All the machinery for the paper
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Tombstone Epitaph Museum

4.6
·169 reviews·Tombstone, United States

Step back in time at the Tombstone Epitaph Museum, home to original printing presses and historic newspapers from the Wild West era.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
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All the machinery for the paper

Tombstone Epitaph Museum

Best Time

Mid-morning

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Tombstone Epitaph Museum, home to original printing presses and historic newspapers from the Wild West era.

4.6
(169 reviews)

"A cool quick visit to see the presses and notes of Clum history, don't forget to pick up a newspaper!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📰 Grab a Newspaper

Don't miss picking up a newspaper souvenir, especially if you have a deal from the OK Corral!

🤝 Friendly Staff

Chat with the staff; they're full of great info about Tombstone's print history.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Printing Presses

Original Printing Presses

See the actual machines that printed Tombstone's historic newspapers, including those covering the famous gunfights.

Reddit
Historic Newspaper Reprints

Historic Newspaper Reprints

View preserved historic prints and get a free reprint of the 1881 newspaper detailing the gunfight reports.

Reddit
Knowledgeable Staff

Knowledgeable Staff

Engage with friendly and informative staff who share wonderful insights into the museum's history.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Newspaper Souvenir Deal

Many visitors recommend getting a newspaper souvenir here, especially if you've visited the OK Corral. Ask for the newest print for a unique memento of Tombstone's history. Reddit

Discover Print History

This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Tombstone's past through its original printing presses and ink plates. It's a quick but rewarding visit for history buffs. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-morning
Why
Beat the midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Combine with OK Corral visit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

tombstone edit #Docholiday#WyattEarp #Tombstone
@thestrangeman123
750 likes • 4.7K views

📰 Grab a Newspaper

Don't miss picking up a newspaper souvenir, especially if you have a deal from the OK Corral! Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Chat with the staff; they're full of great info about Tombstone's print history. Reddit

📜 Free 1881 Reprint

Attend the OK Corral re-enactment for a free reprint of the historic gunfight newspaper. Reddit

🕰️ Quick Visit

It's a small museum, perfect for a brief, insightful stop. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📰 Grab a Newspaper

Don't miss picking up a newspaper souvenir, especially if you have a deal from the OK Corral! Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Chat with the staff; they're full of great info about Tombstone's print history. Reddit

📜 Free 1881 Reprint

Attend the OK Corral re-enactment for a free reprint of the historic gunfight newspaper. Reddit

🕰️ Quick Visit

It's a small museum, perfect for a brief, insightful stop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(169 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Tombstone Epitaph Museum for its authentic historical machinery and the unique opportunity to obtain a souvenir newspaper, especially when combined with a visit to the OK Corral. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are frequently mentioned as enhancing the experience, making it a worthwhile and insightful stop in historic Tombstone.

"Go get a newspaper here!

From the OK Corral (and likely other places) you can get a deal to pickup a newspaper memento here. You should also ask for the newest print.

This was a cool quick visit to see the presses and some notes of the Clum history."

M K

"Wonderful little peice of print history. Fun to see the old machines. Don't forget to pick up a newspaper!"

Dk

"We really enjoyed this place."

Monica Santos

What People Like

Historic printing presses
Free newspaper souvenir
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tombstone Epitaph Museum is located in the heart of historic Tombstone, Arizona. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring the town's main attractions like the OK Corral. Parking is available nearby, though it can be busy during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

Yes, the museum is conveniently located near major Tombstone sites such as the OK Corral and the Bird Cage Theatre, making it easy to combine visits. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While there might be a small admission fee, many visitors note that attending the OK Corral re-enactment can grant you a free souvenir newspaper from the Epitaph Museum, effectively making that part of your visit free. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical daytime tourist hours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead, especially during off-peak seasons. Reddit

Yes, a common tip is to get a ticket or deal from the OK Corral, which often includes a free souvenir newspaper from the Epitaph Museum. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore original printing presses, ink plates, and view historic newspaper prints. The highlight for many is getting a free reprint of the 1881 newspaper detailing the gunfight reports. Reddit

Yes, it's a quick and engaging stop that can spark curiosity about history and journalism for children. The newspaper souvenir is also a fun takeaway. Reddit

Most visitors find that a visit to the Tombstone Epitaph Museum is quite brief, often taking around 15-30 minutes, making it an easy addition to a day of exploring Tombstone. Reddit

While not heavily interactive in a modern sense, seeing the original machinery and understanding the printing process offers a tangible connection to the past. The newspaper reprint serves as a personal artifact. Reddit

📸 📷 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure. Capturing the old printing presses can make for great shots. Reddit

The vintage printing presses and the display of historic newspaper pages are excellent subjects. Don't forget to photograph your souvenir newspaper! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tombstone Epitaph Museum is a great, quick stop for families. Kids can be fascinated by the old printing machines, which look like something out of a history book. It's a tangible way to show them how news was made before the internet and smartphones. Reddit

The free newspaper reprint offer, often tied to visiting the OK Corral, is a huge hit with children. It's a fun, tangible souvenir they can take home, and it connects them to the Wild West stories they might have heard. The staff's friendliness also makes it an approachable experience for younger visitors. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about American history, the Tombstone Epitaph Museum is a must-visit. It offers a direct connection to the journalistic heart of one of the most legendary towns in the West. Seeing the original printing presses and understanding the process of news dissemination in the 1880s provides invaluable context. Reddit

The museum's focus on the 1881 newspaper reprint detailing the O.K. Corral gunfight is particularly compelling. It allows history enthusiasts to engage with primary source material in a unique way. The knowledgeable staff further enrich the experience with their insights into the paper's role in shaping public perception and historical narratives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tombstone Epitaph: A Voice of the Wild West

The Tombstone Epitaph was one of the most influential newspapers in the American West during the late 19th century. Founded in 1880, it served as the primary news source for the booming silver mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. Its pages chronicled everything from daily life and mining booms to the infamous gunfights and lawlessness that defined the era. The museum preserves the very machinery that produced these historic accounts, offering a tangible link to the past. Reddit

Visitors can marvel at the original printing presses, ink plates, and typesetting equipment. These are not replicas, but the actual tools used by journalists and printers to disseminate news in a time before instant communication. The museum also showcases preserved original editions and offers reprints of key historical articles, most notably the coverage of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This allows you to hold a piece of history in your hands and imagine the urgency and impact of news delivery back then. Reddit

The staff at the Tombstone Epitaph Museum are often highlighted as a significant asset. They are described as knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share stories and context about the newspaper's history and its role in shaping Tombstone's narrative. Their insights can greatly enhance the visitor experience, turning a simple museum visit into an engaging historical journey. TikTok

Souvenirs and Special Offers

A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the value of the souvenir newspaper offered by the Tombstone Epitaph Museum. Many visitors recommend checking for deals, particularly those associated with tickets to the OK Corral. Often, purchasing a ticket for the OK Corral re-enactment or tour will include a complimentary reprint of the historic 1881 newspaper, which famously details the events of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Reddit

This offer makes the museum visit even more appealing, providing a unique and authentic memento of your trip to Tombstone. Visitors are encouraged to ask for the 'newest print' if multiple options are available, ensuring they get the most up-to-date or relevant historical reprint. The staff are usually happy to explain the significance of these newspapers and the historical context. Reddit

Beyond the newspaper, the museum itself, with its preserved machinery, offers a different kind of souvenir: the memory of stepping back in time. The friendly staff also contribute to a positive experience, often sharing anecdotes that make the history come alive. Reddit

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