 | ||
|
|
Welcome to the Grand Canyon State!
One of the Seven Wonders of the World exists here among our lush landscapes, crystal-clear water and breathtaking mountain peaks. From small communities to one of the fastest growing cities in North America, Arizona offers travelers amazing sights, adventure, and you will find many open arms and hearts to the GLBT community. We want you to enjoy Arizona and much as we love living here ! Please follow these simple safety tips. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER:Arizona is in the desert and with our dry and hot climate drinking of plenty of water helps from prevention dehydration WEAR SUN SCREEN:Arizona is the skin cancer capital of the world ! With over 320 days of sunshine, sun screen is a must to protect your young looking skin. Time ZoneThe State of Arizona is located in the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST). Arizona is one of only two U.S. states that does not make an adjustment for Daylight Savings Time, and during the months of April through October, Arizona time mirrors Pacific Daylight Time. Arizona Facts
State flower — Saguaro cactus blossom
Northern Arizona: Jerome | Sedona | Flaggstaff | Prescott
Northern ArizonaJEROME"America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America". 
Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899. Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920's. The Depression of the 1930's slowed the mining operation and the claim went to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II brought increased demand for copper, but after the war, demand slowed. Dependant on the copper market, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist community with a population of about 450. Jerome sits above what was the largest copper mine in Arizona and produced an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month. Men and women from all over the world made their way to Arizona to find work and maybe a new way of life. Today the mines are silent, and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America. Jerome's personality has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. Once a thriving mining camp between the late-1880s and early 1950s, Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 450. It includes a modicum of artists, craft people, musicians, writers, hermits, bed and breakfast owners, museum caretakers, gift shop proprietors and fallen-down-building landlords. What is the Town of Jerome like today? Is it worth your time to visit? The answer is a resounding yes! Jerome is an enchanting town, and a photographer's paradise. From its external appearances it hasn't changed much in nearly 100 years. Many of the buildings used by present-day business folks are those built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. A number of the buildings have been restored and more are planned for restoration. Due to the 30-degree incline of the mountainside, gravity has pulled a number of buildings down the slope. To the delight of some, one of those buildings was the town's jail. Those buildings still standing make for interesting visiting and with a little research you can find their historical significance. One notable section is the "Cribs District." You will find this area across the street from the English Kitchen, in a back alley where all the buildings were are part of Jerome's ill-famed "prostitution row." How gay is Jerome? Out In Jerome is held every third Saturday of the month. In addition to events that will be hosted during this time, the citizens, both gay and gay friendly, invite you to just come spend the day in Jerome and enjoy our wonderful community. Here you will find fine art, dining, lodging and more. To find out what is happening, click here. There is never a lack of things to do while visiting Jerome. After spending time in our town, you can visit other places around Northern Arizona such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the various National Monuments, great swimming holes and more. Just ask the locals for the inside scoop and you will certainly not be disappointed. Because a large part of Jerome has gay owned businesses, artists, citizens and such, it makes for a comfortable place for gays, both in couples and single, to hang out. Out In Jerome is a new concept and is growing monthly.
SEDONA
Red Rock Country is a four-seasons playground for everyone — for history, geology, archaeology, art and sports buffs, and especially for curious, outdoor enthusiasts who love spectacular scenery. For couples, Sedona has become well-known as a premier wedding destination and for those seeking personal enrichment, Sedona's world-wide reputation as a spiritual mecca and global power spot has drawn some of the most amazing healers, intuitives, artists and spiritual guides now on the planet. Sedona is situated in a unique geological area that has mesmerized tourists for decades. Indeed, this picturesque city is surrounded by beloved red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Bell even Snoopy because their massive shapes resemble these distinctive objects. Also, the site of this memorable city marks the mouth of unbelievably beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking chasm that even today, is wildly wonderful. Towering high above Sedona and its hallmark canyon is the geologically dominating Mogollon Rim, formed from ancient deposits of limestone, mudstone and sandstone when this area was the west coast of a still-emerging continent. This awesome rim, which constitutes the southwestern boundary of the vast Colorado Plateau, is home to the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pine in the world and imagine, the enormous plateau extends into parts of five other states. The collection of Sedona's impressive, natural endowments also includes the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which essentially engulfs this city and encompasses seven intriguing wilderness areas. Obviously, the list of sightseeing and recreational amenities, including state parks and national monuments, is extensive. In fact, it hardly is a surprise that the winding road through Oak Creek Canyon not only is Arizona's first officially designated scenic highway, it is the first leg of a day trip to one of the world's great wonders, nearby Grand Canyon. Despite this land's myriad geological features, however, many tourists relate Sedona's exceptional charm to the fact that visitors conveniently can spend a day hiking, horseback riding, or bouncing in a Jeep on trails and dirt roads that crisscross this area, and then enjoy the comfort of deluxe hotels, country inns and prestigious resorts at night. Indeed, this is the paradox and enchantment of Sedona: luxurious resorts and bed and breakfasts, unique shops, impressive art galleries and fine restaurants nestled in an unusually rugged canyon surrounded by an expansive national forest. For more information on Gay Sedona go to www.gaysedona.com.
