“the stuff of legends”
Tombstone is a historic western city in Cochise County AZ, United States, founded in 1879 by Ed Schieffelin in what was then Pima County, AZ. It was one of the last wide-open frontier boomtowns in the American Old West. The town prospered from about 1877 to 1890, during which the town's mines produced USD $40 to $85 million in silver bullion, the largest productive silver district in Arizona. Its population grew from 100 to around 14,000 in less than 7 years. It is most-well known as the site of the Gun fight at the O.K. Corral and draws most of its revenue from tourism.Within two years of its founding, although far distant from any other metropolitan city, Tombstone boasted a bowling alley, four churches, an ice house, a school, two banks, three newspapers, and an ice cream parlor, alongside 110 saloons, 14 gambling halls, and numerous dancing halls and brothels. All of these were situated among and on top of a large number of dirty, hardscrabble mines. The gentlemen and ladies of Tombstone attended operas presented by visiting acting troupes at the Schieffelin Hall opera house, while the miners and cowboys saw shows at the Bird Cage Theatre, "the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin St. and the Barbary Coast."Under the surface were tensions that grew into deadly conflict. The mining capitalists and townspeople were largely Republicans from the Northern States. Many of the ranchers in the area were Confederate sympathizers and Democrats. The booming city was only 30 miles (48 km) from the U.S./Mexico border and was an open market for beef stolen from ranches in Sonora, Mexico by a loosely organized band of outlaws known as The Cowboys. The Earp brothers—Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan and Warren Earp—arrived in December 1879 and the summer of 1880. They had ongoing conflicts with Ike and Billy Clanton, Frank and Tom McLaury, and other Cowboys. The Cowboys repeatedly threatened the Earps over many months until the conflict escalated into a confrontation that turned into a shootout, the now-famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
I'm a sucker for a historical town. It was off our destination path but very glad we detoured. We stayed at the landmark look out lodge. It was pet friendly and had a free breakfast. Very very nice people here. He did say to go ahead and call them for a reservation, they will beat the online prices. They prefer to give the discount to you than commission to the travel people... So that's something to think about. Overall tombstone is a good stop if you can swing it! I would like to go back and spend more time and see more.
if you are into history. this is the place for you. just a note shops close around 5pm. saloons aka restaurants are open great food. you have to see this cute place you wont be disappointed.
We stayed at Stamped RV resort for 2 nights and really enjoyed walking around Tombstone. From the museums, to the largest rose bush to the gun fights... It was a lot of fun. Check out our YouTube Channel Flatlander's Revolt E5 for our experience here and a few other places in the area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp1uiNM4zmY&t=1306s
I wish I had read roadtrippers reviews on this town before I planned the trip. We had only one night in Tombstone and it wasn't enough. Plan to stay two nights at least as like others mentioned, the only thing opened after 5 is bars. The only other issue we had, there wasn't enough people wearing period costumes. EVERYONE was friendly, but there wasn't much activity on the street. Shop owners dress in modern clothing.
Anyone who grew up on westerns needs to visit this place. We really enjoyed the reinactment of the gunfight at the OK Corral. Locals dress the old west part to add that extra touch.
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Tombstone, AZ
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