The popularity of Tombstone today rests solely on the story of the most famous ‘old west’ shootout between the Earps, the Clantons, and the McLaureys...the ‘Gunfight at the OK Corral’.  At the time, Virgil Earp was the sheriff in town and had mandated that all weapons be surrendered within the city limits.  Virgil enlisted the support of his brothers, Morgan, and Wyatt Earp along with Doc Holliday to confront the Clantons and the McLareys, thought to be local ‘cow-boy’ cattle thieves.  Of course there are two sides to every story..but the notorious shoot out did take place and became the little bit of history that has kept Tombstone alive and on the top of the list for tourist attractions in Arizona.  A lot less well known among most tourists is that the two silver mines, the Toughnut and the  Good Enough  in Tombstone provided over 1.5 billion dollars in silver.   Tombstone is an Arizona town that visitors to this part of the southwest should make every effort to visit.  Tombstone was unlike any other early mining town in that it had its fair share of conflagrations, saloons, gambling dens, miners, and ‘bordello ladies’.  The important thing about Tombstone is that it has kept the appearance of an early ‘old west’ town offering visitors a real look into the way things used to be in the old west.  Most likely the most authentic attraction in Tombstone besides the historical courthouse is the Bird Cage Theatre originally named the Elite Theatre Opera House.  Although there were entertainers on stage  the real performers were prostitutes who entertained their customers in draped cages hung from the ceilings!  The attractions in Tombstone can pretty much be seen in half a day which leaves time to take a ride out to the Kartchner Caverns.  Another interesting attraction not far from Tombstone is Gammon’s Gulch, an active old western town movie set.  Make sure you visit their link to the right to see if they aren’t closed for filming.  Bisbee is not far from Tombstone and for that matter neither is the border town of Agua Prieta near Douglas Arizona.  Hey!  Have a Safe Ride  and Enjoy your trip !      ReggaeRider