Top 5 Fascinating Truths About Tombstone Arizona That Will Amaze You

Tombstone Arizona was put on the map courtesy of the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight. And how could you not? It’s impossible to think of the place without conjuring up images of such violence. But did you know that there is more to the Town Too Tough To Die than that gunfight alone? Here are the top fascinating truths about Tombstone Arizona that will amaze you!

1. The Town Had Much Quieter Beginnings

Let’s go back to the year where it all began – 1877. During that time, a silver miner and a scout for the U.S. Army named Ed Schieffelin was making his way into the Dragoon Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The local soldiers warned him that he was more likely to find his “own tombstone” before locating any of the valuable minerals. Apparently, the Indians in the place killed those who came looking for ores, and there are little to no survivors left.

This didn’t stop Schieffelin from pursuing his goal. So he asked for help from a business partner to file a claim as soon as he hit jackpot and found the source for the valuable material. Together, they formed the “Tombstone Mining and Milling Company,” which is also a mockery of the threat he received before. As months passed by, the mining camp became so successful and even grew significantly into the 1880s (they were producing up to $40 to $85 million in silver bullion!).

By 1879, a town bearing the same name (Tombstone) sprouted near the mining camp and became the home of many residents. It was peaceful then. But it was only a matter of time before it was flooded by outlaws.

2. The Town Absolutely Loved Their Saloons

If you were alive during the 1880s, we feel like one of the best things to do in Tombstone Arizona was to visit the saloon. And we feel strongly about including this in this list. The saloons in the town are open 24 hours a day. Some of the most famous saloons include:

• The Crystal Palace Saloon
• The Eagle Saloon
• The Oriental
• The Alhambra

These saloons are quite decadent and served its patrons Whiskey and Brandy, Gin Rum, Sherry, English Ale, Scotch, six-year-old Kentucky Apple Brandy, and 20+ different imported wines.

The Oriental was also proud of its piano and violin concerts every night.

3. Miners Should Always Wait for the Sirens

You already know the history of the place. There is Tombstone, the mining company, and Tombstone, the town. Waiting for the siren is one of the best things to do in Tombstone if you are a miner during that time. Why? Well, it signaled the beginning of a new shift. So basically, that means you have work to do.

Fun fact: After the Oct. 26, 1881 gunfight, sirens completely went off from the Vinza mine and these workers just poured up onto the street – armed and ready for a fight.

4. Nope. the Town Isn’t All About the Rowdy Places. You Can Also Experience Fine Dining Here.

Did you know that the restaurants in Tombstone catered to all tastes, including fine dining? Some of the famous restaurants include The Can Can, The Elite House, The Russ House, and The Maison Doree.

Back in the days, fresh oysters and shrimp were brought in from California to Tucson, then transported down to Tombstone. It doesn’t sound too bad, huh?

5. No One Really Knows Who Fired First in the Legendary Shootout

If you are visiting, you might as well know that one of the best things to do in Tombstone is to gather information about the O.K. Corral Gunfight in 1881. And if you’re not familiar, then read about the history of the shootout!

All we know (based on historical documents) is that on the day of the famous fight, men gathered near O.K. Corral and threatened to kill the infamous Earp brothers. One of the brothers, Virgil, decided that it was his duty to disarm the gang as he was a town deputy and marshal. His friend, Doc Holliday, went along to help. As Virgil demanded the cowboys to surrender their weapons, Billy Claiborne (outlaw), ran away and the legendary fight began.

Which truth fascinated you the most? If you want to learn more about this town, we suggest you book a trip and add “History Checking” on the top of your best things to do in Tombstone list.