Tombstone, Arizona was founded in 1877 by a prospector named Ed Schieffelin after he found silver. By the 1880s, Tombstone was booming with over 100 saloons, theaters, several restaurants, and even schools and churches.
Today, Tombstone is a popular tourist destination where guests can visit numerous historic buildings from Tombstone's past and maybe even encounter a ghost. Numerous buildings are said to be haunted.
Ghosts of Tombstone's OK Corral
On October 26, 1881, Tombstone's most famous event took place with the shootout at the OK Corral. While Virgil Earp, (the town marshal,) his brothers, Wyatt and Morgan, and Doc Holliday all walked away; Frank and Tom McLaury along with Billy Clanton were shot and killed on the spot.
Numerous people have seen apparitions and have felt cold spots. Many believe these ghosts to be those of the cowboys who died that day.
Bird Cage Theater Haunting
In the 1880's, the Bird Cage Theater served as a theater, gambling hall, saloon, and brothel. Mysterious sounds of laughter and music have been heard. Many visitors report the smell of cigar smoke. Numerous tourists have taken pictures inside and when the film has been developed, apparitions have appeared in the photographs.
Hauntings at the Crystal Palace in Tombstone
One of Tombstone's first saloons was originally known as the Golden Eagle Brewing Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882, it was rebuilt and opened as the Crystal Palace. Among the phenomena reported are voices and footsteps that are said to be heard by visitors. Some believe that it's the ghost of Doc Holliday's girlfriend, Big Nose Kate.
Tombstone's Haunted Buford House
George Buford was a miner who fell in love with Petra, the girl who lived across the street. One night while out, Petra accompanied another man on the walk home. Enraged, Buford shot her and then himself. Petra survived, but, Buford didn't live through the confrontation.
Now a bed and breakfast, both the owners and guests have seen the ghost of Buford and some women report having their hair touched by unseen hands.
Red Buffalo Trading Company
Formerly where Campbell and Hatch's saloon stood and where Morgan Earp was shot and killed while playing a game of billiards, stands the Red Buffalo Trading company.
Activity includes the sound of footsteps and objects moving on their own. Many people claim to have seen the ghost of Morgan Earp, along with an unidentified female spirit.
Additional Haunted Locations In Tombstone
Other places in Tombstone are also alleged to be haunted including the Boot Hill Graveyard, Schieffelin Hall, Nellie Cashman's Restaurant and even the streets themselves. With all of its ghosts and ghost stories, along with the history of the town, it's no wonder so many people love to visit Tombstone.
Readers may also enjoy Ghosts of Alcatraz, along with Haunted Whaley House Tour: San Diego's Spookiest Attraction ,and Hauntings and Ghosts of Coloma, CA: Apparitions at the California State Park
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