The Wild West town of Tombstone in Arizona was founded in 1877 when rich silver deposits were discovered in the area. During the ensuing years of gold and silver mining, Tombstone lingered in a state of uncertainty. This culminated in the famous gunfight between the Wyatt Earp and Clanton gangs near the O.K. Corral.
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Table of Contents
History of Tombstone, Arizona
In the early 20th century, silver mining declined, and Tombstone’s status as a county seat saved it from complete depopulation. It retained this status until 1929 when neighboring Bisbee won the title in a popular vote. Tombstone’s county courthouse and the adjacent gallows, where convicts were executed, have since been turned into a museum.
Film enthusiasts may recognize the setting, which has been featured in numerous western films such as “Sheriff of Tombstone” (1941), “Badmen of Tombstone” (1949), “The Toughest Gun in Tombstone” (1958), “Five Guns to Tombstone” (1960), and the 1993 film “Tombstone” starring Kurt Russell.
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Sights in Tombstone, Arizona
🌵 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The site of the famous 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral is now enclosed, and an entrance fee is charged. The pricier option, which includes a live reenactment of the gunfight, costs $10.00, while the less expensive tour without the reenactment is priced at $6.00. Children under five are admitted for free.
The performance lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. The historic O.K. Corral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🌵 Fremont Street in Tombstone
To save some money while still seeing the scene of the famous shootouts, head to Fremont Street in Tombstone. Most attractions on this street are free. Garden enthusiasts will be intrigued by the world’s largest rose bush, which was first planted in Tombstone in 1886 and continues to bloom today. The bush spans an area of 740 square meters.
🌵 Boot Hill Graveyard
Tombstone is also home to perhaps the most famous burial ground in the Old West. The Tombstone Boothill Graveyard is the final resting place of many famous outlaws, including those involved in the O.K. Corral shootout. Convicts who were hanged have also been buried in the cemetery. Admission to this historic site is $3.00 per person; children under 15 are admitted free. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Tips for Visiting Tombstone, Arizona
🚗 How to Get There
The best mode of transportation is a rental car. From Tucson, take Interstate 10 (I-10) east to Benson. After about an hour’s drive, take Exit 303 to Arizona State Highway 80. From there, you’ll arrive in Tombstone in about 40 minutes.
The nearest international airport to Tombstone is in Tucson. Southwest Airlines offers flights to Tucson from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
🕒 Opening Hours
Most attractions on-site are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the reenactment of the shootout at the O.K. Corral occurs four times daily. After 5 p.m., the town begins to quiet down and shops gradually close. It should take about three hours to visit the Wild West town of Tombstone.
💡 Good to Know
Tombstone is a great family-friendly destination. Children aged 7 to 14, in particular, enjoy the reenactment of the shootout and the opportunity to take pictures with the actors after the show.
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Photos of the Wild West Town of Tombstone, Arizona
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