By John Hamilton, Associate Editor
September/October 2026
Near the Arizona-Mexico border is one of the most famous towns in American history.
Tombstone, Arizona, sits on land that originally belonged to the Hohokam people, who lived there for over 2,000 years. The town was founded in 1879 following the discovery of silver and quickly established many staples of the Wild West: saloons, dance halls, and gambling halls. As the town grew, tensions arose among the townspeople (including mine owners) and ranchers. A gang known as the Cochise County Cowboys began to sell stolen cattle across the nearby U.S.-Mexico border.
The Birdcage Theatre.
Then came the arrival of the Earp Brothers (Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan), along with Doc Holliday. Friction started to brew between them and the cowboys. The Earp brothers and their families had hoped to settle down and go into business, not wanting to become lawmen. Doc was there with similar hopes and to be closer to his friend Wyatt.
This feud resulted in acts of violence such as the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral; the murder of Morgan Earp; and the Earp Vendetta Ride, in which Wyatt and his allies tracked down those responsible for Morgan’s death.
After the feud, the city almost became a ghost town due to the rising costs of running the mines.
Tombstone experienced a revived interest during the 1940s and ’50s, thanks in part to portrayals in media like John Ford’s film, My Darling Clementine (1946), and a segment in the NBC documentary series “Wide Wide World” (1955).
The town’s most famous days were depicted in movies like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957); Wyatt Earp (1994); and, of course, Tombstone (1993).
Nowadays, the town is a hot spot for historical reenactments, museums, tours, and other attractions that may inspire you to say, “I’m your huckleberry,” as Val Kilmer did when portraying Doc Holliday in the movie Tombstone.
The Longhorn Restaurant.
“THROW UP YOUR HANDS, I WANT YOUR GUNS” – VIRGIL EARP
The first thing that comes to mind when Tombstone is mentioned may be gunfights. The town knows this, and you can catch reenactments at four different venues.
The first and most obvious is the O.K. Corral. While many pieces of media portray the battle as the climax of the Earp-Cowboy feud, it actually was the beginning. The gunfight, while lasting just 30 seconds, resulted in three men wounded, three men dead, and further explosion of violence.
You can tour the actual location that kick-started the worst of the feud. You’ll also get to see daily reenactments, 100 fascinating photos by C.S. Fly (including funeral photos of those killed in the fight), and a multimedia history show narrated by Vincent Price.
Outside of the corral, you can also check out The Saloon Theatre, which presents a half-hour show focusing on four different historical gunfights, including the first killing of another Old West gunslinger – Billy the Kid. Old Tombstone Western Theme Park features the town’s longest-running professional gunfight show, along with mini golf, gold panning, a “shoot’n gallery” and “the sweetest li’l saloon in town” — Pancho’s Cantina. Last but not least is Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon & Theatre, where family-friendly entertainment and live music are presented in the famous lawman’s old gambling hall.
HISTORY AS WIDE AS THE DESERT
There are other ways to explore the history of this rough and tough town. The Bird Cage Theatre features many historical artifacts of the time, like a poker table that where the longest running game in the Arizona territory was played. The Gunfighter Hall of Fame not only shares info about shootists of the West, but also features weapons belonging to them, including Kurt Russell’s revolver from the movie Tombstone. The Tombstone Epitaph Museum gives you a look at the incredibly successful newspaper founded in 1880.
The infamous Boothill Graveyard.
Of course, there’s one historical centerpiece that is a legend of the Old West — Boot Hill Graveyard. The notorious cemetery is the resting place of many Western figures, both noted and infamous. They include Marshal Fred White, who was shot by Cowboy member “Curly Bill” Brocious; the McLaury Brothers and Billy Clanton, who were killed in the O.K. Corral gunfight; the five perpetrators of the robbery gone wrong known as the Bisbee Massacre; and “China Mary” (Mrs. Ah Lum) who managed a well-stocked general store in the town and, upon her passing, had a large turnout for her funeral.
GHOST RIDERS IN ARIZONA
A city named Tombstone is bound to have something that’s a bit spooky, right? You’d be correct. Two attractions deal with stuff that goes bump in the night.
First is Ike Clanton’s Haunted Hotel. Named after, arguably, the most cowardly member of the Cowboys, this 15-minute walk-through attraction called the “Tombstone Ghosts & Legends Tour” combines fantasy and history, adventure and learning with a variety of special effects, according to discovertombstone.com.
Second is the Tombstone Gunfighter & Ghost Tour, a nighttime visit that takes participants to the most haunted destinations in the old mining town. You’ll hear stories about courthouse hangings, the Tombstone General Hospital, and John Heath and the Bisbee Massacre.
John Heath, while not part of the Bisbee Massacre, was believed to be the mastermind behind the original robbery. He was the only one of the accused to not be sentenced to death, but would later be hung by a lynch mob after his conviction.
RING THE DINNER BELL
When it reaches high noon, there are plenty of places to wet your whistle and get your vittles fix.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.
As one would expect, several hotspots are named after Tombstone’s colorful residents: Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (named after Doc Holliday’s girlfriend) has live entertainment along with food; Doc Holliday’s Saloon features karaoke and finger food; and Johnny Ringo’s Saloon (named after the notorious gunslinger) offers a relaxed environment, pizza, and the “coldest beer in town.”
There’s also Mom & Pops Sandwiches, where you can get deli sandwiches made to order; the O.K. Café, with its buffalo burgers and homemade pies; and The Longhorn Restaurant, with homestyle meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
UNSADDLE YOUR HORSES
There are multiple places where weary RV travelers can rest their heads. Six different spots to choose from include the family-owned Silver Belt RV Park & Laundromat, which is just a couple blocks from the town; Shoot Out Arena RV Park, across the street from Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park; and Tombstone RV Park and Campground, which offers pull-through sites, camping cabins, and cowboy suites for travelers. Stampede RV Resort has a breakfast restaurant on-site and cabins that can house up to six; Trail Rider’s Inn & RV Park is “The Best Rest in the West,” according to discovertombstone.com; and Wells Fargo RV Park is just steps away from the O.K. Corral.
Much like the silver miners who helped found the town, you can find your own treasure in Tombstone. The only difference is that your treasure is a taste of a unique part of the country’s history.
IF YOU GO
City of Tombstone Visitor Center
discovertombstone.com