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Boothill Graveyard

Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona

Boothill Graveyard Clanton Gang burials Metal grave markers Speaker diguised as a rock Jewish Section at Boothill

GPS: 31.720178, -110.070440

408 Arizona 80

Tombstone, AZ 85638

by Steve Johnson [steve@cleardigitalmedia.com]

Last edited: July 26, 2016

Total records: 205

History

Tombstone's famous "Boothill Graveyard" was originally plotted in 1878 and was first named "The Tombstone Cemetery". It was used as the city's main cemetery until the current cemetery, "Tombstone Cemetery" at the end of Allen Street was opened up in 1884. Afterwards, additional burials would be added from time to time.

There was a section for all the Chinese and another area for the Jewish. It is believed some 300 persons in all were buried here. It was common for bodies to be found in various parts in and ouside of town, with no one ever being able to identify them, and they were interred with no markings, or as "unknown".

After the new cemetery was opened up, Boothill Graveyard went neglected. The original grave markers were all made of wood, with painted inscriptions, and withered away under the elements. Some markers were stolen by souvenir hunters. In 1923, the city contacted several of its residents to help locate and identify graves. A boy scout troop had also set about to clean up the cemetery. In the 1940's, Emmett Nunnelly, a Tombstone resident, organized and effort to restore the cemetery to its original state. Harry Fulton Ohm, owner of the famous Bird Cage Theatre, donated new steel markers from his plant, which are the same markers that remain today.

The cemetery lies about 60 miles southeast Tucson, AZ. To reach the cemetery, take Interstate 10 to the city of Benson. From there, head south along highway 80 until you reach Tombstone. The cemetery lies on the outskirts of town, and is easily visible from the roadway.

Cemetery Records

Note: though I was able to visit and record the writings on the grave markers, very little information is presented on the grave markers. Much of the information listed below was extracted from the book, "Tombstone's Boothill" by Ben T. Traywick, published by Red Marie's Bookstore, as well as the, "Essential Guide for your tour of the Original Boothill Graveyard", both available at the graveyard curio shop. I recommend buying a copy of Traywick's book, which details the demise of many of Boothill's residents.

Red Marie's Bookstore

P.O. Box 891

Tombstone, AZ 85638