FLAGGSTAFF
All the Vacation You Can Imagine "Down the road" from one of the world's most impressive natural wonders, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is the ideal home base from which to spend several days exploring our exciting region. There are many good reasons for this. The Grand Canyon is Flagstaff's most famous nearby wonder, but certainly not the only one. Many other no less remarkable wonders surround Flagstaff: Among them are the red rocks of Sedona, Meteor Crater, the San Francisco Peaks, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Wupatki ruins, Sunset Crater, and numerous Native American communities. Enjoyed for its cool summer weather, Flagstaff is also an exciting urban center that abounds with dining, shopping and nightlife opportunities, a unique arts and crafts scene, and a wide selection of quality hotels and inns. A Destination for All Seasons Flagstaff is a special place, combining a modern sense of discovery with a strong Western legacy echoing the days of our region's pioneer ranchers, railroad builders and lumbermen. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to our clean mountain air, year-round recreation, forest paths, lively entertainment scene, and 1890s charm. Some of the West's most beautiful country surrounds Flagstaff, from the alpine forests of our San Francisco Peaks to the rugged deserts of nearby Native American nations. The Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Meteor Crater, and many archaeological sites are all within easy driving distance. Flagstaff also boasts Lowell Observatory, the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, Pioneer Historical Museum, Riordan Mansion, and genuine Route 66 nostalgia.
PRESCOTT
Prescott is located in the cool pines of northern Arizona and is the hub for several scenic loop tour drives and day trips to northern Arizona's treasures. While in Prescott spend a few days exploring Arizona's first territorial capital. A historic walking tour of downtown Prescott will take you on a journey through time. Shopping, dining and entertainment are plentiful along Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott. Three museums, Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Museum, and Smoki Museum, boast informative exhibits on Arizona's territorial history and native cultures. Over 450 miles of recreational trails wind through the Prescott National Forest offering enjoyment for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Be sure to pack your golf clubs because Prescott has five public courses to choose from. Stay in one of Prescott's historic hotels, inns or bed and breakfasts
The GLBT community in Prescott:
RIM COUNTRYPAYSON, PINE, STRAWBERRY, CHRISTOPHER CREEK
Arizona's Rim Country is blessed with endless views, absolutely pure air and the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world. Four distinct seasons offer you and your family the chance to watch winter fade into bountiful flowers of spring, enjoy the refreshing cool breezes of summer, photograph the blazing colors of fall and look forward to the snowfalls of winter. Everyone is welcomed at the official visitor center. Located on the west side of highway 87 and Main Street, the visitor center is dedicated to assisting you with your questions. Knowledgeable volunteers and staff will make sure you have guides, maps, information sheets and Chamber member brochures to make your visit to Arizona's Rim Country more memorable. We are for the birds — thousands and thousands of them. We have bald eagles that nest in the area and sail around our town lakes looking for trout. Migratory Canada geese, coots, pintails, mallards, and many other ducks abound in the cooler months. Throughout the year we have a few dozen of kindly farm ducks that beg for grain. Bring the kids and don't forget the camera. Do you want to know where Zane Grey lived or how you can buy some of his books? What about a creek with trout or a lake with boats that you can rent? Ever wonder where you could go see some Indian ruins or see how archeology is performed? How about the easiest route to the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, the new Mormon Temple or to view some American bison? Ask our terrific volunteers. They know everything or know where to look it up.
