My Drive Across America: Visit to Tombstone, AZ

Tombstone, Arizona: A Slice of the Wild West

Nestled in the southeastern part of Arizona, Tombstone, AZ is a town that has become synonymous with the Wild West. Its history is a vivid tapestry of fortune, fame, and fierce confrontations that have left a lasting mark on American folklore.

Foundation and Early Days

Tombstone’s story began in 1877 when prospector Ed Schieffelin discovered silver in the area. At the time, the region was fraught with danger, and the local military camp was a stronghold against Apache attacks. Schieffelin, known for his stubborn determination, named his first claim “Tombstone” as a grim nod to the warnings he received about the region’s peril.

Word of Schieffelin’s discovery spread rapidly, and soon, prospectors and entrepreneurs flocked to the area. By 1879, the town of Tombstone was officially founded. Within two years, it had grown into a bustling boomtown with a population of over 7,000 people. Its wealth of silver mines attracted miners, businessmen, and adventurers, transforming it into one of the most vibrant settlements in the West.

Famous Stories and Legends

Tombstone is perhaps best known for the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, a defining moment in the town’s history. The gunfight occurred on October 26, 1881, and involved the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—along with Doc Holliday, facing off against the Clanton-McLaury gang. The shootout, which lasted a mere 30 seconds, resulted in three deaths and became a legendary event, epitomizing the lawlessness and rough justice of the Wild West.

Another notable figure associated with Tombstone is “Curly Bill” Brocius, a notorious outlaw and leader of the Cowboys, a gang that operated in the region. Brocius and his gang were involved in numerous criminal activities, including rustling cattle and robbing stagecoaches. Their clashes with lawmen like the Earps added to Tombstone’s reputation for violence and intrigue.

Tombstone was also home to the Bird Cage Theatre, a saloon, brothel, and entertainment venue that gained notoriety for its raucous atmosphere. The theater operated 24 hours a day and hosted performances, gambling, and other vices. It was said that over 140 bullet holes could be found in its walls, a testament to the town’s wild and often dangerous nightlife.

Reasons for Demise

Tombstone’s decline began in the mid-1880s when its rich silver mines started to dry up. The town’s economy, heavily reliant on mining, faced a severe downturn. Additionally, a series of devastating fires in 1881 and 1882 ravaged the town, destroying many of its buildings and infrastructure. Despite efforts to rebuild, the economic impact of the mine closures and the destruction caused by the fires proved too significant to overcome.

By the late 1880s, Tombstone’s population had dwindled, and it had lost much of its former prosperity. The completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the nearby town of Benson also diverted trade and transportation routes away from Tombstone, further contributing to its decline.

Legacy

Today, Tombstone stands as a living museum, preserving its rich history and Wild West heritage. Tourists from around the world visit the town to experience reenactments of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, stroll along Allen Street, and explore historic landmarks like the Bird Cage Theatre and Boothill Graveyard. Tombstone’s legacy endures, capturing the imagination of those who yearn for a glimpse into the rugged, untamed spirit of the American frontier.

Photos of Tombstone Today

Just a few images from an afternoon in Tombstone, AZ and the surrounding country. Check out Drive Across America: Yuma to Tombstone, AZ. for further details. Cheers!