Gunfights of Tombstone, Arizona

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Tombstone, Arizona, is known as the “Town too Tough to Die” for its remarkable ability to survive against all odds, but many of its residents were not so lucky. The town’s history is marked by short, violent lives that ended with mining accidents, disease or gunfights. Today, well-trained historical reenactors replay some of the most infamous gunfights for tourists at the O.K. Corral and the Helldorado Town.

O.K. Corral

The gunfight at the O.K. Corral didn't actually happen at the O.K. Corral

One of the Old West’s most famous gun battles was fought in Tombstone, Arizona. A showdown between the Earp lawmen and the Cowboy gang of the Clantons and McLaurys, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral actually took place on Fremont Street, which is now the main highway. But the old corral serves as a historical museum, and the battle is reenacted daily at 2 p.m. in a custom-built outdoor theater on the grounds. As of 2011, admission is $10. Kids aged 5 and under are free. Your admission ticket includes the gunfight, the museum, the Historama exhibit and a copy of the Epitaph newspaper printed just after the original fight.

The reenactment begins at the opposite end of town

The show actually begins around 1:30 p.m. at the opposite end of Allen Street, in front of the Birdcage Theater. The Earps and Cowboys reenact the events that led up to the gunfight in a series of vignettes. This preshow, free for everyone, is masterfully done, as it invariably draws a crowd up the street to the O.K. Corral. In order to see the resolution, you must then buy a ticket and enter the attraction. A great example of marketing without making it feel like a sales pitch! If you buy your tickets in advance, you can skip the long line at the ticket counter and head inside to see the exhibits.

The museum consists of a series of indoor and outdoor displays filled with artifacts from the corral and the town. The corral was literally a horse corral, a stable where travelers and residents kept their horses. Mockups of the blacksmith shop and other support buildings are on the grounds. Plan to spend an hour or so seeing everything in detail.

The animatronic gunfighters are so cheesy, they're fun

A short reenactment of the gunfight entertains the waiting crowd at the press of a button. Dating to the years before the theater show, this version features old, beat-up and not very expressive audio-animatronics. It is a classic showcase of vintage roadside attractions, and is so bad that it is actually quite amusing. Dad and I exchanged worried glances at this point, but we need not have fretted. The actual gunfight show, complete with well-trained actors, is highly entertaining and extremely well done.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the crowd was asked to line up outside the theater doors. Those with disabilities who cannot manage stairs were put in a separate line, as were families with children who might be frightened by the loud gunshots. Those groups were admitted first, with disabled visitors placed in the front row and small children seated by the door.

The live actors were phenomenally talented

The rest of us were then allowed to sit wherever we liked. The small open-air theater offers bleacher seating, so every seat has a good view. It started raining fairly heavily as soon as we were seated, which gave Dad and me another lesson on Arizona. In New Orleans, where we’re from, the humidity is extremely high. Once it rains, even briefly, everything is soaked for the rest of the day–clothes, hair, benches, grass. In Arizona, the overall humidity is quite low. The rainstorm ended roughly halfway through the 30 minute show. By the time the show ended, my jeans were completely dry.

The show was terrific! Continuing the vignettes that took place outside, the story uses a mix of humor and foreshadowing to set the stage for the historic gunfight. The Cowboys are presented as sympathetic characters, but so are the Earps. The show avoids taking sides, presenting a balanced picture of the battle. The gunfight itself is short, as was the original battle, but contains numerous very loud shots. Sensitive kids may want to cover their ears.

Historama

The Historama is worth a visit

The Historama entrance is inside the O.K. Corral gift shop. Shows begin every half-hour throughout the day. Created in the 1960s, the attraction is a true roadside gem. A 3-dimensional diorama filled with tiny figures sits on a table on stage. Throughout the show, a projection screen moves up and down to show historical film clips. At various points, figures on the diorama come to life to demonstrate the events mentioned in the narration. And what a narration! At the Historama, the story of Tombstone is told by the legendary Vincent Price. The show is fascinating, and is included with admission to the O.K. Corral.

Tombstone Epitaph

The Tombstone Epitaph office holds vintage newspaper equipment

Located behind the Crystal Palace on 5th Street, the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper dates to 1880 and is the oldest continuously-published newspaper in Arizona. Founder John Clum chose the name as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the town’s name. Your O.K. Corral admission includes a coupon for a free copy of the Epitaph story on the gunfight. Admission to the Epitaph museum is free.

The Epitaph is still published today, but the museum celebrates its 1880s incarnation. Look for printing presses, old editions, and a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia. I actually found a more recent edition with a story I liked, and I was able to purchase a copy for under $4. Allow 30 minutes or so to look around.

Helldorado Town

Helldorado Town is a mockup Western town

Helldorado Town is located at the back end of Tombstone, along Toughnut Street near the Good Enough Mine. The town features mockups of Old West buildings, a miniature golf course and an open-air theater. Two different gunfight shows are presented each day in the theater.

The ticket booth is a small wooden structure at the Helldorado entrance. You do not need a ticket to visit the town or café, but tickets are checked on the way into the theater. As of 2011, admission is $6. The seating is in full sun, but drinks are permitted. Grab a cold bottle of water from the café on the way in.

The Tombstone Territorial Gunfighters have won awards

The Tombstone Territorial Gunfighters have won a number of awards, and their performance skills are top-notch. The 30-minute show consists of a series of short vignettes. One actor takes the role of narrator, providing a bit of background on the scene, while the others act out the events. Each scene ends in a shooting, which can be quite loud. If your kids are sensitive, encourage them to cover their ears.

Tips for Parents

Gunfights are frequent around town

Regardless of your personal feelings on guns, gunplay was an important part of Tombstone’s history. Both the O.K. Corral and Helldorado present a balanced view of the events that led to each shooting. The shows are sensitively done and lightened with a great deal of humor.

If you are not sure how your kids will react to the noise, choose a seat near the exit. You are free to come and go at both shows, so don’t hesitate to take a nervous child out of the theater, calm her down and then return.

Arrive early for each show. Although all seats are good, the lines can get long just before showtime. Poke around the displays or enjoy a snack rather than wasting your time standing in line.

Tombstone Arizona is hot and dry. Water, sunscreen and a hat are essential. Keep an eye on your kids and move into the shade if anyone starts showing signs of exhaustion or dehydration.

About the Author: Lisa is a full-time travel writer. She lives in an RV with her disabled father and writes about their experiences. Although she has no children of her own, Lisa loves being an Aunt to her own relatives and the children of all her friends. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Travel Confessions.