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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Cabin Rentals in Pearce

"Beautiful cabin in theme for the location. Great stay thanks "

$129 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total includes taxes and fees

"Great little place! It is small but Would definitely come back! Thank you Stampede and Tombstone for your hospitality!"

$99 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

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"Awesome place!!!"

$188 nightly

Aug 16 - Aug 17

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"It was in a great location and very clean!"

$190 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

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"Great place to unwind with friends after hitting the jeep trails for some 4 wheeling fun. The cabins are within walking distance of Tombstone and great places to eat."

$207 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total includes taxes and fees

"Nice stopover on motorcycle trip. Room was just as advertized. "

$187 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

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"Bed was amazing. Room was pretty. We really enjoyed our stay. I do have a suggestion: they need a notbook and pen in the room for guest to write their adventures in or leave thank you notes."

$189 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total includes taxes and fees

"Absolutely loved this place!"

$200 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total includes taxes and fees

Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster

"We were very happy with the accommodations!"

$205 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total includes taxes and fees

"Loved our stay here. And the included breakfast was wonderful…very nice cafe, delicious and abundant food. The cabin was updated, nice decor, comfortable bed and CLEAN."

$138 nightly

Aug 11 - Aug 12

Total includes taxes and fees