The Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ, is one of the most infamous and legendary landmarks in the Wild West. Built in 1881, this theater was once a popular entertainment venue for cowboys and miners, but over the years it has acquired a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Arizona, and even the country. Today, the Bird Cage Theatre is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors worldwide to experience its haunted history for themselves.
The History of the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ
The Bird Cage Theatre was originally built as a saloon and brothel in 1881, and it quickly became one of the most popular venues in Tombstone. The theater was known for its unique design, featuring a large central cage that surrounded the stage, which gave the venue its name.
In the years that followed, the Bird Cage Theatre was the site of many memorable events, including saloon fights, card games, and even burlesque performances. Despite its rough and rowdy reputation, the theater was also a popular spot for respectable citizens, including local politicians and wealthy businessmen.
However, the theater’s popularity came to a sudden end in 1889 when it was closed due to a series of violent incidents. In the years that followed, the Bird Cage Theatre fell into disrepair, and it was eventually abandoned and left to the elements.
The Haunting of the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ
In the years since its closure, the Bird Cage Theatre has become known for its ghostly sightings and haunted history. Visitors to the theater have reported strange noises, flickering lights, and even the appearance of ghostly apparitions on the stage.
One of the most famous ghost sightings at the Bird Cage Theatre is that of a mysterious woman in a red dress. According to local legend, the woman was a former prostitute who worked at the theater during its days as a brothel. She was reportedly murdered in one of the theater’s private rooms, and her ghost is said to still haunt the venue to this day.
Another popular ghost story associated with the Bird Cage Theatre is that of a former stagehand who died during a performance. His ghost is said to still roam the theater, still performing his duties and making sure the shows go on.
The Bird Cage Theatre Ghost Tour: Exploring the Haunted History
If you’re brave enough to explore the haunted history of the Birdcage Theatre, you can take a ghost tour of the building.
During the Bird Cage Theatre ghost tour, visitors are taken on a guided tour through the historic building to explore its dark and haunted past. The tour typically lasts around one hour and includes a visit to all areas of the building, including the main stage, the gambling hall, and the “cribs” where the prostitutes worked. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the building’s past and the ghostly encounters visitors have reported. These stories include tales of violent gunfights, tragic deaths, and unexplained paranormal activity.
The Eeriest Part of the Tour: The Infamous Basement
The basement of the Bird Cage Theatre is one of the most haunted areas of the building and is often the highlight of the ghost tour. This area is where the bodies of two murdered prostitutes were found, and visitors have reported feeling a strong sense of unease and even hearing the women’s cries for help.
As visitors make their way down to the basement, they are often struck by how dark and foreboding the space feels. The basement is dimly lit and filled with old artifacts from the theatre’s past, including costumes and props from the many plays that were performed there.
The guide will tell the story of the two prostitutes who were murdered in the basement and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Visitors may also hear about the various paranormal encounters that have been reported in the basement, such as disembodied voices, shadow figures, and strange orbs of light.
Some visitors have reported feeling a cold breeze or a sudden drop in temperature when they enter the basement, even on warm days. Others have claimed to feel a sudden wave of nausea or dizziness as if they are being affected by a malevolent presence.
One of the most chilling parts of the basement is the small room where the two prostitutes were found. This room is often filled with a palpable sense of sadness and despair, and some visitors have reported feeling as if they are being watched or followed while inside.
Partake in a Paranormal Investigation
During the Bird Cage Theatre ghost tour, visitors have the opportunity to use various paranormal investigation tools and participate in other ghost-hunting activities. These activities are designed to help visitors detect any ghostly activity that may be present in the building.
One of the most commonly used tools is the EMF meter, which measures electromagnetic fields. Some paranormal investigators believe that ghosts may emit electromagnetic energy, so an increase in EMF readings could indicate the presence of a spirit. Visitors are often given an EMF meter to use during the tour and are encouraged to keep an eye on the readings.
Another popular tool is the EVP recorder, which is used to capture electronic voice phenomena. This involves recording audio in a quiet area and listening back to the recording to see if any unexplained voices or sounds are present. Visitors may be given an EVP recorder to use during the tour and are encouraged to ask questions or make statements in hopes of capturing a response from any spirits that may be present.
The Bird Cage Theatre ghost tour is a unique way to experience the history and hauntings of Tombstone. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just enjoy a good ghost story, the tour is sure to give you chills and a new appreciation for the Wild West’s dark and haunted past.
The Restored Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ
Despite its haunted history, the Birdcage Theatre has been restored and reopened to the public, and it is now one of the top tourist destinations in Tombstone. Visitors can take a tour of the theater and learn about its storied past, including its role in the Wild West and its haunted history.
The restored theater also features a museum, where visitors can see original artifacts from the theater’s past, including original props, costumes, and even the theater’s original stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Haunted History of the Bird Cage Theatre
The Bird Cage Theatre is a historic theater in Tombstone, Arizona, known for its association with the Wild West and its reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in the United States.
The Bird Cage Theatre was built in 1881 and was a popular entertainment venue for the rough-and-tumble citizens of Tombstone. It was also the site of numerous shootings and other incidents during the town’s wild and violent history.
The Bird Cage Theatre is considered haunted because of the many strange and unexplained events that have been reported there over the years, including ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and eerie feelings experienced by visitors.
There have been many reported ghost sightings and strange occurrences at the Bird Cage Theatre over the years, but whether or not the theater is truly haunted is a matter of personal belief. Some visitors to the theater have reported experiencing paranormal activity, while others have not.
Yes, the Bird Cage Theatre is open to the public and offers tours and other special events throughout the year. Visitors can learn more about the theater’s history and experience the haunted atmosphere for themselves.
Some of the ghostly figures said to haunt the Bird Cage Theatre include miners, cowboys, gamblers, and prostitutes who were known to frequent the theater during its heyday.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the Bird Cage Theatre is haunted. However, the many reports of strange and unexplained events by visitors and employees over the years have added to the theater’s reputation as a haunted location.
