Where is Tombstone Arizona? Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, O.K. Corral, Birdcage Theatre- Real locations: Cowboy War and Old West history Step into Tombstone, Arizona, the town immortalized by both history and Hollywood!
Known for the real-life exploits of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, this legendary Wild West town continues to captivate audiences today. Located about an hour and 15 minutes Southeast of Tucson, Arizona, and 30 Miles north of the Arizona and Mexico Border.
Tombstone is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States, founded in 1879 by prospector Ed Schieffelin in what was then Pima County, Arizona Territory. It became one of the last boomtowns in the American frontier. –Wikipedia
Fans of the 1993 film Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as the unforgettable Doc Holliday, and the recent Netflix series Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War, will recognize these streets where history and fiction collide.
^^^ 4K Video | Tombstone’s Real Streets Where Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Made History
FAQ – Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites
Location
Where is Tombstone Arizona?
Located about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Tucson, Arizona, and 30 miles north of the Arizona–Mexico border.
History
What historic sites in Tombstone did Wyatt Earp frequent during the Cowboy War?
Wyatt Earp spent time at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the Oriental Saloon, and the Birdcage Theatre—gathering spots where tensions between lawmen and Cowboys often flared before the famous gunfights.
O.K. Corral
Where is the O.K. Corral located, and what actually happened there?
The O.K. Corral was a livery on Allen Street, but the 1881 shootout took place in a narrow lot on Fremont Street. Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday confronted the Cowboys there, enforcing a weapons ordinance that sparked the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.”
Birdcage Theatre
What can I see at the Birdcage Theatre today?
The Birdcage Theatre is preserved as part of Tombstone’s historic district. Visitors can tour the original stage area, backstage rooms, and the basement poker room—where Doc Holliday and other lawmen once gambled.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
Is Big Nose Kate’s Saloon still open, and why was it significant?
Yes—Big Nose Kate’s Saloon still operates on Allen Street. Named for Mary “Big Nose” Kate Harony (Doc Holliday’s companion), it was a hotspot in 1881 where Cowboys and lawmen mingled, making it a center of conflict before the gunfight.
Courthouse Park
How do I visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park?
The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is one block north of Allen Street on Toughnut Street. Built in 1882, it served as Cochise County’s courthouse and now houses a museum with original jury boxes, sheriff’s offices, and artifacts.
Burials
Where are Wyatt Earp’s brothers buried, and can I see their graves?
Neither Morgan nor Virgil Earp is buried in Tombstone. However, Tom and Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton—killed in the O.K. Corral shootout—lie in Boothill Graveyard, a few blocks south of Allen Street.
Ordinance
What was the city ordinance that triggered the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral?
On April 19, 1881, Tombstone passed Ordinance #9 requiring anyone carrying a firearm to deposit weapons at a saloon or livery upon entering town. Virgil Earp enforced this, leading to the October 26, 1881 shootout.
Reenactments
Can I attend reenactments of the gunfight today?
Yes—Tombstone hosts free reenactments at the O.K. Corral Historic Complex multiple times daily. Actors in period costumes recreate the October 26, 1881 shootout for an immersive experience.
Walking Tour
What other attractions should I include on a Wyatt Earp–themed walking tour?
In addition to the O.K. Corral and Boothill Graveyard, visit the Oriental Saloon, the Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and the Rose Tree Museum (home of the world’s largest rosebush).
Events
When is Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone, and what happens?
Wyatt Earp Days takes place over Memorial Day weekend each year. Festivities include a parade, gunfight reenactments, stagecoach rides, live music, and author talks celebrating Tombstone’s frontier heritage.
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Tombstone is definitely one of our favorite Western movies and a classic. One of our family members heard we were visiting Arizona and told us that Tombstone was still an Old Wild West town to this day. We just had to visit and share this experience! This short below actually got over 1 Million Views on TikTok!!!
^^^ 4K #shorts Video | Tombstone’s Real Streets Where Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Made History
As you explore the same locations where these famous gunfighters walked, you might even recall Val Kilmer’s iconic line, ‘I’m your huckleberry,’ which still echoes through the dusty streets of this storied town. Whether you’re here for the historical landmarks or the cinematic connections, Tombstone offers an authentic glimpse into the past.
