Boothill Graveyard: A Historical Look at Tombstone's Famous Cemetery

The American West is full of stories of cowboys, gunfighters, and outlaws who roamed the frontier. Boot Hill Cemetery, better known as Boothill Graveyard, is a significant piece of the Wild West’s history and lore, located in Tombstone, Arizona. This old western cemetery is the final resting place of many who died violently during the 1880s and 1890s. The cemetery has become a famous Arizona landmark due to its unique features and haunted legends that surround it. In this article, we will explore the history, notable graves, and stories that make Boot Hill Cemetery a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Wild West.

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History of Boot Hill Cemetery

Boot Hill Cemetery got its name from the fact that many of the graves in the cemetery are those of cowboys who died with their boots on. The cemetery dates back to 1878, and it served as a final resting place for the town’s early residents. Many of the people buried in Boot Hill died from gunshot wounds, and some were hanged by the lawmen. The cemetery was closed in 1884, and a new cemetery was opened outside of town.

Boothill graveyard has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the Wild West’s lawless and violent nature. During the late 1800s, Tombstone was a bustling mining town that attracted many prospectors, miners, and cowboys looking to strike it rich. With the town’s rapid growth came an increase in crime, which was mostly caused by outlaws and cowboys. The lawmen of Tombstone had to be tough and uncompromising to maintain law and order, which often resulted in violent clashes between them and the outlaws.

Many of the men buried in Boot Hill Cemetery were killed in shootouts, hangings, or lynchings. The cemetery’s name, Boot Hill, is a reference to the fact that many of the dead were buried with their boots on, which was a sign of their violent and sudden death. The cemetery served as a final resting place for the town’s early residents, but it was closed in 1884 when a new cemetery was opened outside of town.

During its active years, Boot Hill Cemetery was an open-air graveyard with no fences or gates. The graves were marked with wooden headboards that identified the deceased’s name and the cause of death. The markers were often made of scrap lumber and had to be replaced regularly due to the harsh Arizona climate. The lack of permanent markers meant that many of the graves were lost over time, and the cemetery fell into disrepair.

In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) undertook a project to restore Boot Hill Cemetery and build a fence around it. The project included replacing the wooden markers with stone markers, which made the graves easier to identify and gave the cemetery a more permanent appearance. The restoration work has continued over the years, and today, the cemetery is a well-preserved historic landmark.

Notable Graves

Boot Hill Cemetery’s history is closely tied to the Wild West’s legendary figures and events. The famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place in 1881, resulted in the deaths of three outlaws and the injury of several lawmen. The outlaws, Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury, are buried in Boot Hill Cemetery. The cemetery is also the final resting place of Marshal Fred White, who was killed by the outlaw Curly Bill Brocius, and John Heath, a notorious outlaw who was lynched by a group of vigilantes.

Boot Hill Cemetery has several notable graves of famous Wild West characters. Some of them include:

Marshal Fred White – the first Tombstone lawman who was killed in the line of duty.
Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury – three men who were killed in the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
John Heath – a notorious outlaw who was lynched by a group of vigilantes.
Lester Moore – a Wells Fargo agent whose grave bears a humorous epitaph that reads, “Here lies Lester Moore, four slugs from a .44, no Les, no more.”

Features and Haunted Legends

Boot Hill Cemetery is full of unique features and legends. The most prominent feature is the wooden grave markers that were used to identify the graves. Many of the markers have been restored, and visitors can see the names of the deceased and the cause of death.

There are several haunted legends surrounding the cemetery, one of which is the story of the woman in white. According to the legend, a woman in a white dress haunts the cemetery at night, looking for her lost love. Another legend is that of the three men who were hanged by a lynch mob. It is said that their spirits still wander the cemetery, seeking revenge on their killers.

Come Experience the Graveyard for Yourself

Boot Hill Cemetery is a significant piece of the Wild West’s history and lore. The cemetery’s unique features and legends make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Wild West. The cemetery is a window into the past of a violent and lawless world and reflects the challenges and struggles faced by the pioneers who settled the frontier. Today, Boot Hill Cemetery is a reminder of that era and a place where visitors can pay their respects to the men and women who helped shape the Wild West.