Tombstone Arizona Attractions & Old West History
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Tombstone Arizona: The Town Too Tough To Die
Tombstone, Arizona is one of America's best-known Old West destinations, famous for its silver-mining history, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the 1881 Gunfight near the O.K. Corral. Located in Southern Arizona, the historic town invites visitors to walk Allen Street, explore museums and preserved landmarks, tour an old silver mine, visit Boothill Graveyard and watch Old West reenactments in the same community that became legendary during the 1880s.
- Tombstone History
- Why Visit Tombstone
- Tombstone Today
- Things To Do
- Plan Your Visit
- Best Time To Visit
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Tombstone Arizona History
Step into Tombstone AZ and much of the town's identity still reflects the silver-mining boom of the late 1800s. Prospector Ed Schieffelin discovered rich silver deposits in the area in 1877, and within only a few years Tombstone had grown into one of Arizona Territory's most important mining communities. Allen Street became the center of a lively commercial district filled with hotels, saloons, gambling establishments, theaters, stores and other businesses serving miners and newcomers attracted by the silver boom.
Allen Street 1881 Tombstone AZWhy Visit Tombstone AZ
Tombstone offers visitors an unusual opportunity to experience a surviving Old West mining town where historic sites and modern attractions share the same streets. Walk Allen Street, visit the O.K. Corral and Boothill Graveyard, tour the Bird Cage Theatre, explore museums and historic buildings, take a silver-mine tour, shop for western souvenirs and watch Old West performances while learning about Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, the Clantons and the people who shaped Tombstone's frontier history.
Ed Schieffelin's 1877 silver discovery helped trigger a mining rush, and Tombstone expanded rapidly during the following years. By the early 1880s it supported banks, newspapers, churches, schools, theaters, hotels and a busy commercial district. Allen Street was also known for its saloons, gambling halls, dance halls and other entertainment establishments. National Park Service historical records indicate that nearly 110 businesses were licensed to sell liquor during the boom years, illustrating just how active Tombstone had become.
Conflict In Early Tombstone
Tombstone's rapid growth brought together miners, merchants, ranchers, lawmen, gamblers, travelers and outlaws in a remote part of Arizona Territory. Disputes over cattle rustling, stagecoach robberies, law enforcement and political influence contributed to tensions between local factions.
The term "Cowboys" was sometimes used in southeastern Arizona for loosely associated cattle rustlers and other outlaws, rather than simply for legitimate ranch workers. Conflicts involving this group and Tombstone lawmen eventually became intertwined with the Earp family's history.
Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp became prominent figures in Tombstone, with Virgil serving in law enforcement and Wyatt and Morgan also participating in peacekeeping duties. Their continuing conflict with members and associates of the Clanton and McLaury families ultimately led to Tombstone's most famous confrontation.
Ongoing conflicts culminated on October 26, 1881, in the famous Gunfight near the O.K. Corral. Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp, joined by Doc Holliday, confronted Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury and Frank McLaury along with Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne. Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers were killed, while Virgil and Morgan Earp were wounded. The three men killed in the confrontation were buried at Boothill Graveyard.
Bodies of Tom and Frank McLaury, and Billy ClantonTombstone's Mining Boom Declines
Tombstone's mining boom eventually faded as underground water complicated mining, operating costs increased and the economics of silver mining changed. The community declined from its boomtown peak as mining activity and investment diminished and many residents moved elsewhere.
National Park Service historical documentation estimates Tombstone's population at about 6,000 in 1881 and perhaps 10,000 around the height of its growth in the mid-1880s. Tombstone avoided becoming another abandoned Arizona ghost town, in part because it remained the Cochise County seat until 1929, when the county seat moved to Bisbee.
Tombstone Arizona Today
Allen Street Today. © Ken LundToday, Tombstone is both a living Arizona community and one of the Southwest's best-known historic destinations. Allen Street and the surrounding historic district contain preserved and restored buildings, museums, shops, restaurants, saloons and attractions that interpret the town's mining and frontier history. Costumed performers, carriage rides and Old West shows add entertainment while historic sites provide a closer look at the people and events of the 1880s.
Boothill Graveyard is one of Tombstone's best-known historic sites and contains the graves of residents from the town's frontier era, including Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers. Visitors can also watch scheduled Old West gunfight performances at attractions around town, including reenactments of the famous 1881 confrontation associated with the O.K. Corral.
Boot Hill Graveyard. © Ken LundThe Crystal Palace Saloon remains one of Tombstone's recognizable Old West establishments. Its historic atmosphere, period-inspired interior and location near Allen Street make it a popular stop for visitors exploring the town's saloon and entertainment history.
Visit Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, where the 1882 courthouse now serves as a museum interpreting Tombstone and Cochise County history. Exhibits include historic artifacts, photographs and displays related to mining, law enforcement and life in territorial Arizona, while a replica gallows stands in the courtyard.
The historic Tombstone Epitaph offers visitors a look at the newspaper that reported on the town during its frontier years, while mine tours explore the silver-mining industry that created Tombstone. The Good Enough Mine Tour takes visitors underground into historic mine workings beneath the town and explains the techniques, hardships and discoveries associated with Tombstone's mining era.
