The Southwestern United States is so rich in our country’s history and culture that it will take me many more trips to explore it. Mining, Missions, and Mexican culture are the watch-words for any visit to southern Arizona. A great place to visit is Tombstone, AZ, a historic Wild West mining town. It earned the name “The Town Too Tough to Die.”
The town is a living museum of 1880’s artifacts and recreations of gunfights especially the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral. Walking down Allen Street you will see many of the residents and shopkeepers wear period costumes. There are shout-outs, stagecoach rides, and museums that explain the history of the town and the Old West. Just walking the streets Tombstone you will soak up history. Establishments like the Birdcage Theatre, and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, originally the Grand Hotel built in 1881 (later owned by the girlfriend of Doc Holliday) take you back in time. Tombstone is not just a tourist stop - there is real history here.
We attended two re-enactments of gunfights while in town. One recreated three different saloon gunfights and shared interesting facts about the town. But no trip to Tombstone would be complete without attending a re-enactment of the most famous 30-second gunfight that ever happened.
Tombstone is famous for it 30-second gunfight at the OK Corral but it was not the only gunfight to ever happen in this historic town. Another re-enactment we went to was about three other famous gunfights.
Other sights in town include the homes of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, the Tombstone Historical Courthouse, and the Boot Hill Cemetery. Some of the west’s most colorful characters were laid to rest in this cemetery
Tombstone, AZ the most iconic of all Western towns, is a great stop on any tour of southern Arizona. Another great stop is the San Xavier de Bac Mission, called the White Dove of the Desert.
BEA PANNELL says
Nice job and a good pictures. The next time I am in Arizona I will make sure I visit Tombstone.
Maria Perez says
It was a great day with good companions. You will really enjoy it..
Terri Webster Schrandt says
This is a very interesting post about Carson and Tombstone, AZ. I really want to spend more time there, rather than just drive through it. I think Flagstaff looks like a neat place, too. Thank you for posting on #TheLeisureLink!
Maria Perez says
I never thought I could be so fascinated with place like Southwestern US. It is unique and it has so much history. I have only scratched the surface. I am really looking forward to my next visit. Thanks for stopping by.
Elise Cohen Ho says
This looks very cool. I have never been but I do love historical places.
Lindsay says
I am a total history buff. This would be so cool to visit.