^^^ 4K Video | Tombstone Narrated Stagecoach Ride: Relive the Wild West in style!!
^^^ 4K #shorts Video | Tombstone Narrated Stagecoach Ride: Relive the Wild West in style!!
If you’ve watched “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War” on Netflix, you’ve seen some of Tombstone’s most famous sites—like the O.K. Corral, where the gunfight erupted, the Tombstone Courthouse, where justice was sought, and Boothill Graveyard, the final resting place for many of those who perished. But there’s more to the story than just these locations. See the top Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites below.
^^^ 4K Bird Cage Theatre Tombstone Arizona: Wild West Saloon of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday!
Tombstone’s Cultural Legacy: From the Big Screen to Netflix
Tombstone, Arizona, isn’t just a historical landmark — it’s a town that has been brought to life in some of the most memorable films and shows about the Wild West. One of our favorites, The 1993 classic Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, is widely regarded as one of the best westerns ever made.
Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday, especially his legendary line, ‘I’m your huckleberry,’ has become a hallmark of Western cinema. Fans of the movie can visit the actual locations in Tombstone, such as the O.K. Corral and Bird Cage Theatre, which played pivotal roles both in history and on screen.
But Tombstone’s cultural impact doesn’t stop there. The recent Netflix series Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War has introduced a new generation to the Wild West and the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. As visitors walk the same streets seen in these productions, they can imagine Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the infamous Cowboys facing off in the historic showdown that has been immortalized by both fact and fiction.
Key Events from the Show – Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites
Beyond the famous gunfights and trials, the conflict between Wyatt Earp, the Cowboys, and the lawmen grew in the saloons, gambling halls, and streets of Tombstone. It’s in places like Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the Oriental Saloon, and the Birdcage Theatre that these cowboys and lawmen crossed paths, exchanged words, and stoked the tensions that would eventually lead to the famous showdowns. These spots, where the feud took root and tempers flared, offer a glimpse into the social life of Tombstone and how these personal rivalries spilled into deadly violence.
Our tours not only take you to the iconic locations featured in the show but also to the lesser-known spots where this story truly began. See the Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites featured below.
O.K. Corral
At the heart of Tombstone’s story is the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This historic location was the site of the showdown between Wyatt Earp, his brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton-McLaury gang. This is hands down the most famous gunfight in all of the Wild West history. It is so interesting to be at the actual location where this shootout occured. The O.K. Corral gunfight in Tombstone is perhaps the most well-known of the Wyatt Earp Tombstone tours.
“Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War” brings this intense moment to life, but when you visit the real O.K. Corral, you can stand where history was made.
Daily reenactments let you witness the drama firsthand and experience the tension that led to one of the Wild West’s most famous events.
As part of our Tombstone Wyatt Earp historic locations tour, the O.K. Corral is a must-see.
Birdcage Theatre – Tombstone Arizona
The Birdcage Theatre may not have been featured in detail in the Netflix series, but it was a notorious hangout spot for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and many other figures of Tombstone. One of the more unique stops in your Wyatt Earp Cowboy War real locations tour is the Birdcage Theatre, known for its deadly encounters
This rowdy saloon, gambling hall, and theatre was known for its wild nights, and even today, the walls bear bullet holes from the chaos of its past. If you want to feel the true spirit of the Wild West, the Birdcage Theatre is a must-see. This is a true Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites, Wyatt played cards at the table shown below.
The Birdcage Theatre Tombstone history is filled with stories of gunfights and rowdy gamblers. Soon, we’ll be offering a full Birdcage Theatre Tour where you can explore the inside of this iconic building and hear the stories that made it legendary.
Tombstone Courthouse
After the gunfight, the Tombstone Courthouse became the center of legal battles that followed. The trial of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday for murder is depicted in “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War,” showing how the feud between the lawmen and the Cowboys spilled into the courtroom. As far as Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Sites, this one is a must-see, the grounds are now a museum.
Today, the Tombstone Courthouse is a museum where you can learn about the trial and other pivotal moments in Tombstone’s history.