The Rose Tree Museum is another distinctive Tombstone attraction and is home to an enormous Lady Banksia rose tree that the attraction promotes as the world's largest rose tree. Spring visitors may see the sprawling plant covered with blossoms, with flowering typically associated with the March and April season.
And of course, don't miss the O.K. Corral, where exhibits and reenactments interpret the famous confrontation of October 26, 1881. Visitors can learn about Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp, Doc Holliday, the Clantons and McLaurys, and the events that transformed a brief gunfight into one of the enduring legends of the American West.
Best Things To Do In Tombstone Arizona
- O.K. Corral: Visit the historic attraction associated with the famous 1881 gunfight and watch scheduled Old West reenactments.
- Allen Street: Walk Tombstone's historic main street among western shops, restaurants, saloons, museums and costumed performers.
- Boothill Graveyard: Explore the cemetery where many residents from Tombstone's frontier era were buried.
- Bird Cage Theatre: Tour one of Tombstone's most famous surviving entertainment buildings from the Old West era.
- Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: Explore exhibits, artifacts and photographs inside the restored 1882 courthouse.
- Crystal Palace Saloon: Experience an Old West-style saloon in the heart of historic Tombstone.
- Good Enough Mine Tour: Go underground to learn about the silver-mining industry that created the boomtown.
- Rose Tree Museum: See Tombstone's enormous historic Lady Banksia rose tree and museum exhibits.
- Old West Shows: Watch staged gunfights and other western entertainment offered at attractions around town.
- Carriage & Trolley Tours: Tour Tombstone's historic district while learning about notable buildings, people and events.
Planning A Visit To Tombstone Arizona
Tombstone is a real community and there is no general admission charge to enter the historic district or walk Allen Street. Individual museums, tours, performances and other attractions set their own admission prices and operating schedules. Most major attractions can be reached on foot within the historic district, although Boothill Graveyard and some other sites are farther from central Allen Street.
Allow at least half a day for a first visit. A full day gives you more time for the O.K. Corral, courthouse, Boothill Graveyard, Bird Cage Theatre, mine tour, shops and restaurants. Visitors interested in museums and history can easily spend two days exploring Tombstone and nearby Cochise County attractions.
Best Time To Visit Tombstone Arizona
- Spring: One of the most pleasant seasons for walking Tombstone, with generally comfortable daytime temperatures and spring desert scenery.
- Summer: Expect hotter conditions, especially during the afternoon. Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and use museums, shops and restaurants during the hottest part of the day.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and seasonal events make autumn another excellent time to explore Tombstone and Southern Arizona.
- Winter: Cooler daytime temperatures can make walking tours comfortable, although mornings and evenings may be cold.
Tombstone Visitor Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: Much of the historic district is best explored on foot.
- Check attraction schedules: Museums, shows, mine tours and other businesses set their own operating hours.
- Allow extra time: Half a day covers the highlights, while a full day provides a more relaxed visit.
- Bring sun protection: Southern Arizona sun can be intense even during cooler months.
- Stay hydrated: Carry water when walking between attractions, particularly during warm weather.
- Combine attractions: The O.K. Corral, Allen Street, Bird Cage Theatre and courthouse are convenient to visit during the same walking tour.
- Explore beyond Allen Street: Boothill Graveyard, mine tours and nearby Cochise County destinations add more depth to a Tombstone trip.
Tombstone Arizona Video
Tombstone Arizona FAQ
What is Tombstone Arizona famous for?
Tombstone is famous for its Old West and silver-mining history, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, the 1881 Gunfight near the O.K. Corral, historic Allen Street and preserved frontier-era attractions.
Is Tombstone Arizona worth visiting?
Yes. Tombstone combines authentic historic sites with museums, mine tours, Old West reenactments, restaurants, shops and other attractions in a living Southern Arizona community.
Does it cost money to enter Tombstone Arizona?
There is no general admission charge to enter Tombstone or walk through its historic district. Individual museums, tours, shows and attractions may charge their own admission fees.
How far is Tombstone from Tucson Arizona?
Tombstone is about 70 miles southeast of Tucson, making it a practical day trip from the Tucson area by car.
Can you visit the O.K. Corral in Tombstone?
Yes. The O.K. Corral is a visitor attraction featuring exhibits and scheduled reenactments interpreting the famous 1881 gunfight and the people involved.
What are the top attractions in Tombstone Arizona?
Popular attractions include Allen Street, the O.K. Corral, Boothill Graveyard, Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Good Enough Mine, Crystal Palace Saloon and Rose Tree Museum.
How much time should you spend in Tombstone?
Plan at least half a day to see the major attractions. A full day is better if you want to visit several museums, take a mine tour, see an Old West show and explore Boothill Graveyard.
What is the best time to visit Tombstone Arizona?
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for walking and outdoor sightseeing. Summer can be hot, while winter brings cooler days and cold mornings and evenings.
Related Tombstone Interest
Tombstone Arizona
Bird Cage Theatre
Gunfight At The OK Corral
Tombstone History
More Interesting Reading
What Happened October 26, 1881?
Explore Cochise County
Tombstone, Arizona Wikipedia
Southern Arizona Destinations
