Tombstone Arizona -"Town to Tough to Die"

Over the years we visit Tombstone Arizona many times, finding it changes little. These is clearly the residents intent. From Boot Hill, the OK Corral, and the Birdcage Theater they try to stay true to the old west history.
Boot Hill in Tombstone Arizona is a must see, and FREE. We love walking through the cemetery, and reading the grave markers. When looking at these markers of the folks buried here, most appears to have met a very violent end, and the old citizens weren't bashful about listing the cause of death.

The cemetery boast a very nice gift shop with unique gifts. Don't pass it up in your rush to move on. Naturally, everyone has heard of the famous OK Corral. We enter the Corral from a gift shop located on Allen Street. As it happens, Allen Street is also the main thoroughfare.
The actually site of the gunfight, occurred between 3rd and 4th Street, off Fremont Street. Be sure to visit around 2 p.m. on any day when they have a recreation of the Earp and Clanton, McLaury showdown at the OK Corral.

Throughout, Tombstone Arizona during peak season, actors recreate the town's past. They are dressed in period clothing, and if you're lucky you may see other gunfights put on for the tourist. You may want to have a "wanted poster" printed up for a friend or loved one. Our grandson did and has saved it for years. I had to even get one myself. Allen Street is filled with gift shops and restaurants, all reached by wood walkway. We especially enjoy the Big Nose Kate Restaurant, with it's authentic atmosphere.

On the east end of Tombstone Arizona, is the location of the "The Birdcage". Trust me, you will love this old theater, saloon and brothel. Tour the building the fee is modest and well worth it. After the "Birdcage" closed permanently the building was locked up, left unchanged, and finally reopened to the public. Nearly all the interior is original, even the approx. 140 bullet holes in the wall.
Behind the theater are small rooms, where ladies entertained gentlemen. It seems this activity was a large part of the establishments business. It's rumored, Wyatt Earp's future wife, worked for a period here. The whole place is a very unusual sight, and one such as I have never seen anywhere else.

Tombstone streets are fairly easy to maneuver through with a motor home, as long as, you stay off Allen Street. There are several areas on the back streets capable of handling and parking for motor homes (even pulling vehicles). There is two RV camping parks within walking distance of downtown, the "Stampede" and "Wells Fargo" both have all hookups with pull-thru's. We stayed here a couple of times, and enjoyed it very much. The parks is easily accessible with all the necessities.
Tombstone Arizona is located about 25 miles south of Interstate 10 at Benson, Exit 303, on Hwy. 80.

Tombstone became famous on October 26, 1881 thanks to the Earp brothers and the Clanton McLaury gang. At the time Virgil Earp was sheriff of Tombstone Arizona.

According to accounts of the time, things had been brewing for several days with threats and hostile actions. Virgil spots, Billy Clanton ride into town, accompanied by Billy Claiborne. The pair meets the McLaury Brothers and Ike Clanton on Allen Street. Virgil follows, to investigate. Words are exchanged, Ike Clanton raises his rifle. Virgil heels him, and drags Ike before the Justice of the Peace, who fines him $25.

Wyatt and Tom McLaury, both heard of the events, and literally bump into one another at the judge's door. Tom McLaury insults Wyatt and the former using his Buntline Special, leaving Tom sporting a headache. The Clanton's were ready for a fight and many town folks volunteer to help the Earp's. Wyatt thanks them, but states, it is his and his brothers responsibility as lawmen. John Behan, county sheriff, appears at this point stating "Ike Clanton and the gang were talking gun talk." Virgil, being Chief Marshall says he well go down to break them up, but asks Behan to go along. Behan laughs, "Hell, this is your fight, not mine."
Many believe Ike Clanton, the two McLaury's, Billy Clanton and Billy Claiborne were actually planning to bushwhack Doc Holiday in a small vacant lot off Fremont Street. It is well known Doc pasts this way ever morning about the same time. Somehow, Doc and the gang just missed one another. Instead, Doc meets the Earp's enroute on their famous walk to encounter the Clanton's. Doc convinces the Earp's it was his fight, too.

The actual combat was 90 yards down an alley from the OK Corral, off Fremont Street between Fly's Photo Gallery and Jersey's Livery stable. There the Earp's encounter the Clanton's. Virgil states "You are under arrest for disturbing the peace." It's said Virgil was only carrying a walking stick, having given his shotgun to Doc to carry.

The rustlers stiffen and Morgan and Doc simultaneously brace. "Hold on, I don't want this," Virgil cries.
What happens next is still in contention. After no more than 40 seconds even the participants couldn't be sure. No one could later account for who shot first, but Doc Holiday seemed to have made the first hit. Doc's bullet tore through Frank McLaury's stomach, sending McLaury's shot through Wyatt's coattail. Billy Clanton shot at Virgil, but the bullet goes wild when Morgan's bullet enters his rib cage. Billy Claiborne runs at the first shot and is already out of sight. Ike Clanton, panics and throws down his gun. Wyatt yells, "Fight of get out," and Ike turns tail reaching the door of the photographer shop. He stops with the Earp's back to him, Ike withdrew a hidden gun to get off a shot at Wyatt before disappearing.
The noise detracts Morgan, enough time for Tom McLaury to get a round off and into Morgan's side. Doc counters instantly, blowing Tom away with both blasts from the barrels of his shotgun. Wounded and dying Billy Clanton fires wildly striking Virgil in the leg. He then falls after a blast from Wyatt's Buntline Special. Finally silence falls.

We enjoy Tombstone Arizona and can't wait until we park our rig there again, see you all in Tombstone Arizona.

Here is the website for Tombstone Arizona this is the city of Tombstone's site, and they have some good information.

© 2007 Road-Trip-USA. All Rights Reserved.

[Home] [Native American] [Old West Towns] [Silverton Ghost Towns] [Tombstone Arizona] [Leadville Colorado] [Old West Outlaws] [National and State Parks] [Vacation Getaways] [Back Roads] [About Us] [Camera-Video]