Tombstone (Tombstone)

Member Name: vernonpresley

Product:	Tombstone
Date:	08/12/07 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It feels like a movie set

Disadvantages: It is over-touristy

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BACKGROUND
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Located in the county of Cochise in Arizona, Tombstone is most famous for its role in 'wild west' history. The city was founded in 1879 and soon boomed as a mining community. Without railroad access Tombstone was very isolated and this led to a lawlessness which attracted many outlaw gangs. The most famous event in Tombstone was the 'Gunfight at the OK Corral' between the Clanton gang and city marshall Wyatt Earp and his group in October 1881. This event is reenacted every day at 2pm.

By the mid-1880s the mines had been depleted and Tombstone became virtually deserted. However today it is thriving as a tourist destination with over 400,000 visitors each year, and is well worth a visit.

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SOME REGULAR TOMBSTONE EVENTS
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Events happen on a daily basis in Tombstone. As already mentioned there are reenactments of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, and plentiful opportunities for historical tours.

In August is a weekend event called Vigilante Days. This features a variety of street entertainers, a chili cook-off and a fun run. A particularly fun feature is the opportunity to go on wagon rides.

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PLACES TO VISIT
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OK CORRAL
Obviously this is a must-see place for any visit to Tombstone. It is worth noting however that the gunfight did not actually take place in the corral, as is often believed, but instead BEHIND it. There are historical plaques to show you where various parts of the gunfight itself took place.

BOOT HILL CEMETARY
Boot Hill Cemetary is one of the most famous cemetaries in the USA. It is the final resting place for many of those who died in Tombstone, both through violence and disease. Those who died in the OK Corral gunfight are buried here.

HELLDORADO TOWN
Helldorado Town is a small theme park in Tombstone featuring a comedy gunfight, shooting gallery and a mine shaft. It is particularly fun for any children you may have with you.

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MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN TOMBSTONE
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I have only been to Tombstone once but very much enjoyed it. It is fun to visit somewhere that makes you feel like you have walked onto the set of a cliched wild west movie, but I wouldn't advise going there if you want to get a sense of what it was really like to live in Tombstone in the wild days of the west. It is pleasant to visit the places where the famous events took place, and learn more about how and why they happened, but it does feel very touristy, too much so in fact. However it is true that Tombstone as a town would have died by now if it wasn't for the tourists so that is the price we pay to preserve the history.

If you are interested in the 'wild west' then Tombstone is worth a visit, but I wouldn't plan going for longer than a day trip.

Summary: The town where the famous gunfight took place