As the mining operation gained steam , a mining camp and , later , a town , assumed the name of Schieffelin ’ s mine .
By the late 1870s and early 1880s Tombstone ’ s booming mining district had grown to include gambling halls , saloons , brothels , restaurants , water companies , ice cream parlors , mercantile stores , law offices , a post office and more . In 1880 the town had its own newspaper and the following year was made the county seat .
While all this was happening the Earp brothers began arriving , soon to be joined by Wyatt ’ s friend from Texas , Doc Holliday .
The area ’ s newfound prosperity was a magnet for less desirable individuals including the Clanton Gang , the McLaury brothers and Johnny Ringo . Around Tombstone robberies and cattle rustling were occupations that could pay handsomely . Initially much of the rustling took place in Mexico , bringing cattle back to the Tombstone area to sell . The Earps and Doc Holliday had experienced several run-ins when the famed gunfight took place October 26 , 1881 , on a vacant lot behind the O . K . Corral .
The shootout resulted in the death of Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers while Virgil , who at the time was Tombstone ’ s city marshal , Morgan , and Doc were each wounded . Stories vary about the gunfight , including who shot first . The Earps and Doc Holliday were tried for murder , and , although acquitted , their days in Tombstone were numbered .
Tombstone didn ’ t disappear following the famed gunfight . A major fire burned most of the west side of the town in May 1882 , approximately a year following an earlier fire that had destroyed the east side of town . Both times the town was rebuilt . In 1886 water started seeping into the mines and although mining later resumed with improved technology , by the turn of the century the industry that kept
the town afloat was numbered .
With a population of about 1,300 , Tombstone lives on as a popular tourist venue . Most locals we met during a December visit appeared to have a strong bond to the town and their fellow residents . They value Tombstone ’ s history and do their best to keep alive the spirit of the Old West . Individuals interested in contributing to the ongoing restoration of Tombstone ’ s historic structures should contact the Tombstone Restoration Commission .
Today ’ s visitors can enjoy picturesque saloons , museums , stagecoach and trolley rides , walking tours , O . K . Corral , Boot Hill and staged gunfights .
The 1882 courthouse is now a state historic park that includes a period sheriff ’ s office , mining exhibit , courtroom and more . Residents in period dress roam Allen Street as cowboys , fancy women and gunfighters while interacting with visitors .
Perhaps the most unusual attraction is an underground dinner theatre in the Toughnut Mine . Scheduled tours of the nearby GoodEnough Mine are also available .
Travelers considering a visit to Tombstone should allocate at least a half day to explore the town . This can be combined with a half-day visit to the old copper mining town of Bisbee that lies 25 miles to the south . Lodging is available in both towns . Sierra Vista , a half hour southwest of Tombstone , is considerably larger and a good base for exploring both Tombstone and Bisbee , along with nearby Coronado National Memorial . Tourism swells following Christmas , with early December being a good time for a visit .
David and Kay Scott are authors of “ Exploring the Oregon Trail ” and the “ Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges ”( both from Globe Pequot ). They live in Valdosta , Ga . Visit them at blog . valdosta . edu / dlscott .
The Bird Cage Theatre opened in 1881 with a saloon , gambling hall and brothel .
Photo by David and Kay Scott