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)
ATLAS_NUM=5441004766

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