Escapees January-February 2024

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logging to provide lumber for the construction of those locations. There are about 2,000 residents. Make sure and stop at the former Holy Trinity Monastery, a lovely and peaceful property to explore, and it has a gift shop. Across the highway is the Gallery of Dreams, an art studio and gallery that exhibits more than 50 artists from around the United States. Owner Tim Trask is a celebrated sculpturer. His bronzes, showcased in homes and communities through out the nation, are displayed along with intricate carv ings, paintings, handmade jewelry and other artwork. Tombstone Keep driving south, and you'll fi nd yourself in the Old West. It was a time when folks worked in the silver mines and famous men, like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday, frequented the local establishments. Stagecoaches, costumed citizens and saloons lining the street exemplify Tombstone. Ed Schieffelin’s discovery of silver made Tombstone a legendary place. Schieffelin wanted to explore the region near the former Chiricahua Reservation. Naysay ers said the only thing he’d fi nd in the hills was his tombstone. After fi nding what he expected to be a mother lode, he sought an expert who said the silver assayed out to $2,000 per ton. As the mining operation grew, so did the need for men. Soon a tent community sprang up. When word got out about the silver in the area, this village grew into a metropolis almost overnight. In late 1879, their two best mines projected dividends of $50,000 per month for the next two years. A must-see is a reenactment of the famous Gun fi ght at O.K. Corral, where Deputy U.S. Marshal Virgil Earp, his brothers, Wyatt and Morgan, and Doc Holliday fought lawbreakers Billy Clanton and Frank and Tom McLaury. Local historians say that although the town is famous for the O.K. Corral, it was never the wild place legend made it out to be. On the contrary, it was very modern, sophisticated and extremely wealthy. The town had telephones in 1882 and, by 1883, the city had two gas companies, three water companies, two ice companies and fi ve ice cream parlors. Fresh seafood was delivered daily from Baja, Mexico. The mining camp became a metropolis that rivaled San Francisco. Boothill Graveyard is about one mile from the main historical area. Estimations are between 250 and 440 people were buried at Boothill. Among the graves are the three lawbreakers killed at the OK Corral. Outlaws and respected citizens share this hallowed ground. It is open to visitors daily.

It’s a common occurrence to see a stagecoach in Tombstone.

The Crystal Palace Saloon

An O.K. Corral reenactment takes place several times a day.

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January/February 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine