For your consideration is this May 10, 1881 Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper, from Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, framed. This edition features an article of news received via telegraph from Santa Fe, New Mexico of the outlaw Billy the Kid's escape from the Lincoln County Jail the day before. The Tombstone Epitaph, Arizona's oldest continuously published newspaper, was founded in 1880 by John Clum, who believed "no Tombstone is complete without its epitaph," and it documented the events of the Wild West, including the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The Tombstone Epitaph is considered a leading voice in documenting the rich history of the American West. The newspaper continues to be published today, with a focus on Western history. This edition features an article of news received via telegraph from Santa Fe, New Mexico of the outlaw Billy the Kid's escape from the Lincoln County Jail the day before. Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney or Henry McCarty, was one of the most notorious gunfighters of the American West and outlaw associated with nine murders. Billy was involved in the infamous Lincoln County War, an Old West conflict between rival factions which began in 1878 in Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory and continued until 1881. Other notable participants included Sheriff William J. Brady, cattle rancher John Chisum, lawyer and businessmen Alexander McSween, James Dolan, and Lawrence Murphy. The newspaper article, "How 'The Kid Escaped'" details how Billy escaped after killing his guards, "arrows" point to the article. Other news items include notice of the ordinance against the carrying of deadly weapons (Ordinance No. 9), another ordinance "confining the limits and regulating houses of ill fame" (Ordinance No. 10), and another ordinance abolishing opium smoking dens (Ordinance No. 12). At the bottom of the frame is labeled, "THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH May 10, 1881 BILLY THE KID ESCAPES!". The newspaper is in amazingly preserved condition. Normal age tanning and wear exhibited, wood frame is in good overall condition with very slight scuffing to edges. Visible image measures 23.5"W x 35.5"L, frame is 27.5"W x 39.5"L x 1.25"D from hangers. Weight is 11lb, 2oz.