The Vendetta Ride
One of the most dramatic moments in “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War” is the Vendetta Ride, where Wyatt Earp seeks revenge for the attacks on his family. Following the deaths of his brothers, Wyatt’s journey to track down those responsible became a defining moment in his legacy. This drive shows the terrain they rode through on this hunt for the cowboys, a Tombstone Wyatt Earp Historic Site.
Boothill Graveyard
Although it played a significant role in the aftermath of the gunfight, Boothill Graveyard is less of a focus for our tours. This historic cemetery is where many of the Cowboys, including the Clantons and McLaurys, were buried after the events at the O.K. Corral. It’s a sobering reminder of the violence that shaped Tombstone’s history. We passed by it during our drive in from Tucson, but we didn’t visit.
Earp vs. Clanton Feud
The feud between the Earp family and the Clanton gang is central to both the series and Tombstone’s history. The streets of Tombstone were filled with tension as these two sides battled for control, and on our walking tour, you’ll visit key locations where this feud unfolded. From the courthouse to the saloons where the Cowboys plotted their revenge, you’ll get a true sense of the chaos that defined Tombstone during this time.
Behind the Gunfight: The Saloons and Secrets of Tombstone
Tombstone is a living museum, offering countless ways to explore its storied past. Whether you’re looking to follow in Wyatt Earp’s footsteps or learn more about the lesser-known stories, there’s a tour for you.
Stagecoach Tour
Ride through Tombstone like Wyatt Earp once did in an authentic stagecoach tour. You’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the O.K. Corral, and the Tombstone Courthouse while hearing fascinating stories about the town’s wild history. It’s a unique way to experience the streets where Tombstone’s history was written.
Campbell & Hatch’s Saloon (1:20)
1:20 Campbell and Hatch’s Saloon Place where Morgan Earp was shot
This saloon is essential to understanding the Wyatt Earp vs Ike Clanton feud, where tensions boiled over into violence. This was the infamous saloon where Morgan Earp was shot and fatally wounded, a lesser-known yet crucial part of the Earp saga.
Now the Red Buffalo Trading Company, this site remains a chilling reminder of the violence that followed the O.K. Corral gunfight. In the Netflix series, the tension in Tombstone is palpable, and this saloon represents the dangerous atmosphere that the Earp family faced after the infamous shootout.
On our Tombstone stagecoach tour, we stop by Campbell & Hatch’s, where the famous ambush took place.
O.K. Corral (2:56)
2:56 O.K. Corral Gunfight Site
The O.K. Corral is undoubtedly the most famous location in Tombstone, where Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday faced off against the Clantons and McLaurys. The Netflix series vividly portrays the gunfight that forever changed the town, and when you visit the O.K. Corral today, you can witness reenactments and stand on the very spot where history unfolded.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (12:26)
12:26 Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon was not just another watering hole—it was a key social hub for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Cowboys. The saloon was a gathering place for lawmen and outlaws alike, and it played a significant role in the lead-up to the events at the O.K. Corral. In “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War,” locations like this were central to the social dynamics and confrontations that shaped Tombstone.
Birdcage Theatre (13:56)
13:56 The Birdcage Theatre (Original from 1881)
^^^ 4K Video | Tombstone’s Birdcage Theatre | Where Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Made History
The Birdcage Theatre was a notorious hotspot for gambling, drinking, and violence during Tombstone’s heyday. While the Netflix series may focus more on the public battles, the Birdcage was where many of these tensions spilled over. Frequented by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, this saloon and theatre was a center of the town’s wild nightlife, and today it still bears the scars of its rough past, with bullet holes in the walls. See the full Birdcage Theatre Tour 4K Video Above, where you can explore this legendary venue.
The Oriental Saloon (15:40)
15:40 The Oriental Saloon
The Oriental Saloon was one of the most important saloons in Tombstone, where Doc Holliday famously dealt cards. The saloon was the backdrop for many heated encounters between the Cowboys and lawmen. Wyatt Earp often spent time here, and the tensions brewing in places like the Oriental led to the fateful confrontation at the O.K. Corral.
