These Texas trail saddles are two of the oldest saddles on display. They date to shortly after the Civil War, and were ridden by drovers moving cattle from Texas to Kansas. Their design is typical of early cowboy saddles. Only the rear half of the saddle seat is covered, and the stirrups are visible looping through the wood saddle tree. The double rigging uses two cinches to help secure the saddle during roping. The high back cantle and steep front pommel provided security during hard riding. These light-weight saddles were easy on cow ponies that might be ridden five hours a day.
The Piano Box Buggy was introduced in 1855 by R.M. Stivens in New York City. It became the msot popular vehicle in America. The square box simplified construction and by 1900, mass production had lowered the price to approximately $50.00. This buggy has rubber tires which were first introduced around 1890. Among the fastest vehicles on the road, buggies earned their name from the insects found pasted on the dashboard after a rapid trip. Businessmen rented this "doctors" buggy for about $8 per day.
Mom and Dad testing out one of the buggies on display.
This famous old newspaper published its first sheet in 1880 when Tombstone was a blood-drenched town dominated by gunmen, rustlers and businessmen who thought foremost of their quick riches. Today, occupying an anceint adobe building which was one of the town's biggest dance halls, the Epitaph still grinds out its printed message on a cranky old Campbell press.
This famous old newspaper published its first sheet in 1880 when Tombstone was a blood-drenched town dominated by gunmen, rustlers and businessmen who thought foremost of their quick riches. Today, occupying an anceint adobe building which was one of the town's biggest dance halls, the Epitaph still grinds out its printed message on a cranky old Campbell press.
Schieffelin Hall, 1880, built in honor of Tombsone's founder Ed Schieffelin.
These next couple of picture are back-lit stainglass artwork hanging inside the Longhorn BBQ.
Close to the location of the actual shootout, you can view a reinactment of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Exhibits include Fly's Gallery, Doc Holiday's room, a 25-minute Historama and several artifacts from the period.
This is the marker at the site of the actual gunfight.
The Crystal Palace Saloon. We had a very good lunch here.
There is a great deal of history here and we could have easily spent two full days to see everything. Many of the buildings are protected as historic monuments.
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