If tourists truly want to see Tombstone, you need to visit Ringo’s Grave, too. It’s a must-see.
A lonely place, dark and sullen under a giant five-stemmed blackjack oak. You might not believe in Old West lore, but you are heedful when you approach it.

It’s the place where John Ringo died. The tree where he supposedly shot himself in the head with his Colt .45, ending an apparently troubled life.

In front of the tree on the west side of Turkey Creek near the Chiricahua Mountain foothills is a body-length cairn with a scratch-worded epitaph:

“The remains of this noted gunman and outlaw lie here . . . A coroner’s jury reported the death to be suicide, and Ringo was buried on the spot. There were others who viewed the body and maintained that the July 13, 1882 death of Ringo was murder.”

Ringo the legend has had more extravagant claims about him than Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill combined, writes author Jack Burrows in “John Ringo: The Gunfighter Who Never Was.”

There is a feeling he was “a coward and a backshooter,” Duhanich says. “But he did stand up to Doc Holliday.”

Area newspapers, including those in Tucson, bought the Ringo myth of him being a deadly gunslinger, but the closest he apparently came to killing anyone was when he got mad at a guy in a Safford bar who declined his offer of whiskey for a beer. Ringo shot him point-blank, but hit only his ear.

His judged suicide may be the most compelling story. He was cradled in the tree, the rifle placed carefully against it, boots hanging nearby on his saddle. And he was partially scalped.

One rumor was Wyatt Earp was after him. But the close range angle of the bullet to the right temple clearly indicated the wound was self-inflicted.

Find Adventure Hotels in Pearce, AZ

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Pearce Adventure Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Top Pearce Adventure Hotels

Top Pearce Hotel Reviews

Tombstone Grand Hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham

10/10 Excellent

"Helpful staff, nice place to stay for a visit."

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Find More Hotels near Pearce

More Hotel Options in Pearce

Hotels near popular Pearce Attractions

Pearce Hotels by Star Rating

Explore more hotels

See a list of all hotels in Pearce

More ways to book

Book Adventure Hotels in Pearce on Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

Why book your hotel for couples in Pearce with Expedia?

Booking a hotel for couples in Pearce is as simple as entering your travel dates and choosing a place that's perfect for misty-eyed lovers. From thrifty motels and all-inclusive resorts to upscale retreats packed with romantic perks, Expedia has accommodations for all tastes. As for irresistible deals? We have them too!

How can I find cheap hotels for couples in Pearce?

With Expedia's helpful filter tool, getting your hands on cheap hotels for couples in Pearce is a cinch. To discover properties that'll make your wallet and sweetheart happy, tailor your search results by amenities, star rating and budget.

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in