Earp Vendetta Ride

Wyatt and Doc

The Gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone was only the beginning of the murderous conflict between the Earp Brothers and their friends, and the outlaw gang known as ‘The Cowboys’. ‘The Cowboys’ were about two-dozen hard riding, hard drinking ranchers and rustlers, their hired hands and gunslingers. Most notable among them were the Clanton Brothers, Ike and Billy; the McLaury Brothers, Frank and Tom; Johnny Barnes; “Curly Bill” Brocius; Florintino Cruz, aka “Indian Charlie”; Frank Stilwell; and Johnny Ringo. … Continue reading

The Making of the Wyatt Earp Legend

Wyatt Earp

After what became the most famous gunfight in history, Wyatt Earp went on what became known as the Earp Vendetta Ride to avenge the ambush that crippled his older brother, Virgil, and the assassination of his younger brother, Morgan, by a gang of outlaws known as “The Cowboys”.

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Tombstone: The Town Too Tough To Die Almost Did

Tombstone-Crystal-Palace

By the 1930’s, Tombstone was dying. The mining boomtown of the 1880’s was long gone. In 1882, Tombstone residents numbered between 6,000 and 7,000. By the time these photographs were taken, the nation was deep in the Great Depression, and Tombstone was almost a ghost town.

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Gleeson Ghost Town & Rattlesnake Oddities

Rattlesnake Crafts Road SignREV

Our April 2012 road trip took us first to the ghost town of Gleeson (yes, that’s how they spelled it). After a look around at some of the ruins, we headed west toward Tombstone on a dirt road for just a few miles until we saw the sign for Rattlesnake Crafts, one of Southern Arizona’s stranger places. John & Sandy Weber make and sell wallets, belts, and other items out of rattlesnake skins. They also have a significant collection of gems and Old West artifacts.

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World’s Largest Rose, the Lady Banksiae

Lady Banks Rose

Reportedly the world’s largest single rose bush lives in Tombstone, Arizona at the Rose Tree Inn, 4th and Toughnut. Commonly called the Lady Banks, the “lady banksiae” a white rose, came from Scotland in 1885. It covers over 8000 square feet. It blooms in the early spring and is Thornless. For a fee you can view it, picnic, or get married. You can also buy a rooted stalk and take home some history. Shown here is a yellow rose, my home, not necessarily under control.

Tombstone Bordello, a Bed and Breakfast

Tombstone Bordello Proprietor

One of the best places to stay in Tombstone, this Bed and Breakfast will please. Ten rooms with private baths, Lynda serves a full breakfast. The old bordello features a private pool, spa, English style garden and with patio with BBQ.

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Bird Cage Theater – Tombstone

Bird-Cage1

Bill Hunley is the manager of the Bird Cage Theater, Tombstone’s most notorious saloon, gambling hall, and house of ill-repute. It’s been in his family since the 1930′s. The Bird Cage is now a museum, but what an extraordinary museum it is. Watch the video to get a glimpse.

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Tombstone Bordello Bed & Breakfast

Tombstone Bordello Pool

I must say, it was a pleasant experience. Not because the Bordello is fancy. It’s not. But the bed was comfortable, the garden and pool area most pleasant. And the hostess, Ms. Lynda, a delight.
The Tombstone Bordello has another advantage. It’s only a five minute walk to THE MAIN EVENT – the OK Corral, Big Nose Kate’s, Crystal Palace, Bird Cage Theater, and the Old Courthouse Museum.

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Old Cochise County Courthouse Museum

The Old Court House Museum, Tombstone, AZ

Our Arizona legislature is dominated by religious extremists and they have pretty much ruined our state and made AZ a national joke. For example, over the objections of every law enforcement department in the state, they tried to get a bill passed that would allow anyone to carry a concealed weapon on our college and university campuses. Their operating theory was: “An Armed Society Is A Polite Society.” Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. They were also willing to let the Old Cochise County Courthouse Museum close in order to save a few bucks. Fortunately, the Tombstone City and Chamber of Commerce saved the day, so you can enjoy this fine museum that tells the real story of Tombstone. A ‘must see’ on our family’s list. Visit the Website for more information 223 East Toughnut street, Tombstone AZ 85638 … Continue reading