Marker Inscription
(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)
About this site
Site of Curfew by John J. Clinton is a historical marker in Abilene, Taylor County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Taylor County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 129 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 32.4472, -99.7351 near Abilene. The nearest cataloged historic site is Thornton's Store, Site of (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Taylor, Edward, James, & George, Hughes, Ed S., Company Warehouse, and Taylor County Courthouse (1972).
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5441004766. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
