Tombstone: More Than a Legend

A Few Things You Might Not Know About the Town Too Tough to Die

Tombstone has been featured in countless books, movies, television shows, and stories about the Old West. But behind the legends is a real town with a fascinating history—and plenty of stories that are just as interesting as the ones Hollywood tells.

Here are a few things you may not know about Tombstone.

1. A Boomtown Like No Other

When silver was discovered in the Tombstone area in the late 1870s, people came from all over in search of opportunity.

At its height, Tombstone had a population estimated in the thousands, along with numerous saloons, restaurants, hotels, stores, newspapers, churches, schools, theaters, and businesses serving a rapidly growing population.

For a time, Tombstone was one of the most important communities in the Southwest.

And while the silver boom eventually faded, the town itself refused to disappear.

That's one reason Tombstone earned the nickname: “The Town Too Tough to Die.”

2. There Were Five Earp Brothers

When people think of the Earps, they usually think of Wyatt.

But Wyatt was one of five Earp brothers who became associated with Tombstone and the American West:

Virgil, Morgan, Wyatt, Warren, and James.

Virgil served as Tombstone's city marshal and was the lawman in charge during the famous confrontation on October 26, 1881.

Wyatt and Morgan were also involved in the events surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

The Earp family story is much bigger than Wyatt Earp alone—and Tombstone became one of the most famous chapters in that story.

3. Tombstone's Post Office Has a Long History

Tombstone's post office was established on December 2, 1878, during the town's early boom years.

Think about that for a moment.

The town that grew up around a silver mine was still young when mail service was established—and the community's connection to the postal system has continued for generations.

Today, the Tombstone Post Office remains part of the town's everyday life and its historic landscape.

4. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Didn't Actually Happen Inside the Corral

This is one of Tombstone's most famous little surprises.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place on October 26, 1881, but the actual confrontation occurred in a vacant area along Fremont Street—not inside the O.K. Corral itself.

On one side were lawmen Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday.

Facing them were members of the group commonly known as the Cowboys, including Billy Clanton and Tom and Frank McLaury.

The confrontation lasted only a matter of seconds, but its place in American history has lasted more than a century.

Today, visitors can stand in the very neighborhood where those events unfolded and learn about the people and circumstances behind the legend.

5. Tombstone Had Two Newspapers—and They Didn't Always Agree

For a town of its size, Tombstone had an impressive newspaper scene.

Among the best-known were the Tombstone Epitaph and the Tombstone Daily Nugget.

The newspapers didn't simply report the news—they reflected the political divisions and personalities of the community.

The Epitaph was associated with a Republican viewpoint, while the Nugget was associated with the Democratic side of Tombstone's political landscape.

In a town filled with strong personalities, politics, mining interests, lawmen, businessmen, and rival factions, there was certainly no shortage of things to write about.

6. Yes, Tombstone Had Ice Cream

Not everything in Tombstone involved gunfights, mining, and saloons.

Tombstone also had an ice cream parlor, and ice cream was reportedly popular with locals.

One of the stories associated with the town even claims that Wyatt Earp was particularly fond of ice cream.

Whether you're a fan of Western history or simply have a sweet tooth, it's a fun reminder that the people who lived here were more than the characters we see in movies.

They worked, ate, socialized, entertained themselves—and occasionally enjoyed a little ice cream.

7. Tombstone Was a Place for Entertainment

Tombstone wasn't just a mining camp.

During its boom years, the town developed a surprisingly lively entertainment scene.

Schieffelin Hall and the Bird Cage Theatre are two of the best-known historic entertainment venues associated with Tombstone.

Schieffelin Hall hosted theatrical performances and community events, while the Bird Cage became famous for its colorful history and reputation as one of the town's more notorious entertainment establishments.

Both buildings remain important pieces of Tombstone's historic landscape.

Be sure to put them on your list when you visit.

8. Mining Was the Heartbeat of Tombstone

Before Tombstone became famous for gunfights and Western legends, it was a mining town.

Silver was the reason people came here.

The mines surrounding Tombstone created jobs, attracted investment, brought thousands of people into the area, and helped transform a remote Arizona settlement into a bustling frontier community.

Mining also shaped everyday life.

One of the more interesting stories involves the use of mine whistles and sirens to signal shifts, giving miners and townspeople an audible reminder of the industry that powered the community.

Today, remnants of that mining history can still be seen throughout the area.

9. Saloons Were a Big Part of Tombstone Life

During Tombstone's boom years, saloons were everywhere.

Some were simple gathering places, while others were elaborate establishments offering food, drinks, music, gambling, and entertainment.

Names such as the Oriental, Crystal Palace, Eagle, and Alhambra became part of Tombstone's colorful history.

The Oriental, in particular, was known for its elaborate atmosphere and entertainment.

As you walk today's historic boardwalks, you'll notice that some of those famous names still live on.

The buildings and businesses may have changed—but the connection to Tombstone's saloon era remains a big part of the town's character.

10. Tombstone Had Fine Dining, Too

Here's another part of Tombstone that doesn't always make it into the movies.

A booming frontier town needed to feed its residents and visitors—and Tombstone had restaurants ranging from everyday establishments to places offering a much more refined dining experience.

Restaurants such as The Can Can, Russ House, Elite House, and Maison Doree catered to different tastes.

And despite being far from the ocean, Tombstone diners could even enjoy fresh seafood.

Oysters and shrimp were transported by rail to Tucson and then made their way south to Tombstone.

So yes—even in the Wild West, you could apparently have a pretty good dinner. 

That's Just the Beginning...

Tombstone's history is full of contradictions.

It was a rough-and-tumble mining town, but it also had theaters, newspapers, churches, schools, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

It was filled with people looking for fortune, adventure, opportunity, and sometimes simply a place to start over.

Some became famous.

Some disappeared into history.

Some became legends.

And some left behind stories that we're still telling today.

But there's something you can't get from a book or a movie.

You have to walk the streets.

Stand beneath the historic buildings.
Look out toward the surrounding hills.
Visit the places where history happened.
Listen to the stories.
Explore the shops and restaurants.
Enjoy the entertainment.
And take a little time to imagine Tombstone as it once was.

Because Tombstone isn't just something to read about.

It's a place to experience.

And when you're ready to experience it for yourself...

Come Park With Us.

Relax
Enjoy the Southwest air
Explore Tombstone
Create your own Western memories.

John and Leann Champlin
Third and Survey Properties
Tombstone, Arizona