City Snapshot: City of Tombstone

The city of Tombstone was founded in 1877 by a prospector, Ed Schieffelin, who was working as a scout for the soldiers. At the time he was also in this area looking for riches in the rocks, gold and silver. The soldiers told him the only stone he would find was his tombstone, so that is what he named the town.

Each year thousands of visitors from all over the world come to visit the "Town To Tough To Die", as it is known, to take in the western experience offered by Tombstone. After one or two visits some fall in love and decide to become residents, some full time, some only in the winter. This could be because our weather is milder in the winter and much cooler in the summer than the bigger cities of Arizona. This brings the latest census count to 1,380.

There are many of the original buildings from the 1880s that have been refurbished and turned into museums or are still being used for the original purpose. The Court House has been opened to the public with many exhibits and artifacts. Schieffelin Hall was built as an opera house and to date the repertory company is still holding amateur plays once or twice a year. The original City Hall is waiting to get funds for its own make over so the staff has been moved into a smaller more modern building.

There are many things to see and do in this small town. The city park has a gazebo that is the sight of many weddings, some very simple, some dressed in the 1880s period attire. There are daily gun fight reenactments as well as many stores to purchase you own mementos from the western clothing to sample rocks, making this a great place to bring the whole family. In Tombstone, you can end your day at the final resting place of the 1880s residents at Boothill Graveyard. When you leave here you will have lots of memories and many pictures to share with friends and family.
 

League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ  85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org

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