Do You Know the Surprising History of the Tombstone Courthouse?

Movies and dime-store novels put Tombstone on the map. Images of the Wild West, with everything from shootouts to general lawlessness, still dominate popular imagination. Somewhere between the old-west romance and the sterile account of history, you'll find the truth.

With shootouts and disagreements running wild during the silver boom years, you can understand why the town would need to build a courthouse to help the citizens keep the peace.

That's where the storied Tombstone Courthouse comes in. It's more than just a relic of an old building; it's a fascinating spot with a rich history.

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The Birth of a Courthouse in Boomtown Tombstone

You can find the Tombstone Courthouse in the heart of Tombstone, Arizona. It became Arizona's second State Park back in 1959. This place has witnessed a great deal over the years and has some fascinating stories to tell.

The courthouse was built in response to the silver boom that took off in Tombstone around 1877. The town's population grew significantly, and by 1879, it was estimated to have between 10,000 and 15,000 residents. They needed a new county and, of course, a courthouse. Construction began in August 1882 and was completed by January 1883.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Tombstone Courthouse is its connection to the Old West.

Legends and Lawmen: Inside the Courthouse Walls

Although the famous Shootout at the OK Corral happened before the courthouse was built, it still holds a special place in the town's history. Sheriff Johnny Behan, the first Sheriff of Cochise County, even worked out of the courthouse for a bit before it was officially completed.

READ MORE: Gunfight Somewhere NEAR the OK Corral: Is It All a Hollywood LIE?

There's also a replica of the gallows located behind the building where seven people were hanged, a sobering monument to the Old West history.

Inside the courthouse, you'll find a museum that houses all sorts of artifacts that tell the story of Tombstone, Cochise County, and the courthouse itself.

The museum encompasses everything from the courtroom upstairs to information about the judges who have served on the bench, which is also preserved in the museum. It's like stepping back in time and getting a genuine sense of the Old West.

The courthouse has gone through a lot of changes over the years. After the county seat was moved to Bisbee in 1929, the building was used for various purposes. There was an attempt to turn it into a sanitarium and later a hotel.

From Gallows to Museum: A Building Transformed

For a time, the building fell into disrepair until the Tombstone Restoration Commission stepped in to save it. Thanks to their efforts, the courthouse became part of the Arizona State Park System.

READ MORE: THIS was the Deadliest Shootout in Arizona History

Today, the Tombstone Courthouse is a testament to the town's storied past. You can explore the museum, check out the replica gallows, and discover the history that has shaped this iconic building.

Plan Your Visit to the Tombstone Courthouse

As Curtis Leslie, the park manager, said, "The Tombstone Courthouse is essentially an Old West Museum, and it really covers the history of the town, the county, and the courthouse itself."

Learn more about the Tombstone Courthouse, Sheriff Behan, and the Cochise County history with this YouTube video from CochiseCountyAZ

So, if you ever find yourself in Tombstone, make sure to visit the courthouse – it's definitely worth it! Learn more about the Tombstone Courthouse on the Arizona State Parks website.

Sources: Arizona State Parks: Tombstone | Wikipedia: Johnny Behan | YouTube: CochiseCountyAZ

The information contained in this article is derived from an interview on First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels, with Grady Butler, and Tombstone Courthouse Park Manager Curtis Leslie.