In the annals of the American Old West, few episodes capture the raw, sudden violence of the era quite like the "Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight." This infamous confrontation, which unfolded with bewildering speed, etched itself into the history of El Paso, Texas, on a fateful Friday, April 14, 1881. It was a day that saw tensions boil over on El Paso Street, culminating in a deadly exchange of gunfire that cemented the legend of one of the West's most formidable lawmen, Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire.

The Powder Keg: El Paso in 1881

El Paso at the turn of the 1880s was a bustling, yet often lawless, border town. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico made it a hub for cattle drives, railroads, and, inevitably, a haven for outlaws and drifters. Law enforcement was a challenging endeavor, with disputes often settling not in courtrooms but on dusty streets, decided by the fastest draw and the steadiest aim. It was into this volatile environment that Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire, a man of imposing stature and a reputation for fearless efficiency, had arrived just a few weeks prior. His presence alone was often enough to deter minor disturbances, but the underlying currents of conflict were deep-seated.

The Events Leading to the Flashpoint

The immediate catalyst for the gunfight was a series of escalating events. Days earlier, a drunken former City Marshal named George Campbell had murdered a rancher named John McBride. Campbell was subsequently arrested by County Constable Gus Krempkau, who also served as an interpreter due to his fluency in German and Spanish. While Campbell was in custody, his friend, a rancher named John Hale, shot and killed Krempkau in what many perceived as an act of retaliation and intimidation. This brazen murder of a law enforcement officer, compounded by the earlier killing, ignited the fuse of an already volatile situation. The community, and Marshal Stoudenmire in particular, felt a strong demand for justice.

The Five-Second Fury on El Paso Street

The afternoon of April 14, 1881, saw Marshal Stoudenmire and his brother-in-law, Deputy Billy Johnson (also known as "Doc" Johnson in some accounts), walking along El Paso Street, preparing for the inquest into Krempkau's death. They encountered Hale and Campbell, along with a saloon owner named Bill Johnson (no relation to Deputy Johnson). The atmosphere was thick with unspoken threats and simmering rage. What happened next unfolded with terrifying speed, becoming the stuff of legend.

As Marshal Stoudenmire and Deputy Johnson approached, Hale, seemingly unprovoked, drew a pistol and shot Gus Krempkau, who was standing nearby acting as an interpreter for the coroner’s jury. Krempkau, already wounded and staggering, managed to return fire at Hale before collapsing. At this point, Marshal Stoudenmire sprang into action. With incredible speed and precision, he drew his twin .44 caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers. He fired, hitting Hale directly in the chest, killing him instantly. As Hale fell, George Campbell, perhaps attempting to flee or join the fray, drew his own weapon. Stoudenmire, without missing a beat, turned and shot Campbell, who was reportedly struck three times and died shortly after.

The chaos was not yet over. During the exchange, another man, a bystander named Frank Chewing, was accidentally shot and killed. Accounts vary slightly on the source of the fatal bullet—some speculate it was a ricochet, others suggest Stoudenmire fired into the general direction of the fleeing figures, or that Chewing simply got in the way of a bullet intended for someone else. Regardless, the tally rapidly climbed. Witnesses generally agreed that the entire incident, from the first shot fired by Hale to the final collapse of Campbell, lasted no more than five seconds, a timeframe that lent the gunfight its enduring moniker. A few, however, would insist the deadly exchange stretched to at least ten seconds, a testament to the blur of action and the shock of the moment. Marshal Stoudenmire alone accounted for three of the four fatalities: Hale, Campbell, and the unfortunate Chewing, a stark demonstration of his prowess and deadly accuracy under extreme pressure.

Aftermath and Legacy

The "Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight" instantly catapulted Dallas Stoudenmire into the pantheon of Western legends. His decisive action brought a temporary, albeit violent, peace to the streets of El Paso. His reputation as a man not to be trifled with was firmly established, and his tenure as Marshal, though relatively short, was marked by an unwavering commitment to bringing order to the unruly town. The gunfight became a vivid illustration of the brutal realities of frontier justice and the precarious nature of life in the Old West. It served as a grim reminder that law and order often rested on the shoulders of individuals willing and able to enforce it with lethal efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the exact date and location of the gunfight?

The gunfight occurred on April 14, 1881, on El Paso Street, in El Paso, Texas.

Who were the main individuals involved in the gunfight?

The central figure was Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire. The other key participants were John Hale, George Campbell, and Gus Krempkau. An unfortunate bystander named Frank Chewing also lost his life.

What caused the gunfight to erupt?

The gunfight was the culmination of a series of escalating events, primarily the murder of John McBride by George Campbell, followed by John Hale's retaliation killing of County Constable Gus Krempkau. Marshal Stoudenmire intervened when Hale shot Krempkau.

How long did the "Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight" actually last?

Witnesses generally agreed that the actual gunfight, from the first shot, lasted no more than five seconds. However, some accounts suggested it might have stretched to ten seconds, highlighting the rapid and chaotic nature of the event.

Who accounted for the fatalities?

Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire was credited with three of the four fatalities, using his twin .44 caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers. He shot and killed John Hale, George Campbell, and accidentally, Frank Chewing. Gus Krempkau was shot and killed by John Hale before Stoudenmire intervened.

What was Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire's role in the gunfight?

Marshal Stoudenmire was the central law enforcement figure who decisively ended the conflict. He responded to John Hale's shooting of Gus Krempkau with lightning speed, neutralizing Hale and Campbell, and effectively bringing the deadly encounter to a swift conclusion.

Why is this gunfight considered famous in Old West history?

It is famous for its extreme brevity, the high number of fatalities in such a short time, and for solidifying the legendary reputation of Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire as a fearless and highly effective lawman in a challenging frontier town. It exemplifies the brutal and often immediate nature of justice in the Old West.