Step inside the birthplace of Wyatt Earp and discover the rich history of the home, the Earp family, and the roots they planted right here in Monmouth, Illinois. This isn’t just a home—it’s where the story of an American legend begins.
Tucked away in a quiet Monmouth neighborhood stands the Pike-Sheldon House—an unassuming two-story home with a story that helped shape the American West. Located at 406 South 3rd Street, this historic Greek Revival residence is best known as the birthplace of Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp, born here on March 19, 1848.
At the time of his birth, the house was being rented by Wyatt’s aunt, Elizabeth Earp, while his father, Nicholas Earp, served in the Monmouth Cavalry during the Mexican-American War. The home, originally built around 1841, features an Upright and Wing design—an architectural style common to early Midwestern settlements. Notable elements include sash windows, cornice returns, and a banded frieze that subtly reflect the Greek Revival style. A one-story wing was later added around 1868, expanding the home’s original layout.
Today, the Pike-Sheldon House is recognized as one of the oldest surviving structures in Monmouth, and one of just two remaining Upright and Wing homes in the city. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1999.
Now lovingly preserved and available to guests through Airbnb, the Pike-Sheldon House offers a rare opportunity—not just to learn about history, but to live in it. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of the Old West, or simply looking for a unique and meaningful place to stay, this home invites you to step back in time and walk where legends once did.
Walter Earp is born in Montgomery County, Maryland. He will become a Methodist preacher, teacher, and community leader.
Walter marries Martha Early. Together they raise nine children while living in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Walter and Martha Earp settle in Monmouth, Illinois with several of their adult children. Walter becomes a Justice of the Peace and respected figure in the township.
Nicholas Earp serves in the Mexican-American War as a sergeant in the Monmouth Cavalry Company under Captain Wyatt Berry Stapp—the namesake of his newborn son.
The Earp family relocates to Pella, Iowa, seeking new opportunities after Nicholas returns from the war.
Walter Earp dies on January 30 in Monmouth and is buried in Pioneer Cemetery near Monmouth College. His influence helped shape the early community.
Martha Early Earp dies at age 91, leaving behind a legacy of over 200 descendants, including Wyatt Earp.
A one-story wing is added to the Pike-Sheldon House, expanding the original structure.
Gravestones for Walter and Martha Earp are believed stolen, leaving their exact burial spots in Pioneer Cemetery unmarked.
The Pike-Sheldon House is officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.
Walter Earp is born in Montgomery County, Maryland. He will become a Methodist preacher, teacher, and community leader.
Walter marries Martha Early. Together they raise nine children while living in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Walter and Martha Earp settle in Monmouth, Illinois with several of their adult children. Walter becomes a Justice of the Peace and respected figure in the township.
Nicholas Earp serves in the Mexican-American War as a sergeant in the Monmouth Cavalry Company under Captain Wyatt Berry Stapp—the namesake of his newborn son.
The Earp family relocates to Pella, Iowa, seeking new opportunities after Nicholas returns from the war.
Walter Earp dies on January 30 in Monmouth and is buried in Pioneer Cemetery near Monmouth College. His influence helped shape the early community.
Martha Early Earp dies at age 91, leaving behind a legacy of over 200 descendants, including Wyatt Earp.
A one-story wing is added to the Pike-Sheldon House, expanding the original structure.
Gravestones for Walter and Martha Earp are believed stolen, leaving their exact burial spots in Pioneer Cemetery unmarked.
The Pike-Sheldon House is officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.
From Monmouth to the Wild West
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was born on March 19, 1848, in Monmouth, Illinois, in what is now known as the Pike-Sheldon House at 406 South 3rd Street. He was the third son of Nicholas and Virginia Earp. At the time, the home was being rented by Wyatt’s aunt, Elizabeth Earp, while his father served in the Monmouth Cavalry Company during the Mexican-American War under Captain Wyatt Berry Stapp, for whom Wyatt was named.
In 1850, the Earp family moved to Pella, Iowa, where Wyatt spent the rest of his childhood. As a young man, he followed the western frontier and held many jobs—freight hauler, buffalo hunter, stagecoach driver, and most notably, lawman. He gained recognition for his work in frontier towns like Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas, earning both admiration and controversy for his methods of keeping order.
His most famous chapter began in Tombstone, Arizona, where he arrived in 1879 with his brothers Virgil and Morgan. Rising tensions with a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys led to the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881—a 30-second shootout that became one of the most storied events of the American West.
After the assassination attempt on Virgil and the murder of Morgan, Wyatt led the Earp Vendetta Ride, personally hunting down those he held responsible. This campaign added to his complex legacy—seen by some as frontier justice and by others as vigilante revenge.
In his later years, Wyatt moved between Western boomtowns, working as a prospector, saloon keeper, and even a boxing referee. He eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he advised early Hollywood filmmakers and quietly watched his legend take shape. He died on January 13, 1929, at the age of 80.
Wyatt Earp’s life has inspired countless biographies, novels, and films, often blending fact with folklore—cementing his place as one of the most iconic figures of the American West.
Wyatt Earp’s Home in Pella, Iowa
Today, the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp still stands in its original location in Pella, Iowa, and is open for self-guided tours as part of the Pella Historical Village Museum. It’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive (152 miles) from Monmouth and offers further insight into the life of the young Earp family.
Each September, Pella Historical Museums honors the life and times of Wyatt and his family with a fall celebration. Wyatt Earp Day is fun for the whole family where you can enjoy artisans sharing their crafts, tasty treats, old-fashioned music, and more!
You can learn more at the Pella Historical Society website.
While we do not offer regularly scheduled tours, we invite you to experience the Wyatt Earp Birthplace during one of our open house events held throughout the year. These special events provide a unique opportunity to step inside the historic home and immerse yourself in the early life and legacy of Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp.
📅 For upcoming open house dates, we encourage you to visit our
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