Tombstone Historic District

Tombstone Historic District is a downtown area with preserved buildings from the 1880s mining settlement, showing how streets and structures were organized during rapid growth. The buildings reflect architectural styles common to frontier mining towns of that era.

The area became a booming town after silver was discovered in 1877, growing rapidly within a few years. Major fires in 1881 destroyed many original wooden buildings, but survivors today show what the early town looked like.

Entertainment venues like the Bird Cage Theatre and Crystal Palace Saloon served as gathering spots where miners and merchants met after work. These places reveal how people spent leisure time in a rough mining settlement.

Walking paths take you through the district to visit different buildings and sites at your own pace. The cooler months are best for exploring on foot, as summer heat can be intense.

The O.K. Corral site, where a famous gunfight happened in 1881, sits at the heart of the district and draws many visitors. This single event made Tombstone known worldwide and remains the main reason people visit.