Details for Site of Curfew by John J. Clinton
Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5441004766
Data
| Marker Number | 4766 |
| Atlas Number | 5441004766 |
| Marker Title | Site of Curfew by John J. Clinton |
| Index Entry | Clinton, John J., Site of Curfew by |
| Address | Chestnut St. |
| City | Abilene |
| County | Taylor |
| UTM Zone | 14 |
| UTM Easting | 430901 |
| UTM Northing | 3590059 |
| Subject Codes | local law enforcement officer; law enforcement; holidays and celebrations |
| Marker Year | 1967 |
| Recorded Texas Historic Landmark | No |
| Marker Location | SE corner Chestnut and S. 1st streets. Marker faces Chestnut Street. |
| Private Property | No |
| Marker Condition | In Situ |
| Marker Size | 18" x 28" |
| Marker Text | (1848-1922) Here each New Year's Eve at midnight for thirty-seven years John J. Clinton, Abilene chief of police, emptied his revolver. He began in 1885, decreeing that saloons close at midnight, and that trigger-happy cowboys and townsmen observe the curfew. After saloon era passed, his practice became a commemoration. Ireland-born Clinton was a Confederate soldier; later scout for U.S. Army, was wounded at "The Fight for the Water Hole." He was policeman at Dodge City, Kansas, then served Abilene until his death. Men respected him for his courage and integrity. (1967) |