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Historical Destination

If you're looking for western American history, then Cochise County should top your list of destinations. Travel back in time to October 26, 1881, when 25 gunshots were fired in 30 seconds at the OK Corral in Tombstone, changing the West and American history forever.

Return to a time when historic Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco, and Queen of the Copper Camps. The picturesque mining-town turned artists colony is much the same as it was back then - down to the Copper Queen Hotel and the lively nightlife along Brewery Gulch.

Retrace the steps of the Spanish Conquistadors with a trip to what is now Coronado National Memorial. The pristine vistas harken back to what it must have looked like during the original expeditions in the 1540's.

For a dose of western military history, make your way to Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. Home to the venerated Buffalo Soldier and one of the most important military outposts in the entire American Southwest, it's a place where much of the history of Arizona's conflicts and victories can be relived. Enjoy museums with displays of the Apache Wars, Pershing's expedition and much more.

Ft. Bowie National Historic Site was the staging ground from where U.S. soldiers pursued Geronimo, deep into the hills of the Chiricahuas. And you won't want to miss Cochise Stronghold, where you can explore the rocky nooks and mountainous hideaways into which the great Apache Chief gave frequent chase to the U.S. Cavalry. Native American folklore says the warrior is buried here.

Douglas shares a border with Mexico and serves as a gateway into a world of interesting cross-cultural experiences. Relive turn-of-the-century western life at historic John Slaughter Ranch, 18 miles east of town, and in the Gadsden Hotel's lobby with the grandeur of its 42-foot Tiffany stained glass mural.

Yes, there's plenty to experience throughout Cochise
County. Whether you're visiting a ghost town or experiencing the activity of the county courthouse in Tombstone, "The Town Too Tough to Die," Cochise County is a western history-lover's paradise!