The Crystal Palace (15:57)
15:57 The Crystal Palace
A grand and refined establishment, the Crystal Palace was one of the most popular spots in Tombstone. Known for its elegant atmosphere, this saloon was frequented by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other prominent figures. The series touches on how these saloons were more than just places to drink—they were central to the power struggles playing out in Tombstone. Visiting the Crystal Palace today offers a glimpse into the more refined side of Tombstone’s rowdy past.
Longhorn Restaurant (formerly the Bucket of Blood) (13:15)
13:15 Longhorn Restaurant Branding Iron formerly Bucket of Blood
The Longhorn Restaurant was once the site of the infamous Bucket of Blood Saloon in Wyatt Earp Cowboy War history. This saloon earned its name from the violence that regularly erupted inside. Now the Longhorn Restaurant, this location is another key part of Tombstone’s notorious history, where lawmen and outlaws would often cross paths.
The night of December 28, 1881, marked a significant escalation in the feud between the Earps and the Cowboys. As Virgil Earp, the Tombstone City Marshal, stepped out of the Crystal Palace Saloon, shots rang out from across Allen Street. Some reports suggest that the shots may have come from the roof or balcony of the nearby Bucket of Blood Saloon, now the Longhorn Restaurant. This ambush, believed to have involved members of the Cowboys, including Ike Clanton, left Virgil gravely injured, with his arm shattered by buckshot.
Despite the severity of the injury, Virgil survived, but the attack further intensified the ongoing feud between the Earps and the Cowboys, which had already reached a boiling point after the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This event set the stage for Wyatt Earp’s Vendetta Ride, a campaign of revenge against those who had harmed his family
The Netflix series hints at how these places were breeding grounds for the conflicts that eventually erupted into full-blown gunfights.
Our Tombstone Tours
Stagecoach Tour
^^^ 4K Video | Wild West Stagecoach Ride on Tombstone’s Real Historic Streets
Ride through Tombstone like Wyatt Earp once did in an authentic stagecoach tour. You’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the O.K. Corral, and the Tombstone Courthouse while hearing fascinating stories about the town’s wild history. It’s a unique way to experience the streets where Tombstone’s history was written.
Walking Tour
Take a walk through the real Tombstone, Arizona, where legends like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday once roamed! Fans of the 1993 film Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, as well as the recent Netflix series Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War, will recognize this historic town, which has been immortalized by both Hollywood and history.
^^^ 4K Video | Tombstone’s Real Streets Where Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Made History
Explore iconic sites such as the O.K. Corral and Bird Cage Theatre, the very locations that shaped the Wild West and inspired these legendary portrayals on screen. #tombstone #arizona #wildwest #oldwest And for those who love Val Kilmer’s iconic portrayal of Doc Holliday, this walking tour takes you to the real streets of Tombstone, where you might just hear echoes of Doc’s famous line, ‘I’m your huckleberry,’ as you walk in the footsteps of these legendary figures.
For a closer look at Tombstone’s past, our walking tour brings you face-to-face with the streets where Wyatt Earp and the Clantons once roamed. Visit key sites featured in “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War,” and hear stories about the feuds, the gunfights, and the trials that made Tombstone famous.
Birdcage Theatre Full Tour
^^^ 4K Video | Tombstone’s Birdcage Theatre | Where Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday Made History
The Birdcage Theatre was the epicenter of Tombstone’s nightlife during the 1880s. Known for its wild parties, gambling, and even gunfights, it was where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday spent many nights. Come explore this historic building on our full Birdcage Theatre Tour, which dives into its history and the untold stories of the rowdy Old West.
Driving Tour
^^^ 4K Video | Tucson to Tomstone Road Trip Drive
Our driving tour takes you beyond Tombstone’s town center, tracing the path of Wyatt Earp’s Vendetta Ride. Visit key locations from the series and learn about Wyatt’s journey for justice.
Conclusion
If you’re captivated by Tombstone’s Wild West history, there’s even more waiting for you! Dive deeper into the frontier life by exploring other iconic Wild West towns with us. From the streets of Tombstone where legends like Wyatt Earp once walked, to the rich history of Virginia City and the scenic beauty of Truckee, our travel guides and videos offer a journey back in time, full of stories, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
All Arizona Videos by Sandtastic Travels! –
^^^ 4K Video | All Arizona Videos Playlist by Sandtastic Travels
