And then there's Tombstone...
Not sure why I haven't tackled this one before. It's kind of a no-brainer.
According to Google Maps the town of Tombstone, Arizona is all of 24 miles South of where we live in Benson. Tombstone has been the subject of many movies, most notably Kirk Russel's portrayal of Wyatt Earp which includes the re-enactment of 'the gunfight at the OK Corral'. The story portrayed in that flick was a recount of that famous gunfight which happened on 26 October 1881 at 3:00 PM. The story which underlies the movie is true though I can't begin to guess what liberties the producers took to improve the ratings.
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| Modern re-enactment of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral |
The city has recreated the famous OK Corral and re-enacts the events of that gunfight to entertain tourists. It happens every day during tourist season. And I'd suggest that season is in the late fall to early spring- cuz you really don't want to visit Tombstone during hot weather! But before you make the trip best do your own 'due diligence'!
The historic gunfight didn't take place at the OK Corral. It actually happened in the empty lot next door. The OK Corral building - it was an adobe structure - was destroyed in a fire during the 1880s. In the photo below you can see a tall adobe wall still standing but the rest of the structure is rubble.
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| The remains of the old OK Corral adobe building after the fire in the 1880s. |
But there's more to a visit to that famous town than the gunfight. A trip to Tombstone isn't complete without a visit to Boot Hill on the North side of town. All the notable grave markers are a hoot to read. Truth be known the Boothill graveyard was re-built by local Boy Scouts in the 1920s. It had fallen in disrepair and the town, pretty much abandoned post-mining boom, needed the income source.
And then there's The Birdcage Saloon. That was a place where you could buy a drink, be entertained, and get laid.
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| Main street of Tombstone on a chilly day |
And don't miss a meal at Big Nose Kate's! It's a great place for lunch with great 'back in the day' atmosphere! Waitress staff are decked out in period costumes. And just down the street is the Longhorn Cafe. It's less showy but great food.
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| Big Nose Kate's in Tombstone. And guys, if you stop here, be sure to visit the Men's Room down stairs. |
Many visitors ante up $$ and take a ride in the stage coach. It's pretty short- possibly less than a mile. But it's a hoot! I'm not positive but I suspect they have about 3 stage coaches carrying passengers at any one time.
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| A the stagecoach carrying visitors to Tombstone. This wasn't a warm day- check the coat on the driver! And yes it costs a few $$. |
Tombstone provides employment for area locals by having them participate in all the atmosphere... kinda like props; both men and women. The town needs cowboys in Western attire wearing a single action revolver in an open holster. There's not a problem finding an abundance of the later- many folks in Arizona 'carry'. Why? I suspect it's simply because they can. And BTW, to 'carry' means you're armed, the weapon is holstered and in plain sight. Are the weapons loaded in Tombstone? Dunno and it's probably best that I don't care to find out. I suspect most people who carry would probably ask the rhetorical question 'why would you carry an empty revolver?!'
Oh and just in case you need more incentive, check out this ad on Charleston Rd when headed toward Sierra Vista ...
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| Not sure you get your $$ back if you don't see a ghost!! |
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