I decided to do another Tombstone thread-- this one to specialize on Boot Hill, the infamous gunslinger graveyard. I do have more photos than what I've posted, but I don't have much time to post more than that. Also, not all the graves in the cemetery are marked... so I can't capture EVERY grave. Many returned to a more natural state prior to the graveyard becoming popular. Images have been sized down for better posting on the internet.
These photos are from Saturday, March 21, 2009. They were taken at approximately 5:15-5:30 pm. Unfortunately, I arrived that late in Tombstone, so it's sunset. Fifteen minutes was also all the time I had to spend in the graveyard. Though, it is free to visit-- you CAN buy a $2 booklet with more detailed information about the graves.
Even more unfortunate than my lack of time in the cemetery is the fact that all the graves face east-- that's religiously significant, the belief that you'll be resurrected when Christ comes again and you'll rise to meet him in the east... something to that effect anyway. Why are east facing graves unfortunate? Because it was near sunset and I'm taking photos looking into the sun. This resulted in some lens flare in some of the photos-- that red or blinding white hue, generally in a circular pattern... so if you're thinking a red-laser ghost posed for my photo... think again. =)
Anyway, to the photos!
Below: Clanton and McLaury graves on the left. This shot looks towards the NW and across Boot Hill from near the SE corner of the cemetery.
Below: Marshal White. Killed by Curly Bill.
Below: Two Chinamen Died of Leprosy. (Chinese are buried in the NW side of the graveyard)
Below: Six Shooter Jim Shot by Burt Alvord '85
Below: The Brady Brothers. Two small boys who drowned.
Below: John Blair Died of Smallpox. Cowboy threw rope over feet and dragged him to his grave.
Below: William Grounds. Died of Wounds. (He was shot in the face)
Below: Here Lies George Johnson Hanged by Mistake 1882. He was right and we was wrong BUT we strung him up and now he's gone.
Below: Can't post photos without Lester Moore. Here Lies Lester Moore. Four Slugs from a 44. No Les. No More.
Below: Margarita stabbed by Gold Dollar (in the BirdCage Theater) As the story goes, Gold Dollar caught Margarita sitting on the lap of a poker player named Billy Milgreen who was also the boyfriend of Gold Dollar. In a jealous rage, Gold Dollar stabbed Margarita in the chest, killing her.
