Tombstone (pop. 1,308) is a town in southeastern Arizona that was the center of a rich silver-mining district in the late 1800’s. Tombstone was named by its founder, prospector Ed Schieffelin. His friends feared he would be killed by Indians, and warned him he would find a tombstone, not a mine. Today, Tombstone attracts many tourists to its museums, historic sites, and mine tours.
Tombstone was founded in 1879. By 1882, its population had grown to an estimated 5,500 because of the silver-mining boom nearby. Lawlessness was widespread in Tombstone, and the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place there in 1881. In 1883, underground water flooded the mine shafts. Mining activities slowed, and practically ended by 1893. The population decreased steadily. But residents promoted tourism and kept Tombstone alive.
