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Helldorado Days
OCTOBER 19-21 2012
In July 1881, a disgruntled miner writes the Tombstone Nugget newspaper stating that instead of finding their "Eldorado" of riches, many men ended up washing dishes or other menial jobs, finding instead, their "Helldorado". The term stuck. Helldorado is Tombstone's oldest festival celebrating its rip-roaring days of the 1880's. Helldorado, started in 1929, is sponsored by Helldorado, Inc. whose membership is composed of residents in Cochise County.
Helldorado is held every third weekend in October and consists of gunfight re-enactment shows, street entertainment, fashion shows and a family oriented carnival. In addition, come and watch the Annual Helldorado Parade on Sunday at 11am.
Wyatt Earp Days
IMG: Artist Unknown Courtesy of Google Images
Held every Memorial Day Weekend, sponsored by the Tombstone Lions Club to raise money for youth activities. The celebration consists of a chili cook-off, fashion shows by the Tombstone Vigilettes and gunfight re-enactments by the Tombstone Renegade Lions and the Tombstone Vigilantes, as well as games for the kids.
Q n A ~
Is Helldorado Days a bikers event?
Yes and no, its all about Tombstone, and its part in American History.
Yes, you will see some really nice Harley Davidson's. But then again, if I was a cowboy in 1880's Tombstone, I'd be riding a Harley! A majority of the steel horse riders who come into town, are dawned in authentic western period attire. Modern day cowboys? Or ghosts from the past.
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The Most Authentic Western Town in America!
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Step onto Allen Street and step back in time. Other than the Nike sneakers and asphalt you would swear you were in 1880's Arizona Territory. Walk the wooden sidewalks and admire the tastefully decorated shop windows all while a gunfight breaks out in the middle of the street. You will relive the spirit of the American West alongside folks adorned in authentic 1880's wear. This is one of Arizona's attractions you don't want to miss.
Tombstone is the most famous and most infamous mining town in America. Ed Schieffelin was told he would only find his tombstone in the land of the Apache in the San Pedro Valley. Thus, he named his first silver claim "Tombstone," and it became the name of the town which incorporated in 1881.
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Tombstone needed to put itself back on the map. This happened quite by mistake with what started as the towns 50th Anniversary celebration, Helldorado Days. This annual event in mid-October is the most authentic reenactment of 1880?s American West that you can find. Activities include gunfight reenactments, a parade, fashion shows, a carnival, live music, street entertainment, food to suit every taste, and the Tombstone Vigilettes' Variety Night. Other annual events include the Wyatt Earp Days in late May, Vigilante Days in August commemorating Tombstone's unique heritage, and the Clanton Gang Reunion in November.
In 1962, the Department of the Interior designated Tombstone a Registered Historical Landmark. It is estimated that more than 500,000 tourists visit Tombstone every year and most local businesses are dependent on the tourism. The mild year-round climate and low humidity make Tombstone an attractive place for retirement.
Visiting the Cochise County Courthouse is a definite stop for anyone. Now a museum, see the tools of the trades; learn of the people, the barons, the politicians, the law, and the outlaws. Just make sure it?s not you swingin? from the gallows in the courtyard. The Bird Cage Theatre is now a museum, featuring original bullet holes from drunken cowboys and the most valuable piece of old west history in Arizona... laden with silver fixtures this horse drawn hearse once partly owned by Wyatt Earp is valued over 1 million dollars.
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While the area later became notorious for saloons, gambling houses, and the famous Wyatt Earp & Clanton Gang shoot-out at the O.K. Corral, in the 1880s Tombstone was larger than Tucson and had become the most cultivated city in the West. In 1886 massive amounts of underground water filled the near 200 miles of mines and combined with the falling silver prices ended the boom. Having survived the Great Depression, removal of the county seat to Bisbee, and numerous city fires, Tombstone became known as the "Town Too Tough To Die."
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Replica?
Or Real Cowboy Loads In Your Holster?
If you are dressing the part for your visit to this original American Western town, visitors are reminded that even handgun replicas and children's toy guns are not legal to possess in any Saloon or establishment which serves open liquor. Better remember to check your firearm at the smoke shop before frequenting the famous Saloons of Tombstone. If not, its likely the Marshall will have a real chat with you. Also, children are allowed entrance to the saloons during the daytime only if accompanied by their parents.
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OCTOBER 19-21 2012
OCTOBER 18-20 2013
OCTOBER 17-19 2014
OCTOBER 16-18 2015
OCTOBER 21-23 2016
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Special Thanks To
Tombstone News
TombstoneVigilantes.com
Great American Adventures
Helldorado Girls
VisitTombstone.org
Stampede RV Park
Bisbee News
Hosted By:
Arizona Reporter
Free Press
Arizona Became a New Territory
February 24, 1863
How far would you travel for silver and gold? After Arizona became a separate territory on February 24, 1863, New Englanders searching for gold came to Arizona and founded the town of Prescott.
When silver was discovered at Tombstone, Arizona, in 1877, nearly 7,000 people came to the territory. Four years later, the rough frontier town became the site of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. By the 1880's the Arizona territory was bustling with fortune seekers from all around the world.
In 1912, no longer a lawless frontier, Arizona became a state, but precious metals and gunslingers were only a part of Arizona's heritage.
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