Tombstone, Arizona by The Thomas Ranch.
Tombstone is a city located in Cochise County, Arizona, founded in 1879. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,504, a decline from its early years when its population was larger than San Francisco.
Tombstone was known as one of the deadliest towns in the West after silver was discovered in the area in 1877; four years later the town was the site of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Tombstone is home to the legendary Boot Hill Graveyard.
Visit Tombstone Arizona and you’ll step back into the rough and tough days of western history. In the 1880s, Tombstone was a booming mining town that brought a rush of those looking to strike it rich. Gold and silver was the lure that also became a magnet to thieves, card-sharks, murderers, rustlers and an abundance of unsavory bad guys. The streets came alive with hundreds of saloons, gambling halls and bawdy houses.
Surviving a day in Tombstone was a victory as its famous Boot Hill Cemetery overflowed with those shot during poker games, killed in drunken-induced gunfights and even hung for simply becoming a public nuisance. Undertaking was no doubt a lucrative profession.
Must See in Tombstone
Big Nose Kate's Saloon -- This large and colorful cowboy bar began life as the Grand Hotel in 1881. There's lots of stuff to see on the walls in the barroom, but perhaps the most unusual feature is the downstairs "Shaft." Working in the hotel by day, an employee dug in secret at night from his room to prospect in the mineshafts under Tombstone. It's on Allen Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Tombstone, Arizona.
Bird Cage Theatre - This 1881 dance hall, gambling house, saloon, brothel, and theater provided the finest and most expensive entertainment of the day. During its first eight years, the doors never closed. There are more than 140 bullet holes in the walls and ceiling and the theater was the scene for twenty-six deaths during its eight years of business. A self-guided tour winds through the theater, below the cribs, and past rare circus posters and gambling tables. A back room has the hearse that carried all but six people on their last ride to Boot Hill. Downstairs, you can imagine life at the bar, gambling tables, and bordello rooms. The theater closed in late 1889 and remained boarded up for 45 years; when it reopened as a museum, everything inside was still there. It's at Allen and 6th Streets, 520/457-3421 or 1-800-457-3423. Email: oldbirdcage@juno.com or soball@c2i2.com
Open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; admission charged.
Boothill Graveyard -- An absolute must see, the cemetery holds the graves of many of Tombstone's bad men, as well as most of the early settlers of the mining camp. As the graveyard's name suggests, many of those who ended up here died violent deaths. A self-guided tour booklet, available at the gift shop, tells more about many of the people here. Boothill lies just off AZ 80 on the north edge of town; enter free of charge through the Boot Hill Gift Shop. It's open daily 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; donations welcome.
Crystal Palace Saloon -- Built in 1879, this watering hole and gambling house offered an elegant setting for patrons in early Tombstone. The gambling den has been faithfully restored and still serves up drinks and hosts live music. The interior has been accurately restored. It's in the center of town at 5th and Allen Streets. PO Box 374, Tombstone, Arizona 85638, (520) 457-3611. Email: cpsaloon@aol.com
OK Corral and Historama -- Provides a 30-minute presentation which re-creates Tombstone's early years with films and animated figures on a revolving stage. Next door to the Historama is the corral where it is said the legendary gunfight between the Earps and Doc Holliday against the Clanton Gang. The fight actually took place on what is now a vacant lot near the corral on Fremont St. Markers and life-size figures show how it all happened—or at least one version of the story. Other sights to see include the studio (reconstructed) and photos of Camilius S. Fly, old stables, carriages, a hearse, and even a red-light district shack. Visitors can "walk where they fell" daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission charged. OK Corral, P.O. Box 367, Tombstone, Arizona 85638, (520) 457-3456, Email: okcorral@ok-corral.com
Rose Tree Museum & Bookstore -- This old 1880s home was originally offices and a boarding house. When a rose root sent from Scotland to comfort a homesick bride in the spring of 1885 it was planted and grew to cover an amazing 8,700 square feet. The rose tree, a Lady Banksia, is believed to be the world's largest and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Rooms exhibit many historic photos and a collection of antique furnishings belonging to a pioneer who arrived by wagon in 1880. A gift shop sells new and used books. The museum is at 4th and Toughnut Streets. It's open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission charged. 116 S. 4th Street, Tombstone, Arizona, (520) 457-3326.
Schieffelin Hall -- The Schieffelin Hall is an architectural wonder of the 1880's. Named after Tombstone founder Edward Schieffelin, this original Tombstone building is the largest Adobe building in the American Southwest, built in 1881. Major theatrical companies of the day performed in this 1881 adobe building. John Sullivan and a company of boxers gave exhibitions here. Now restored, the hall once again hosts theater companies. Events are posted at the Visitor Information Center. It's on the corner of Fremont and 4th Streets.
Schieffelin Monument -- The old prospector's last request was to be buried on top of the granite hills three miles west of town. He specified that "a monument such as prospectors build when locating a mining claim be built over my grave...under no circumstances do I want to be buried in a graveyard or cemetery." Head west 2.3 miles on Allen Street to see this lonesome spot.
Episcopal Church -- Completed in 1882, St. Paul's is the oldest standing Protestant church in Arizona. Inside you can admire the original stained glass, two ship's lamps, and the sturdy adobe walls. It's open daily at the corner of 3rd and Safford.
Stagecoach and Wagon Rides - Hop on a stage or wagon for a narrated tour of Tombstone's colorful past. The horse-drawn vehicles depart frequently from near Big Nose Kate's Saloon on Allen Street downtown. Rides last about 15 minutes.
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park - The Tombstone Courthouse, built in 1882 is now a state historic park and museum filled with artifacts and photographs of the 1880s. The town gallows is on display in the courtyard, and the gift shop is the best place in town to buy books on the history of the town and region. The courtroom, lawyer's office, and assay office look ready for business. Exhibits introduce the Indians, prospectors, sheriffs, ranchers, and the famous gunfight of the OK Corral. A gift shop offers books and videos about Tombstone's history. Researchers can make an appointment to delve into the extensive historic archives. The courthouse is at 3rd and Toughnut Streets 2 blocks off Highway 80. P.O. Pox 216, 219 Toughnut Street, Tombstone, Arizona 85638
(520) 457-3311. Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission charged.
Tombstone Epitaph -- John P. Clum started the Epitaph in 1880 and it's still in business. You can visit the office to see the original press and other printing exhibits and to pick up your own Epitaph. It's on 5th Street around the corner from the Crystal Palace Saloon. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission.
Tombstone
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