Day 108 – From Tombstone to Tucson

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Day 108 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Aside from visiting Tombstone, today was mostly a travel and blog day.  Petey and I left Las Cruces and headed toward Tucson to stay with my Aunt Diane and Uncle Mike for a few days.  On the way, we were greeted by signs such as “Caution, Dust Storms May Exist” and “Zero Visibility Possible”.  I was thankful for a sunny day (and so was Zoe).  She ran along this part of the highway a few days ago!

Tombstone

Before we reached Tucson, per my step-dad’s recommendation, we took one detour to Tombstone toward the Mexico border.  The best way to describe Tombstone’s history is to copy it straight from the City’s website:

“The Town too Tough to Die,” Tombstone was perhaps the most renowned of Arizona’s old mining camps. When Ed Schieffelin (SHEF·e·lin) came to Camp Huachuca (hwah·CHEW·kuh) with a party of soldiers and left the fort to prospect, his comrades told him that he’d find his tombstone rather than silver. Thus, in 1877 Schieffelin named his first claim the Tombstone, and rumors of rich strikes made a boomtown of the settlement that adopted this name.

Days of lawlessness and violence, which nearly had then-President Chester A. Arthur declaring martial law in Tombstone and sending in military troops to restore order, climaxed with the infamous Earp-Clanton battle, fought near the rear entrance of the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. Over the course of 7 years, the mines produced millions of dollars in silver and gold before rising underground waters forced suspension of operations.

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Schieffelin

After cashing in on the Arizona bonanza, Ed Schieffelin went back to the mining life he knew so well. He prospected in Alaska in 1882, and later in the Pacific Northwest.

Schieffelin died in Grant County, Oregon, on May 14, 1897, at the age of 49. At his request, he was returned to Tombstone for burial nine days after his death. He was afforded a grand funeral at Schieffelin Hall and was laid to rest on a hillside about a mile from town (beneath a marker in the shape of a miner’s claim).

From Mining to Tourism

During World War I, Tombstone was a major producer of manganese for the government. In World War II, Tombstone was extracting lead for the cause. After both conflicts, Tombstone faded into obscurity, just to be resurrected at a later time. The citizenry of Tombstone decided rather than depending on a vanishing mining industry, they would focus their time and energy on tourism and restoration. Good call!

Historic Buildings

Many of Tombstone’s historic buildings are within an area bounded by Fremont, 6th, Toughnut and 3rd Streets. Among them are St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1882; the Crystal Palace Saloon, one of the most luxurious saloons in the West; and the Tombstone Epitaph building, where the oldest continuously published paper in Arizona is still being printed. The Tombstone Epitaph building features Western printing history exhibits that are free to the public.

Truly a Historical American Landmark, Tombstone is America’s best example of our 1880 western heritage, which is well preserved with original 1880s buildings and artifacts featured in numerous museums. The town is complete with a trolley, stage coaches and cowboys that Petey wasn’t too sure about. 

Tucson

After a short visit, we started northwest toward Tucson again and had to stop at Border Patrol.  I think this is the fourth time I’ve stopped at Border Patrol;  once in Texas, twice in New Mexico, and once in Arizona.  The stations are set up several miles from the border on all the main highways. 

As I approached the station, I followed the posted signs:  NO PASSING, Speed Limit: 55, 45, 35. As I’m slowing, Cowboy Bob or Vaquero Paco (I didn’t get a good look), in his oxidized, gold Buick, crossed the double yellow lines and passed me at 60, just to stop at the station.  Nutty!

Well, as usual, the Border Patrol said hello and passed me through.  I spent the late afternoon and evening with my aunt and uncle just catching up.  We walked Petey along the wash behind their home and enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal! ETB

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Map of My Road Trip Across the USA

For a summary about my road trip across the USA, click HERE. For the interactive map, see the below link.

Shop

Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop.  Each card has a travel story associated with it.  20% of proceeds are donated to charity.

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