KINGMAN
In October 1857, Lt. Edward Fitzgerald Beale and his experimental Camel Corps trudged across the present site of Kingman, Arizona surveying a wagon road along the 35th parallel. After the first travelers encountered hostile Indians in the area, Fort Mojave was established on the Colorado River. Off-duty soldiers scouted the hills and found gold and silver. Mining camps sprang up in the years to come and in the early 1870's cattle were driven in to take advantage of the lush grasses. Located in a natural basin, surrounded by basaltic hills it is ironic that Kingman was not established as a mining town but as a railroad town. Today Kingman and the surrounding area has a population of about 40,000 people and is currently experiencing a growth rate of about 6% annually. Kingman has a highly rated hospital and several medical facilities as well as major shopping areas(with more being added). The public school system offers several elementary schools, a junior high school, two high school campuses and there are also charter schools in the area. Post-secondary education is provided by Mohave Community College and a branch of Northern Arizona University. Kingman is a site for industry with the Kingman Airport Industrial Park and other industrial sites located off of Interstate 40 just south of Kingman. Recreational opportunities include golf courses, parks and trail systems. The Hualapai, Cerbat and Black mountains that surround Kingman offer numerous recreational opportunities. Mohave County boasts 1,000 miles of shoreline on the Colorado River, which includes Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, and Lake Mohave. These areas provide fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports. Fourteen miles southeast of Kingman is beautiful Hualapai Mountain Park, which is at an elevation of 6,700 feet. Offered there is overnight camping, picnicking, hiking and other activities. There is much history in Kingman to know and view at such museums at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, Locomotive Park, and the Famous Route 66 Museum. Near Kingman there are ghost towns and old mining town sites including Oatman and Chloride. These places are interesting to visit and they help preserve the heritage of the area.
CENTRAL ARIZONAPHOENIX METRO AREA
No matter what time of year you visit Greater Phoenix, you'll find plenty of things to see and do. More than 325 days of annual sunshine mean you can count on exceptional weather as you experience the rich diversity of our Sonoran Desert playground. Our near-perfect weather goes hand-in-hand with exciting recreation and adventure activities, which are enjoyed year-round. Experience a wide range of tours and sightseeing excursions, whether by Jeep or hot-air balloon, on horseback, or even by boat. Of course, golf is one of the most popular outdoor activities, as Greater Phoenix provides more than 200 pristine courses. More than three dozen luxurious resorts are scattered throughout the Valley, many of which provide spectacular spas that offer special treatments native to Arizona. Visitors also take pleasure in an exceptional dining scene, which features everything from savory steaks to exquisite Southwestern fare. Then, once you're full, take advantage of the area's dynamic nightlife. 
Thanks to several major projects and developments in Downtown Phoenix — Copper Square, the area is brimming with energy and excitement. Arts and performances flourish throughout the metro area, and in terms of sporting events, Phoenix is a sport's lover's dream. Passionate shoppers will find a cornucopia of fabulous malls, unique boutiques and antique shops in which to indulge. Upon arriving in Greater Phoenix, visitors quickly discover a few of the hallmarks that make this region a premier destination — near-perfect weather, ease of transportation and genuine hospitality. The average high in Greater Phoenix is 85 degrees and with more than 325 days of sunshine per year, smiles are wide and spirits are high. From the moment you touch down at Sky Harbor International Airport, the outdoors beckon the adventurer in you. Located just three miles from downtown Phoenix and less than a half an hour from most popular resorts and attractions, Sky Harbor also provides efficient service that will help make your travels seamless. Greater Phoenix is a growing metropolis that maintains a laid-back personality, where friendly people are in the majority, and where superior service is to be expected. Phoenix, which covers 514 square miles, is the fifth-largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.42 million people (Source: City of Phoenix).
WEST COAST ARIZONA (The Colorado River cities)BULLHEAD CITY
Bullhead City is located in Arizona's west-central Mohave County, on the east bank of the Colorado River near the juncture of Arizona, California and Nevada. It is the sister city to the popular gaming community of Laughlin, Nevada. Bullhead City serves as the economic hub and retail-shopping center for Western Mohave County and Southeastern Clark County, Nevada. More than 5 million people travel through Bullhead City annually. The year-round sunshine makes it perfect for families, retirees and vacationers — whether they are looking to escape the winter cold or want to enjoy the area's vast summer water recreation opportunities. LAKE HAVASU CITY
Home to the world-famous London Bridge There is an ecological utopia in Arizona, and it is Lake Havasu. For travelers seeking unpredictable, rugged desert freedom, Lake Havasu City — nestled amidst craggy desert peaks on the Colorado River in northwest Arizona — represents a rare segment of quiet, jaw-dropping scenery. Admirers of the outdoors will appreciate this region's stark beauty, embodied within the spectacular convergence of Lake Havasu's desert ecology, 450 miles of breathtaking shoreline and sparkling waters. Lacking crowds and swarming tourists, this small town offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the drama of a desert habitat — offering everything from hiking and jeep tours to bird watching and exploring hidden trails with Indian petroglyphs. Warm, dry air, rich animal life, and good fishing, hiking and camping attract travelers every summer. But even with an influx of outdoor enthusiasts every season, solitude in a pristine cove or on a lonely hiking trail is readily accessible. An essential part of playing in Lake Havasu City is planning at least a few hours on its most apparent showpiece — Lake Havasu. Internationally known as the "Personal Watercraft Capital of the World," Lake Havasu offers virtually every form of water-related activity. Bring your watercraft toys or rent a boat or jetski for the day. Or if you prefer, take a cruise on an authentic paddlewheel boat and see firsthand why Lake Havasu is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world. After your lake experience shop for trinkets and treasures in the authentic English Village, right under the world famous London Bridge. Dozens of restaurants offering a wide variety of menus await your arrival. Shopping, dining, or just relaxing in the warm desert sun, Lake Havasu has something to offer for everyone!
