Top Independent in Pearce, AZ from SAR 341 - Expedia

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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Our top choices for Pearce Independent

Premium Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Inn History Tombstone

Tombstone

United States

Cynthia

SAR 481 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Feb - 13 Feb

Interior

Tombstone Lookout Lodge, SureStay Collection by Best Western

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Michelle

SAR 388 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Feb - 12 Feb

Exterior

Trail Rider's Inn

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RICHARD D

SAR 341 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

View from property

Tombstone San Jose House

Tombstone

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Julio

SAR 422 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Exterior

Stampede RV Resort

Tombstone

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Enrique

Interior entrance

Katie's Cozy Cabins

Tombstone

United States

Brian

SAR 667 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Feb - 12 Feb

Exterior detail

Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch

Tombstone

United States

Daniel

SAR 957 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster

Comfy West Cabin nestled in Tombstone's Historic District! Pet Friendly!

Tombstone

United States

Jack S.

SAR 851 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

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Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Inn History Tombstone

Inn History Tombstone

10/10 Excellent

"Everybody was super nice and it was pretty inexpensive and right next to all the attractions."

Sunglow Retreat

Sunglow Retreat

10/10 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!"

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