Haunted Tombstone, Arizona -- One of the most haunted cities in Arizona

Haunted Tombstone, Arizona

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Big Kate's Saloon, Kathy Weiser, April, 2007.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

This popular saloon of today first got its start as the Grand Hotel in September, 1880. Declared as one of the finest hotels in the state, the hotel was luxuriously furnished, provided thick carpeting, and its walls were adorned with costly oil paintings. Providing 16 bedrooms, each with a “view,” they were fitted with solid walnut furnishings, toilet stands, fine fixtures, and wallpaper. The lobby was equipped with three elegant chandeliers and more luxurious furnishings, while the kitchen boasted hot and cold running water and facilities to serve some 500 people in the span of a couple of hours. The hotel opened with an invitation only ball on September 9, 1880.

During its first few years, the hotel often housed some of Tombstone's most famous residents including Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton Gang when they came into town. In fact, Ike Clanton and the two McLaury brothers were registered guests the night before the famous OK Corral gunfight.

There was also another interesting character living at the hotel during its heydays -- a man they called the “Swamper.” A janitor and odd job man of the hotel, the Swamper was regarded as an honest employee and was given accommodations as part of his pay. His bedroom, located in a dark corner of the basement not only served as a retreat from the hotel’s many customers, but also, his own private mineshaft. The basement, located deep below the surface of Tombstone's streets, was not too far from the many mine shafts which ran beneath the town. For some time, Swamper painstaking spent his off hours tunneling an entrance from his bedroom to the nearby mine shafts. When his tunnel was complete, he was able to access a thick vein of silver, where he began to “moonlight” as a miner, taking from the vein silver nugget after silver nugget. What he did after hoarding his silver is unknown, but many believe it may still be hidden somewhere beneath Big Kate’s Saloon.

Alas, the Grand Hotel’s luxurious life would be a short one as she did not survive the devastating fire of May 25, 1882. Above ground, the only thing that remained standing were her seven graceful arches and her floor joists on the main level. The rest of the building collapsed into the basement.

Today, the building is home to Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. A number of changes have been made to the original structure since it burned down and has been rebuilt. The bar area, that was originally housed in the basement of the old hotel, is now located on the main level. In the basement is a gift shop, but the tunnel leading to the mine shafts still exists. The saloon holds the Grand Hotel’s original long bar, the only one of which survived the fire of 1882 and is still available for thirsty patrons. The only other long bar that survived the two infernos is in the Bird Cage Theatre, now a museum. Imagine setting your elbows down on the very place that once did the Earps, Doc Holliday, and the Clantons.

Today, not only does this historic saloon continue to be popular among its new patrons, but is also said to remain home to a couple of spectral ones as well. Naturally, the most evident is that of the “Swamper,” who allegedly has never left the building. Staff, locals and tourists alike have had experiences with this old miner, ranging from photos where he has appeared, to a number of fleeting appearances as he roams the halls, stairways, and especially the basement. Part of the legend claims that the “Swamper” hid his silver somewhere in the building and returns to protect it.

Other appearances have been made by fleeting cowboy spirits which have been seen at the bar, standing in doorways, and by one account, knocking over cases of beer in the basement.

Perhaps, this is one of our old friends – the Earps or Holliday?

Other witnesses have claimed to have heard phantom people singing and talking in deserted rooms, reported that things fall to the floor of their own accord, doors open and close with unseen hands, lights turn on and off by themselves, and silverware has been known to go flying off tables.

Kathy and Dave at Big Kate's Saloon, April, 2007.

The mannequins on the false balcony have seemingly been moved and sometimes even tossed from the balcony. The sounds of footsteps and muted voices are often heard coming from the basement when no one is down there. Areas in the saloon also experience extreme cold spots and gusts of cold air.

Photographers have made numerous reports of strange hazy forms appearing in images, as well as having numerous camera malfunctions.

One story tells of the building’s owner and several employees exploring old “Swamper’s” tunnel. They soon discovered that it still led all the way to the old shafts of the Toughnut Mine. Safely, they made their way back to the basement, but as they approached Swamper’s tunnel, they heard a loud moaning sound and heavy footsteps coming down the stairs leading to the tunnel.

Sure that someone had come into the building, they came out of the tunnel, immediately searching the premises, only to find the building empty and the doors still locked. Perhaps Swamper was afraid they were going to find his silver?

Other strange events have occurred on the staircases leading to the basement, including female employees who have felt pushed off the last stair. Another female employee felt cold, clammy hands encircling her throat.

Whatever you do, don't let the ghosts scare you because the atmosphere and food at Big Kate's Saloon is wonderful and place is a "must stop" in Tombstone. The restaurant/saloon is located at 417 E Allen Street.

More Ghosts

There are yet more hauntings in Tombstone, such as a ghost who allegedly haunts Room 119 at the old Tombstone Hotel. Sometime in the past, a man evidently hanged himself in the room, and now, guests report hearing voices and witnesses objects moving in the room.

A ghostly man in a frock coat has been seen wandering near the old Wells Fargo Bank Building, while others have reported seeing the apparitions of stage drivers and cowboys. In front of the recreated C.S. Fly Studio, people have reported smelling perfume, when there is none present.

At the renovated Crystal Palace Saloon, people say the ghost of Big Nose Kate continues to lurk. Evidently, when she lived in Tombstone, the establishment was one of her favorites. Today staff and customers have reported the unexplainable movement of objects to different locations, lights that turn on and off by themselves, and gambling wheels that spin of their own accord. According to the tales, Kate is not alone in the building, as yet others have spied phantom cowboys at the bar and walking around in the saloon.

Book your Tombstone lodging right HERE online.

Crystal Palace Saloon today, Kathy Weiser, April, 2007

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

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