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

Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

5/5 Excellent

"The check in process was very quick and easy. Staff were friendly. "

A verified traveler stayed at Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"We loved this room. It’s within walking distance to town. We did move the loveseat to the end of the bed so we could see the tv and I wish there was a table for making or eating food. The decor fits perfectly into the Wild West theme and we enjoyed sitting out on the bench in the evening enjoying the Mountain View."

A verified traveler stayed at Tombstone San Jose House

Posted 13 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"Love this place! Beautiful setting, quiet, peaceful. Lots of birds. House is lovely, fully furnished. Comfy bed, full kitchen. Easy access to Chiricahua, a must see. Johnny Ringo's grave is less than a mile away, check it out. Rob & Sharon are wonderful hosts! Very helpful and knowledgeable about the area and history. And great to talk to. Everything was great. We will definitely return!"

A verified traveler stayed at Sunglow Retreat

Posted 13 days ago

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