Ever heard the story of Luke Short and Jim Courtright?
This Sunday, Feb. 8, there’ll be a thrilling reenactment of the gunfight, presented by a Keller-based team that has produced shows for Six Flags over Texas and SeaWorld.
Background
Luke Short was a well-known gunman and gambler who helped run the White Elephant Saloon on the site of what is today the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Around the same time, Jim Courtright served as Fort Worth City Marshal and was trying to get Short to utilize his services for “protections” against the saloon.
After Short refused, Courtright became infuriated, challenging his opponent. On the night of Feb. 8, 1887, the two dueled in the streets of Hell’s Half Acre, resulting in, well — to put it nicely, Short winning. He was arrested, but never brought to trial.
Go back in time
In 1970, White Elephant reopened in the Stockyards, and the owners decided there would be an annual performance to pay homage to the famous quarrel. When Tim Love took over, he continued the tradition.
Now, the opportunity to time-travel back to 1887 awaits you this Sunday, Feb. 8, in front of White Elephant Saloon. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., two actors portraying Short and Courtright will reenact the famous shootout. The section of street in front of White Elephant will be blocked off. The event is free to watch.
Both Short and Courtright are buried at Fort Worth’s Oakwood Cemetery.
