TOMBSTONE, Arizona — Once a booming silver-mining settlement where outlaws, lawmen, and fortune-seekers collided, Tombstone remains one of Arizona’s most iconic windows into the Old West. Founded in 1877 by prospector Ed Schieffelin — who was warned he’d “find only his tombstone” in the barren
hills — the town quickly grew into a raucous frontier hub filled with saloons, brothels, and gunfights that would become the stuff of legend.
Today, more than a century later, Tombstone draws visitors from around the world eager to step into the dusty streets where history was made. From theatrical shootouts to ghost tours and historic museums, the town offers a surprisingly rich mix of entertainment and education.
A Walk Through History
One of the most popular stops is the O.K. Corral, where actors reenact the infamous 1881 gunfight between the Earp brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton-McLaury gang. Visitors can tour the preserved grounds and view a narrated presentation at the Tombstone Historama, originally voiced by actor Vincent Price.
Nearby, the Tombstone Epitaph Museum showcases original newspaper reports from the era, including coverage of the O.K. Corral shootout printed on the publication’s historic press.
At the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, guests can explore the former county seat, complete with restored offices, courtroom exhibits, and a replica gallows that once served frontier justice.
Legends, Lore, and the Paranormal
Tombstone’s darker past is never far from view. The notorious Bird Cage Theatre, once a saloon, brothel, and gambling hall, still bears bullet holes from its rowdy heyday. Daytime tours highlight its preserved interiors, while nighttime ghost tours invite visitors to explore claims of lingering spirits.
Other after-dark experiences include the Bullets and Bordellos Ghost Tour and the Ghosts and Gunslingers Tour, which guide guests through alleys, opium dens, and former gallows sites with EM meters in hand.
Old West Attractions and Local Flavor
Families can enjoy live comedy gunfights and trolley rides at Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, while history buffs may gravitate toward the Gunfighter Hall of Fame, home to antique firearms, photos, and memorabilia from both real and Hollywood cowboys.
The town also offers quieter stops, such as the Rose Tree Museum, home to what
is believed to be the world’s largest rose bush — planted in 1885 and now sprawling across 5,000 square feet.
Wine enthusiasts can sample local vintages at Silver Strike Winery, and hungry travelers can grab a hearty meal at The Longhorn Restaurant, Tombstone’s oldest continuously operating eatery.
Beyond the Town Limits
Just east of Tombstone lies Gleeson Jail, a restored 1910 lockup that once held bootleggers, thieves, and murderers during the region’s roughest years. And for those curious about the mining roots that built the town, Good Enough Mine Tours offers guided trips deep underground into the original silver tunnels.
A Living Monument to the Frontier
Though Tombstone once teetered on the edge of ghost-town status, its preserved buildings, reenactments, and museums continue to keep its Wild West spirit alive. For travelers seeking a vivid look at frontier life — from gunfights to ghost stories — Tombstone remains one of Arizona’s most compelling historic destinations.
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