Pearce, AZ

Travel Guide

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.
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.
Autumn along Ash Creek. #Bestof5
Beautiful fall foliage along Ash Creek in Coronado National Forest. #Bestof5
Just us and the open road on our way to the Chiricahua National Monument. Absolutely beautiful and worth the trip just to even drive on the open road with no traffic and awesome countryside and breathtaking views. #roadtrip
Inn History Tombstone

Inn History Tombstone

2 out of 5
502 E Fremont St Tombstone AZ
Stay at this hotel in Tombstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tombstone Epitaph Museum and Allen Street are located ...
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Inn History Tombstone
Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
580 W. Randolph Way Tombstone AZ
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tombstone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
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Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham
Trail Rider's Inn

Trail Rider's Inn

2 out of 5
13 N. 7th Street Tombstone AZ
Stay at this motel in Tombstone. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
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Trail Rider's Inn
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stampede RV Resort

Stampede RV Resort

3.5 out of 5
18 W Allen St Tombstone AZ
Stay at this cabin in Tombstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Stampede RV Resort
Katie's Cozy Cabins

Katie's Cozy Cabins

2 out of 5
16 West Allen Tombstone AZ
Stay at this cabin in Tombstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and Doc Holliday's ...
Katie's Cozy Cabins
WELCOME TO VIGILANTE INN

WELCOME TO VIGILANTE INN

3 out of 5
116 N 3rd St Tombstone AZ
Stay at this apartment in Tombstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Staged Shootouts and Jewish Pioneers Memorial ...
WELCOME TO VIGILANTE INN
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Keeling Schaefer Vineyards

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards during your travels to Pearce. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Keeling Schaefer Vineyards

Cities near Pearce

The new post & rail border fence runs along the Mexico border with Arizona.

Douglas

The Willcox Historic Theater in Willcox, AZ, with Art Deco facade was opened in January 1937, showing The Gorgeous Hussy, with Joan Crawford. (October 2016)

Willcox

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Tombstone

A beautiful place to visit and reflect somewhat near the Tuscan and Benson area. Peaceful setting and walking trails are just what the weary traveler needs to rejuvenate the soul. #localgem #Arizona

Saint David