Western town of Tombstone in Arizona was founded in 1877 when rich silver deposits were discovered in the area. During the years of silver and gold mining, Tombstone experienced lawlessness, culminating in the famous gunfight between Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang near O.K. Corral.
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Table of Contents
History of Tombstone, Arizona
At the beginning of the 20th century, silver mining declined, and Tombstone was saved from complete depopulation only by its status as a county seat. The city retained this status until 1929, when a public vote transferred the title to nearby Bisbee. The courthouse in Tombstone and its adjacent gallows, where convicts were executed, were then transformed into a museum.
Movie enthusiasts may recognize settings that appeared in numerous Western films. For example, Tombstone served as a filming location for Sheriff of Tombstone (1941), Badmen of Tombstone (1949), Toughest Gun in Tombstone (1958), Five Guns to Tombstone (1960), and Tombstone (1993), starring Kurt Russell.
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What to See in Tombstone, Arizona
🌵 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The site of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881 is surrounded by a wall, and admission fees apply. The premium option with a live gunfight reenactment costs $10.00, while the cheaper tour without the reenactment costs $6.00. Admission is free for children under 5. Ticket prices were last updated on January 22, 2025.
The reenactment lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The O.K. Corral historical complex is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
🌵 Fremont Street in Tombstone
If you want to save money but still see the site of the legendary gunfights, visit Fremont Street in Tombstone. Most attractions on this street are free of charge.
Garden enthusiasts will be fascinated by the largest rose bush in the world, first cultivated in Tombstone in 1886 and still blooming today. This bush covers an area of 7,965 square feet ($740).
🌵 Boot Hill Graveyard
Tombstone is also home to perhaps the most famous cemetery in the Old West. At Tombstone Boot Hill Graveyard, many infamous outlaws, including those from the O.K. Corral gunfight, are buried. The cemetery also served as a burial ground for hanged criminals.
Admission to this historic site costs $3.00 per person, while children under 15 enter for free. The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Tips for Visiting Tombstone, Arizona
🚗 How to Get There
The best way to get there is by rental car. From Tucson, take Interstate 10 (I-10) east toward Benson. After about an hour, take Exit 303 onto Arizona State Highway 80, and you’ll reach Tombstone in another 40 minutes.
The nearest international airport to Tombstone is in Tucson. You can fly to Tucson with Southwest Airlines from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Chicago.
🕒 Opening Hours
Most attractions in Tombstone are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with O.K. Corral gunfight reenactments held four times daily. After 5:00 PM, the town gradually empties, and stores close. A visit to the Western town of Tombstone will take about three hours.
💡 Good to Know
The Western town is an excellent destination for a family visit. Children aged 7 to 14 will especially enjoy the gunfight reenactment, and after the performance, they can take photos with the actors.
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Photos of the Western Town of Tombstone, Arizona
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