Western Magazine Digest: The Story of "Tombstone Territory"

Sunday, June 28, 2020

The Story of "Tombstone Territory"

Airing from 1957 to 1959, ‘Tombstone Territory’ told the wild western adventures of Sheriff Clay Hollister (played by Pat Conway) in “the town too tough to die” as he dealt out his own brand of law and order to the Arizona Territory in the 1880’s.

Familiar to western history buffs, the town of Tombstone is forever inextricably linked to famed lawman Wyatt Earp, whom the character of Hollister is essentially based upon. The unique angle of the series focuses on Hollister’s working relationship with Tombstone’s newspaper editor, Harris Claiborne (played by Richard Eastham). Claiborne plays a more substantial role in the sheriff’s duties than even Hollister’s deputies.

Leaning towards more historical portrayals in its stories, the episodes feature true to life western characters that give a degree of authenticity despite budgetary limitations and some necessary artistic liberties. The creators, in fact, regularly consulted the staff of the Tombstone Epitaph, the actual publication that the character of Claiborne publishes in town.

To establish this wrap-around theme, Eastham provides ongoing narration throughout the stories, thereby providing an insider’s perspective while simulating the firsthand accounts that Claiborne published in his paper detailing Sheriff Hollister’s daring exploits.

Well worth your viewing, Tombstone Territory is available in DVD and can also be seen weekdays on ScreenPix Westerns channel and weekends on FETV.

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About the Author

Christopher Robinson has worked in various mediums creating films, screenplays and music in addition to essays for books, magazines and websites.

He was also the host and producer of Princeton In Focus, a weekly live call-in talk show on cable access TV. For more on Christopher Robinson, click here!