Virgil Earp and Allie settled in Colton and became involved in various enterprises during their stay. Their home, a Victorian style Cottage still stands at 528 West H Street in Colton, just off of Interstate 10 and 9th St. Virgil held many jobs in his life, stage driver, prospector, detective, but one job in Colton, came close to equaling his legend from Tombstone. In 1883, the California Southern, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad wanted to connect San Diego to Waterman Junction, Santa Fe’s hub. The only problem was they needed to cross through Colton, California and over Southern Pacific tracks. San Bernardino residents had felt snubbed by the Southern Pacific and longed for the glory and wealth that came from being serviced by a railroad. As the upstart railroad construction approached from the east and north, Southern Pacific parked a locomotive and tender blocking their path. Standing atop the engine, six-gun at the ready stood Special Railroad Agent Virgil Earp. Armed with both Peacemaker and an imposing reputation Earp held the California Southern at bay, none willing to tangle with the legendary lawman. All sat idle, while the magnificent figure of Earp stood atop the tender car. The standoff continued until California’s Governor arrived with a San Bernardino posse in tow to force Southern Pacific to capitulate. Mobs of armed factions from both Colton, (pro Southern Pacific) and San Bernardino (pro California Southern) stared each other down. Governor Robert Waterman read the court order that awarded California Southern the right to cross Southern Pacific tracks and then ordered the Sheriff and Posse to open fire on Virgil if he made a move for his guns. The mob could smell a fight coming and a riot and bloodbath seemed likely, until Virgil Earp, ordered the locomotive moved. The Battle of the Crossing, as it became known, ended without bloodshed, without a shot being fired, due to Virgil. Today, the location still mixes traffic between the two mighty railroads, just next to Interstate 10 and what was once known as 6th St. Visitors can watch as both Santa Fe and Southern Pacific trains pass the exact spot Virgil Earp stood, located just a few blocks from his home.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 22:43:22 +0000