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

Inn History Tombstone

10/10 Excellent

"The rooms were very clean and the staff was super helpful."

Trail Rider's Inn

10/10 Excellent

"We didn’t use the hot tub or pool, but they both looked clean and sparkling! Nice patio furniture for the pool area that looked very comfortable! We had 2 rooms for the night - 1 was remodeled and very modern, while the other was comfortable and okay, just not as nice. The outdoor patio / grilling area looked very inviting, as well as the extra coffee bar/fridge area! "

Beautiful, luxury house on gated 10 acres. Quiet and serence.

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was just wonderful. The house was as described, the area was beautiful, and we had everything we needed. The owner went the extra mile to prepare us for the stay and make sure we were happy when we were there. Would defiantly stay there again! "

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Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Inn History Tombstone

Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

Tombstone San Jose House

Landmark Lookout Lodge

Stampede RV Resort

Trail Rider's Inn

WELCOME TO VIGILANTE INN

Beautiful, luxury house on gated 10 acres. Quiet and serence.

Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house, ideal for a relaxing getaway.

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