SOUTHERN ARIZONATUCSON METRO AREA
Tucson (TOO-sahn) is a growing metropolis of 900,000 that keeps getting better and better. The city's geography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills, and craggy mountains. National and State Parks and Forests ring the city. Tucson lies in the borderland, a region that blends the cultures of the United States and Mexico, and has a long history of settlement by ancient Native American peoples, Spanish explorers, and Anglo frontiersmen. The weather is mild nearly all the time, just right for all kinds of fun activities. Convention CenterThe Tucson Convention Center is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Tucson and is the home of many events, cultural activities and conventions throughout the year (260 S. Church Ave., 791-4101 or 791-4266). Desert Life
The Sonoran Desert is a fragile ecosystem teeming with a variety of plant and animal species that depend on each other for survival; and law protects many of them. Please leave the desert just as you find it. Purchase cactus and other native plants at Tucson's established desert gardens or cactus nurseries. DressTucsonans take a relaxed approach to dress, and casual clothing is acceptable for most occasions. Summer wear includes wide-brim hats, sunglasses and lightweight fabrics. In the warmer months, indoor air conditioning can get chilly for some, so be prepared with a lightweight jacket or sweater. Sun screen to protect the skin is recommended year-round. In the winter, a lightweight coat or jacket will usually suffice, unless you're planning to visit higher mountain areas where colder temperatures and snow are possible. Tucson Visitor CenterMake your first stop the Tucson Visitor Center located in colorful La Placita Village within walking distance of the Tucson Convention Center and most of the historic downtown area. Hours are: Monday-Friday 9a.m.-5p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9a.m.-4p.m. Call 1-800-638-8350. Our mailing address is 100 S. Church Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85701. Downtown Tucson
Downtown Tucson is the historic and cultural heart of the Old Pueblo, with ten nearby historic districts, the Arts District, professional theater, opera, ballet and symphony. Downtown's landmarks include the old Pima County Courthouse, St. Augustine Cathedral, the Charles O. Brown House, Hotel Congress, and two historic train depots. With unique shopping, great restaurants, vintage theaters, bed-and-breakfasts, exciting nightlife, and eclectic architecture, Downtown has great places to explore and enjoy. Downtown Tucson has been a focus of history for centuries. It lies directly on the longest continuously inhabited site in the U.S. The earliest documented residents are the mysterious Hohokam, a tribe that vanished hundreds of years ago. The area has seen Spanish Conquistadors and missionaries, Mexican and U.S. armies, Wild West legends, and modern heroes and villains. Come explore the centuries concentrated in Downtown Tucson. Please note the following cities are a very short distance to MEXICO. If you plan to visit Mexico from these cities Please read the following to prepare for your visit. For U.S. citizens, passports are NOT required for visits less than 72 hours and within 75 miles of the border. Passports will be required starting January 2008. YUMAYuma is nestled in the Yuma and Gila valleys of southern Arizona, offering a climate that blends pleasant desert sunshine with the cool waters of the Colorado River. Our clean air affords residents and visitors alike a year round vista of surrounding rugged mountains. Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in the United States, no wonder many of the people who visit our community one day return to raise a family, retire in comfort, or simply take advantage of being part of one of America's fastest growing cities. We put out our welcome mat every day. Mild winters and temperate summers make Yuma an ideal destination for all your vacation needs. We offer a variety of recreational activities and cultural attractions. Enjoy our soothing waters or lush golf courses, our diverse selection of restaurants & shopping boutiques and our natural wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
SANTA CRUZ VALLEYThe Santa Cruz Region Takes Flight "As the Birds Fly South" Chicago has its cows, Philadelphia has a fish and Santa Fe has their ponies. The Santa Cruz Valley in southern Arizona has birds! That's the focus of a new program called As the Birds Fly South that celebrates and preserves the Santa Cruz Valley natural, historical and cultural resources and marks these treasures through a series of unique public art bird sculptures. For more info on Bird watching visit www.birdingamerica.com/images/arizona/anzaattubac.htm.
