Tombstone Arizona
- Sheryl Linn
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27
January 2025 Roger and I recently returned from a short road trip to Tombstone, Arizona. We experienced this unique town's history in this part of southern Arizona. Although we've been to Tombstone before, revisiting and learning more about its history was enjoyable and entertaining.
Tombstone is located in Cochise County and holds a special place in the archives of American history. It was founded in 1879 by prospector Ed Schieffelin. Tombstone was initially part of Pima County in the Arizona Territory before it achieved statehood.
In its early years, towns like Tombstone attracted prospectors driven by the pursuit of wealth while rustlers and thieves lurked in the shadows, ready to strike. The city was brimming with saloons, gambling halls, brothels, and jails, all overseen by lawmen who faced challenges at every turn.
I appreciate seeing Arizona's beauty and wonders first-hand. Join me as I share some of the sites Roger and I enjoyed in Tombstone. Unfortunately, the sun wasn't always cooperative while taking photos, but I took a chance anyway.
Exploring Allen Street
Allen Street, the heart of Tombstone, takes you straight to the 1880s as you walk along the pedestrian-only street of retail shops, businesses, restaurants, famous saloons, and landmarks functioning amidst historic buildings.
Allen Street is also the scene of occasional historical re-enactments, where performers put on staged gunfights, and barroom brawls break out.
The Crystal Palace Saloon, originally known as the Golden Eagle Brewing Company, was one of Tombstone's first saloons.
Today, the saloon is home to one of the restaurants in Tombstone. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the restaurant had various menu items. We enjoyed a nice dinner and excellent service.
Big Nose Kate's Saloon was a part of the legendary Grand Hotel, one of the finest and most luxurious in the West. Today, it is one of the best Old Western bars in the United States.
The County Courthouse
The Tombstone Courthouse, now a State Historic Park, was built in 1882 but abandoned in 1929 when the county seat moved to Bisbee.
The old county courthouse is a 12,000-square-foot museum filled with the territory's memorabilia. It was home to a jail, the sheriff, the recorder, the treasurer, and the board of supervisors.
Check out the many exhibits, including a replica sheriff's office, courtroom, jail, mining exhibit, a saloon and gambling room, and a replica of the gallows in the outdoor courtyard, a grim reminder of the town's darker days.
The Birdcage Theater
The Bird Cage Theater was constructed in 1881 and was the center stage of action throughout the 1880s as it functioned as a saloon, bar, theatre, and brothel.
The theater's name comes from the 14 Bird Cages suspended from the ceiling, adorned with red velvet drapes, a hand-painted stage, and an original curtain.
The Bird Cage Theatre never closed during its eight years, operating for 24 hours.
Unlike many buildings destroyed by fire in Tombstone, the Bird Cage is one of the best-preserved landmarks. It contains authentic artifacts, which you can see on a paid tour. However, the entrance is filled with memorabilia and information. Visitors are free to visit.
City Hall
This museum is complimentary and relatively small, but worth a visit. It's Arizona's oldest continually published newspaper.
There were various vintage printing presses, newspaper displays, and notable historical information on Tombstone. One of the interesting things we learned was that since individual type pieces had to be arranged backward to print, the print operator had to learn to read upside-down and backward.
The O.K. Corral
A trip to Tombstone would be incomplete without immersing yourself in the legendary atmosphere of the O.K. Corral.
Despite its association with the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the historic Gunfight did not occur within or next to the corral on Allen Street but in a narrow lot on Fremont Street, six doors west of the rear entrance to the corral.
