It was an easy drive today from Phoenix to Tombstone, AZ. No wind, and not a lot of traffic.
We arrived at Tombstone about 30 miles south of I-10 a little way east of Tucson around 3:30 pm. It is a small historical silver mining boom town founded in the late 19th Century. The town was formed in 1879 and featured the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral with Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and others. The town is now a tourist destination with gunfight reenactments 3 times a day, 7 days a week, period shops, western theme saloons and restaurants. Also featured are nightly ghost tours, museums, mine shaft tours, and a cowboy zip line. Truly something for everyone. The core downtown district is closed to vehicles and includes 3 blocks on each side of the major town street.
We decided to go into town for dinner. (The RV park where are staying is 2 miles north of town). We went to Big Nose Kate's Saloon and Restaurant. It is on the site of the old Grand Hotel, once considered one of the largest and elegant hotels in the area. It is now the center of attraction in the town for drinking and dining, heavily decorated in the period style.
Tombstone, in 1881 was a true boom town. It had a population of around 5,000 inhabitants, supported 110 saloons and 14, 24- hour gambling halls. Big Nose Kate was allegedly one of the first female "entertainers" in Tombstone and reportedly established a great professional relationship with many of the miners and fortune seekers. Some also say she was also Doc Holliday's girlfriend.
We had a great meal, enjoyed the ambiance and returned to the RV for the evening.
Our plan was to stay 2 nights, but based on a high wind forecast enroute to Las Cruces, NM on Wednesday, we decided to stay another night and leave here on Thursday.
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