TUBACScenic high desert vistas surround Tubac, and the village enjoys a year-around economy that benefits from summer temperatures notably cooler that Tucson or Phoenix. More than ninety businesses now line Tubac's meandering streets, and a full day can be enjoyed wandering through the numerous art galleries, working studios and gift shops. The Tubac Center of the Arts provides a full range of arts programming, and seasonal exhibitions should not be missed. A variety of locally owned restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner, and our marvelous bed & breakfasts mean that your visit to Tubac doesn't have to end when the shops close! BISBEE
Bisbee, 90 miles southeast of Tucson and nestled amongst the Mule Mountains, is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County. The community was founded in 1880 and named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine. Once known as "the Queen of the Copper Camps", this Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper, not to mention the silver, lead and zinc that came from these rich Mule Mountains. By the early 1900s, the Bisbee community was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Bisbee, with a population of over 20,000 people in the early 1900's, had become one of the most cultured cities in the Southwest. Despite its culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and shady ladies. Brewery Gulch, which in its heyday boasted upwards of 47 saloons and was considered the "liveliest spot between El Paso and San Francisco". Bisbee offered other recreational pursuits in that it was home to the state's first community library, a popular opera house, the state's oldest ball fields and the state's first golf course. In 1908, a fire ravaged most of Bisbee's commercial district along Main Street, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes, but the residents of Bisbee quickly began reconstruction and by 1910, most of the district had been rebuilt and remains completely intact today. Bisbee was a thriving community until the large scale mining operations became unprofitable in the mid 1970's. As mining employees left to go elsewhere, many artistic free spirits found Bisbee an ideal, attractive, and inexpensive location to settle and pursue their artistic endeavors. The small town's legacy has long been preserved not only in its architecture and mining landscape, but is world-renowned for its diverse minerals and wealth of copper. Although its mines closed in the 70s, a museum has welcomed, educated and entertained more than a half-million visitors ever since. Featured among its exhibits is "Bisbee: Urban Outpost on the Frontier", an in-depth look at the depths — and heights — to which miners and settlers went to carve a community and a living out of rock. Today Bisbee has evolved into an attractive artist colony and retirement community, known for its relaxed quality of life. Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm... an uncommon blend of creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure — all wrapped in the splendor of the Old West. To stop in Bisbee is to stop in time. Nestled in the mile-high Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, Bisbee has maintained an Old World charm seldom found anywhere in the United States. The fine collection of well-preserved turn of the century Victorian structures are full of old west history and copper mining lore. Old miners' boarding houses have been refurbished into many charming small bed and breakfast establishments, of which no two are alike. Former saloons are now quaint shops, antique stores or art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Come stay in Bisbee. Stroll its sidewalks and find delight in the many art galleries, gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, book stores and specialty shops. Visit the charmingly restored neighborhoods of Victorian and European-style homes perched miraculously on the hillsides. Unwind...relax...and find soothing respite from your everyday world. The most popular activity in Bisbee is the Queen Mine Tour, a trip down into the now inactive copper mine. Bisbee's Queen Mine was once one of the richest copper mines in history when the mine originally opened in 1877. The mine eventually closed when mining operations were discontinued in Bisbee in the mid—1970's. The Queen Mine opened once again as a tour for visitors in 1976, nearly 100 years after the mine originally opened. Visitors don yellow slickers, hard hats, and miner's lanterns as they descent on the mine train deep into the mine and experience the life of miners as they toiled in the subterranean tunnels. A must for history buffs is a visit to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, the West's first rural Smithsonian Institute affiliate. At the museum, visitors learn more about life on Bisbee's "Urban Frontier". Also a stop at the historic Muheim House is important for an outstanding example of 19th century architecture and elegance. How gay is Bisbee? Bisbee is estimated to be 60% GLBT and had there 2nd Annual Pride event in June of 2006. The whole Bisbee community is very accepting of the GLBT community as there are no gay bars but the 4 bars in Bisbee all are welcome and if you like that man or woman and want to kiss in front of straight people ? Go on ahead, they might give you pointers on being a better kisser. For more info go to www.bisbeepride.com. TOMBSTONE
"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. 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. He was laid to rest on a hillside about a mile from town (beneath a marker in the shape of a miner's claim). 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! 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. Western printing history exhibits in the front office 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 1880's buildings and artifacts featured in numerous museums. For more information about Arizona, visit www.arizonaguide.com.
| 
|
Home | About Arizona | Directory | Resources | Attractions | Accommodations | Dining | Nightlife | Wedding | Classifieds | Relocation