5 Historical Photos That Don't Depict The Famous People They Claim

By All That's Interesting | Edited By John Kuroski

Published November 20, 2017

Updated August 14, 2024

Doc Holliday

Wikimedia Commons

This photo can be found all over the internet and beyond identified as famed Western gunman Doc Holliday. And while this person does bear a striking resemblance to Holliday, the photo actually depicts John Escapule of Tombstone, Arizona, where Holliday and famed lawman Wyatt Earp clashed with outlaws during the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

It’s not exactly clear (beyond the simple Tombstone connection and the physical resemblance) how this specific photo came to be misidentified, but that misidentification was bolstered by groups like the Arizona Historical Society and Hollywood filmmakers, who used the image to create onscreen likenesses of Holliday.

author

Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.

editor

John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.

5 Historical Photos That Don’t Actually Depict The Famous People They Claim

Doc Holliday