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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Recent reviews of Pearce hotels

5/5 Excellent

"Very neat place to stay with some history . The manager was very helpful and friendly . Basic amenities but if you ask , I'm sure the manager would be able to get what you need . Very close walking distance to main buildings of tombstone. "

A verified traveler stayed at Tombstone San Jose House

Posted 3 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Amazing Luxury Feel to Rooms

"We were extremely amazed and delighted that the rooms looked exactly like the pictures! The accommodations had a luxurious feel to them and the furnishings seemed brand new. The room and bathroom were clean and the decor was very fitting for the town but still on the high end level because it was newly renovated. We truly enjoyed that each picture had a QR code that you could scan to learn about the history captured in the pictures and the decor. The light fixtures were very unique and left us gasping with awe! The staff was so friendly and at such a low rate! Let me tell you, they could have charged more and we would have gladly paid it! It was well worth the price because the room itself felt like THE Tombstone experience itself! We walked a block to the main street so it was a very convenient location. Can’t say enough good things about this place! By far, this was one of the coolest places we’ve ever stayed at and we would do it again! "