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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Front of property

"Great stay"

SAR 809 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Aug - 26 Aug

Private kitchen

"Enjoyed our stay very much! Comfortable beds, cute decor and perfect location to enjoy the town. Coffee area was perfect for us to start the day right. Would definitely stay again!"

SAR 1,137 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Aug - 22 Aug

Oven, stovetop, dishwasher

SAR 1,162 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Sep - 3 Sep

Superior Room, 1 King Bed | Mountain view

"Great hotel and atmosphere "

SAR 428 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Sep - 3 Sep

Terrace/patio

"Bed was comfy and the Main Street with the shops, restaurants and saloons were only a block away."

SAR 450 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Aug - 28 Aug

Room, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

"It was quaint & adorable!"

SAR 379 total

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24 Aug - 25 Aug

Property grounds

"Had a great stay"

SAR 699 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Sep - 2 Sep

Property grounds

"Property was clean and quiet. Owner was very responsive and pleasant. "

SAR 699 total

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21 Aug - 22 Aug

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