Bird Cage Theatre

One of the oldest original buildings in Tombstone and most authentic attractions in this once booming mining camp, the Bird Cage Theatre also has the reputation as being the most haunted place in town, allegedly continuing to host as many as 31 ghosts.

The Bird Cage was named for its 14 small "cribs" hanging from the ceiling that once housed "painted ladies,” dressed as finely feathered birds. After its opening in 1881, it quickly gained a reputation as the wildest place in town, so much so that even the far away New York Times said of it: "the Bird Cage Theatre is the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast."

Bird Cage Theatre in 1937, photo by Frederick D. Nichols.

This image available for photographic prints & downloads HERE!

Between 1881 and 1889, the Bird Cage never closed its doors 24 hours a day, as it provided gambling, drinking, and other vices to its many customers. The saloon was the scene of 26 deaths, which can be attested to by the 140 bullet holes which can still be viewed at the Bird Cage today.

Since 1934, the old building has served as a museum owned and operated by the Hunley family. It still houses the gilded "cages," hand painted stage, and the original Grand Piano. Here, where tourists can walk along the floors of this historic honky-tonk, once walked the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.

The Bird Cage Theatre today, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Seemingly, some of these old legends of the past continue to stalk the old saloon as both staff and guests, alike, have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in 1800's clothing. Most often sighted, is the figure of a male stage hand that appears wearing black striped pants, a visor, and holding a clipboard, as he walks across the stage. Other occurrences include the sounds of raucous laughter and music pouring from the doors of the old theatre at night. Others report hearing the faint sounds of a woman singing and the museum's sound system has inexplicably turned on of its own accord, blaring old time music. Others have reported strange sounds coming from the balconies of the main floor and the sharp scents of cigar smoke and whiskey. After closing time, staff have reported hearing the sounds of clinking glass and cards shuffling.

The haunting reports date back to 1921 when a school was built across the street and students began to report the sounds of laughter and music coming from the abandoned building, as well as the smell of cigar smoke.