Historical Tombstone, Arizona

Known as “The Town Too Tough To Die”, Tombstone is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Tucson and although it is very much filled with life, the town of Tombstone is considered to be one of the most popular ghost towns in the United States. Tourism is its main economy and with all there is to see and do in Tombstone, the community of Tombstone should continue to thrive.

In 1877, a prospector by the name of Ed Schiefflin found silver. A friend had commented that the only thing he would find there was “his own tombstone.” Henceforth, the name of Tombstone. Soon after the silver mine’s output diminished, the town did, too. At one time there were approximately 10,000 people living in Tombstone, but within 10 years, was only kept alive for cattle ranching. Home to the infamous gunfight at O.K. Corral, by the mid-1900’s, tourists were swarming the area. Soon after, buildings were restored and the town became one of the most well known ghost towns in the United States.

When visiting Tombstone, you’ll want to stop in to see several historical places. One of the first you’ll want to see is the O.K. Corral. There is some conflict whether the famous gunfight between the Earp brothers, Doc Holiday, and the Clanton brothers took place here or another area on Fremont Street. However, you’ll get to see a reenactment of the fight.

You’ll also want to stop by the Tombstone Courthouse, built in 1882. Now a state historic park and museum, the building is filled with artifacts and memorabilia from the 1880’s and the town gallows can be viewed in the courtyard. You’ll even be able to purchase books on the history of the town from the gift shop and visit the Tombstone Epitaph, home to the oldest and continuously published paper in Arizona. You’ll even be able to see the printing history exhibits for free.

While in Tombstone, you’ll also want to make sure you stop by to see the famous Boot Hill Graveyard, where you can see the graves of some of Tombstone’s most notable outlaws. Another must see is the Bird Cage Theater. This was the dance hall and saloon of the times and while there are no performances available, you will be able to get a tour of the establishment. If you want entertainment, you will want to visit the Crystal Palace Saloon that has been restored. They provide food and drink during the week and there should be entertainment available on the weekends.

Alive with history, there are many places you’ll want to see during your stay in Tombstone. There is the Rose Tree Inn Museum, home to a rose tree over 100 years old and possibly the largest in the world and the Silver Nugget Museum, once a gambling establishment and brothel that has been immaculately restored.

The town of Tombstone is very much alive today with tourism. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels available and many other historical sites to see nearby.