If tourists truly want to see Tombstone, you need to visit Ringo’s Grave, too. It’s a must-see.
A lonely place, dark and sullen under a giant five-stemmed blackjack oak. You might not believe in Old West lore, but you are heedful when you approach it.

It’s the place where John Ringo died. The tree where he supposedly shot himself in the head with his Colt .45, ending an apparently troubled life.

In front of the tree on the west side of Turkey Creek near the Chiricahua Mountain foothills is a body-length cairn with a scratch-worded epitaph:

“The remains of this noted gunman and outlaw lie here . . . A coroner’s jury reported the death to be suicide, and Ringo was buried on the spot. There were others who viewed the body and maintained that the July 13, 1882 death of Ringo was murder.”

Ringo the legend has had more extravagant claims about him than Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill combined, writes author Jack Burrows in “John Ringo: The Gunfighter Who Never Was.”

There is a feeling he was “a coward and a backshooter,” Duhanich says. “But he did stand up to Doc Holliday.”

Area newspapers, including those in Tucson, bought the Ringo myth of him being a deadly gunslinger, but the closest he apparently came to killing anyone was when he got mad at a guy in a Safford bar who declined his offer of whiskey for a beer. Ringo shot him point-blank, but hit only his ear.

His judged suicide may be the most compelling story. He was cradled in the tree, the rifle placed carefully against it, boots hanging nearby on his saddle. And he was partially scalped.

One rumor was Wyatt Earp was after him. But the close range angle of the bullet to the right temple clearly indicated the wound was self-inflicted.

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Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Landmark Lookout Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Great Hot breakfast plenty to eat. Very quiet facility also very clean"

Katie's Cozy Cabins

10/10 Excellent

"I loved staying here! The cabin was clean and had everything I possibly needed (toiletries, dishes, soap, appliances, TV with movies). The bed was comfortable (and for someone who had back surgery less than a year ago, that's saying a lot). Check in was easy and no contact. They provided guest guide once I got in my cabin and it had all the information I needed. It was in a good location, close to Allen Street but enough of a distance that it was quiet and peaceful. Nice public area outside (benches, BBQ) and was a great space for my dog. I had a few text conversations with the owner and she was super friendly and super helpful. I definitely would stay here again and I definitely recommend it!"

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Pearce Ranches information

Number of reviews	1,001
Accommodation	1 Ranches
Lowest Price	$255
Highest Price	$255

Ranches in Pearce

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Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch

Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Landmark Lookout Lodge

Trail Rider's Inn

WELCOME TO VIGILANTE INN

Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

Inn History Tombstone

Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch

Tombstone San Jose House

Stampede RV Resort

Katie's Cozy Cabins

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