The most haunted places in Tombstone are the ones where the Wild West actually happened: the Bird Cage Theatre, Big Nose Kate's Saloon, Boothill Graveyard, and the O.K. Corral. Apparitions in period clothing, glasses sliding down the bar, and shadow figures among the graves all get reported here, and the stories behind them are as good as the sightings. Here is where to look, and what is said to still walk each spot.
Haunted Places in Tombstone
Bird Cage Theatre: One of the wildest establishments in the Old West had an auspicious grand opening on Christmas Eve,1881. The Bird Cage was a theatre, but it was also a brothel, gambling hall and, of course, a saloon. There have been multiple sightings of apparitions who appear in 1900s garb, including cowboys and ladies of the evening. There’s also plenty of paranormal phenomena for the brave ghost hunter to capture, including music, gunfire and glasses sliding down the old bar. Big Nose Kate’s Saloon: Dubbed “The Best Historic Saloon in the West,” Big Nose Kate’s Saloon opened in September 1880, albeit as the Grand Hotel. It was a luxuriously furnished establishment that saw the likes of the Earp brothers, the Clanton gang and Doc Holliday as guests. The hotel burnt down in the 1882 Tombstone fire; however, some fixtures survived and are in the saloon today. By the way, Kate, who was the long-time girlfriend of Doc Holiday, did not have a big nose physically, but was known to be rather inquisitive. Is it haunted? According to locals and employees of the saloon, yes. Flying pots and pans, etherial voices and disappearing apparitions are experienced frequently.
Boothill Cemetery: Also known as the Old City Cemetery, Tombstone’s Boot hill burial ground sits away from what is left of the town on a small rise. Originally founded in 1878, its earth is filled with the remains of the gunslingers, prostitutes and outlaws that once roamed the streets of the mining town. There are recorded sightings of strange lights and sounds and shadow people darting among the tombstones. One report has the ghost of Billy Clanton rising from his grave and heading into town. Tombstone’s Buford Home: This two-story adobe home was built by entrepreneur George Washing Buford in 1880 and served as the family’s home until 1888. Sadly, three of the Buford children died within its walls of illnesses that were epidemic at the time. The house itself continued to be either a private residence or boarding house as it weathered the centuries. There’s said to be two unhappy–even malevolent–spirits that haunt the residence, so disruptive that the house is considered a paranormal hotspot for investigators.
Questions people ask
What is the most haunted place in Tombstone?
The Bird Cage Theatre leads the list. Opened on Christmas Eve 1881 as a theater, brothel, gambling hall, and saloon, it draws reports of apparitions in period garb, phantom music and gunfire, and glasses sliding down the old bar.
Is Big Nose Kate's Saloon haunted?
Locals and employees say yes, describing flying pots and pans, disembodied voices, and apparitions that vanish. The building opened in 1880 as the Grand Hotel and hosted the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday before the 1882 fire.
Can you visit Boothill Graveyard?
Yes. The cemetery, founded in 1878, sits on a rise just outside town and holds the gunslingers, outlaws, and working women of Tombstone's boom years. Visitors have reported strange lights, odd sounds, and shadow figures among the markers.
