CITY OF TOMBSTONE - Tombstone, Arizona

CITY OF TOMBSTONE - Tombstone, Arizona

“The town too tough to die.” Tombstone, Arizona has a fascinating and violent past and is truly a historical American landmark. Founded in 1879 in what was then the Arizona Territory, today Tombstone is a city in Cochise County and a very popular attraction for those who are intrigued with the Old West. Consequently, tourism is the main industry in the town with over 400,000 visitors per year.

How to get here: From Interstate 10, take Exit 303 in Benson, then follow it through Benson to Highway 80. Stay on Highway 80 for about 24 miles and there you are!

How the town got its name: Prospector Ed Schieffelin was working in the hills near the San Pedro River which was located in the southeast section of the Arizona Territory during the summer of 1877. He had told a soldier that he was going out to collect rocks and was told that the only rock he would find was likely to be his “tombstone”. The reason for this response was because Schieffelin was prospecting in hills where there were warring Apaches but no water. Consequently, when he struck a vein of unusually rich silver ore, he named his mining claim “Tombstone”.
The discovery of this mine resulted in Tombstone becoming a boomtown with settlers pouring in from all over the rest of the country. It was founded in 1879 and was a city of 1,000 by 1881. Just one year later, Tombstone had a population of over 5,000 residents.

A period of time marked by lawlessness and violence followed which almost resulted in then-President Chester A. Arthur declaring martial law in Tombstone and sending in troops from the military to restore order. The climax of this chaotic period was the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral which occurred on October 26, 1881 with the protagonists being Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday against Ike and Billy Clanton, Frank and Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne and Wes Fuller.

This historic battle which has taken on almost romantic proportions by those individuals intrigued by the Old West resulted in the deaths of both McLaury brothers and Billy Clanton. Billy Claiborne, Wes Fuller and Ike Clanton (father of Billy) ran away and were unharmed while Doc Holliday and Virgil and Morgan Earp were wounded.

Tombstone is home to what is considered to be the most famous Boot Hill graveyard in the Old West. In this cemetery are buried the participants in the O.K. Corral battle as well as a number of victims of violence and disease in the early years of the town. Those who were either lynched or legally hanged are also buried in this historical spot. Admission to the cemetery is $2 per person – children under 6 admitted free. Hours 9am to 5 pm.

Things to see and do in Tombstone:

* Visit the Old West’s most famous newspaper – “The Tombstone Epitaph”. This is a free 1880’s newspaper museum where you can view vintage newspapers and printing equipment. You can also obtain a free copy of the original report of the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Free admission to the museum from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
* Daily re-enactment held at the OK Corral at 2 pm.
* Many shops are available to purchase authentic Western memorabilia.
* A number of events are held in town each year including Ed Schieffelin Days, March 10 and 11, honoring the founder of the town and Wyatt Earp Days on May 26, 27 and 28 – honoring one of the most famous lawmen in the Old West – among many others.

For those Western buffs who wish to spend a few days soaking up atmosphere, there are a number of motels, bed and breakfasts and RV lots for your pleasure.

Want to stay in historic Tombsone?  There are several hotel options available to you in the city, visit HotelsCombined.com to find great rates near this historic Arizona town.