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.

Search Vacation Homes in Pearce

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

In two weeks

In two months

In three months

In four months

Vacation Homes in Pearce

￥23,405 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

￥27,815 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

"We chose this property because it was close to two hikes we wanted to do at Ft Bowie and Chiricauchua. Willcox is right down the road. It was the ideal spot for what we needed. Clean, comfortable and a great place to relax. "

￥41,826 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

￥24,143 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

"The mysterious historic vibeGracious living settingBarbecuing on the flat grillViewing the full moon through the telescope! The scenery"

￥41,404 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

￥28,500 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

"Very good and convenient to all the activity in Tombstone. Would stay here again if the need ever arises."

￥21,930 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

"Had a great time at this little gem. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Centrally located and within walking distance of downtown Tombstone."

￥23,755 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

￥24,356 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

"Home was perfect. Would stay here again. "

￥37,716 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

"Clean and easy to get to. Great place to watch the stars. "

￥34,129 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

"Great accommodations!"

￥41,851 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

"The cabin is nothing like the listing stated on 2 bedrooms. The host was very friendly and helpful and was able to move us to another location on site. The other location had poor air conditioning and no amenities. "

￥24,557 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

"Super easy check-in, accommodating, and a great property. Already booked 2 more stays."

￥28,006 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

"Would totally recommend to anyone with family needs of space!"

￥24,557 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Inn History Tombstone

10/10 Excellent

"The decor was charming. Everything was clean and beautiful. Loved it, we will stay here again"

Katie's Cozy Cabins

10/10 Excellent

"A great little spot for a stay in Tombstone! The front porch with the swing is a great way to enjoy morning coffee (which is in the kitchenette!). And inside, the cabins are clean, comfortable, and definitely cozy. Will comfortably sleep 6 people if needed, but with 3, we definitely had plenty of room to spread out. A wonderful place to stay within walking distance of everything in Tombstone. For something different instead of just 4 walls of a hotel room, would highly recommend. And the outdoor area is a great place to have some friends stop by and have an evening outside. Will definitely be back!"