Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park - 1/22/15

The Victorian-style courthouse building in Tombstone was built in 1882. It was the location of the offices of the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, board of supervisors, jail and courtrooms of Cochise County. Tombstone was the county seat of the county until 1929 when it was moved to Bisbee.

Now it is a museum, the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, with exhibits on two floors and the gallows in a courtyard area outside (the actual location where many hangings occurred).

Invitation to a hanging.

A prisoner...

Sheriffs of Tombstone.

W. Earp, deputy sheriff.

Wyatt's 2nd wife, Mattie.

Photos of the infamous Earp brothers and friend, Doc Holliday.

Fort Huachuca was established as U.S. Army base in 1882. John was stationed there for several months in 1969. It continues to be an operational base today.

There was lots of entertainment in Tombstone at various venues...from the cultured shows at Schieffelin Hall, vaudeville at the Bird Cage Theatre, and saloon dance halls.

City licenses were purchased by entertainment venues as well ll as ongoing businesses of gambling and prostitution.

Cockfighting (Ugh!)

Original roulette wheel.

Bar circa 1880s.

First piano in Tombstone, shipped from Boston by boat to San Francsico, by rail to Tucson, by wagon to Tombstone in 1880s.

Ed Schieffelin, a prospector who staked a claim for a silver mine 1877, founded Tombstone in 1879.

Buckboard and bicycle built for two of the 1880s.

Assayer office where silver valued. $25M worth of silver was mined in the Tombstone area between 1882-1886.

Beautiful staircase (now fortified) leading from the first to second floor where the courtroom is located.

Several hundred Chinese resided in an area of town called "Hop Town." A very popular restaurant, "The Can-Can," was owned and operated by Quong Kee who was a well known member of the community. He is buried in Boothil Grave Yard.

Post office artifacts.

There were numerous devastating fires in Tombstone. Once several fire companies were established (volunteer). the community was able to effectively fight them.

Cochise County
Attorney's office.

The courtroom.

There is a small gift shop, restrooms, and a picnic area as well. Admission to the park is $5/adults. Our Tucson Attractions Passbook Savings book had a buy-one-get-one free coupon.

This place provides a great overview of the life and times in Tombstone since its inception. Of course, the courtroom, jail, and gallows hold a macabre fascination as well. If you visit Tombstone, this place should be at the top of your list. We loved it for the historical value.

Website:  www.azstateparks.com