Also called “The Town Too Tough to Die,” Tombstone (pictured above; photo by Kent Kanouse) is best known for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral between legendary lawman Wyatt Earp and the Clanton brothers. Today, it’s one of southern Arizona’s most popular tourist destinations. Here’s a quick look at what awaits you in Tombstone.
O.K. Corral
Home to the most famous gunfight in Old West history, the O.K Corral is located right in the heart of Tombstone. The corral is still set up exactly how it was back in the 1800s, and the town puts on outstanding reenactments of the gunfight daily for visitors. Come watch actor portrayals of Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp shooting it out with the Clantons and McLaurys.
Tombstone Courthouse
When you step into the Tombstone Courthouse, you can practically feel the history, from the anger of the outlaws who stood trial for their crimes to the satisfaction of the famous lawmen who brought them to justice. The courthouse holds many town artifacts within its walls and leads visitors through the town’s history and events.
Allen Street
Allen Street was the center of activity in Tombstone during its heyday. This is where people gathered after long days in the mines and where outlaws rode into town when they were on the run. The storefronts are still mostly original and each saloon and shop has its own history that’s worth exploring.
Boothill Cemetery
Boot Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of the majority of famous outlaws that were killed in gunfights. Members of the Cowboys gang killed in the O.K. Corral gunfight are buried there, right next to some of Tombstone’s most outstanding citizens. Many of the grave markers contain colorful epitaphs, like this one: “Here lies George Johnson hanged by mistake 1882. He was right we was wrong. But we strung him up and now he’s gone.”
The Bird Cage Theatre
In 1882, the New York Times called the Bird Cage Theatre “...the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast.” In fact, more than 140 bullet holes remain in the building from historic gunfights. The former brothel and gaming house is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of several ladies of the evening and their clients. If you’re not afraid, reserve a spot on the theatre’s nightly ghost tour (6:15 p.m. tour is for guests 12 and over, though minors must be accompanied by a parent; 8 p.m. tour is for adults only).
Goodenough Silver Mine Tour
The Goodenough Mine was claimed in 1878 and started production in 1879. In the town's heyday, the mine was Tombstone's major silver producer. This 45-minute tour takes you into the mine where you'll learn how the miners worked, see what silver ore looks like and experience what it's like to spend time underground in a historic hard-rock mine.
Rose Tree Inn Museum
The museum, which opened to the public in 1964, is home to the world’s largest rose tree, a Lady Banksia that is more than 130 years old and covers 9,000 square feet. The original root cuttings of the tree were shipped from Tombstone resident Mary Gee’s family in Scotland to Arizona in 1885. Mary Gee and her friend Amelia Adamson planted the tree near the back patio of the Vizinia Mine boarding house, which Amelia ran. The tree flourished and continues to bloom for six weeks every spring in March and April.
