rustling, stagecoach robbery, and horse theft. They became notorious for their willingness to use violence and their frequent clashes with law enforcement and local citizens.

Key Figures
- Ike Clanton: One of the most infamous members, Ike Clanton, was heavily involved in cattle rustling and had a longstanding feud with the Earp brothers, who were lawmen in Tombstone.
- Billy Clanton: Ike's brother, who was also involved in the gang's activities and was killed during the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
- Tom and Frank McLaury: Brothers who were significant figures in the gang and were also killed in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
- Curly Bill Brocius: Another prominent member known for his leadership and involvement in various criminal activities.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
- Context: The tension between the Cochise County Cowboys and the Earp brothers, along with their ally Doc Holliday, culminated in the notorious Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881.
- The Gunfight: The confrontation lasted approximately 30 seconds and resulted in the deaths of Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers. The event has been heavily romanticized.