Spooky Madison's Haunted Places
Where your neighbors are the undead...
Haunted Tombstone
Like so many other places in the Old West with violent histories, Tombstone is said to be one of the most haunted in Arizona. When White went to disarm the gunman, a shot was accidentally fired, hitting White in the groin. Though, it was thought that he would make a full recovery, two days later he died. Today, he is said to haunt the street in front of the shooting site, which was an empty lot where the Bird Cage Theatre was built a year later. A woman in a long white dress has also been spied on Tombstone streets. One legend tells that she is a fretful mother whose child died from the yellow fever in the 1880’s, and devastated, she took her own life later. Another version of the tale claims that she was a brothel madam who was hanged and continues to stalk to streets in search of her executioners. Lawlessness though was not the only cause of numerous deaths during Tombstone's heydays. Twice it suffered terrible fires, the first in June, 1881 and a second in May, 1882. During these two infernos, which both wiped out significant areas of the business district, more than 40 men lost their lives in the crowded saloons and brothels that burned to the ground. These long-dead, suffering men are also said to make themselves known, appearing complete with drastic burns. Others have reported the smell of smoke and burning materials when there is no explainable reason. O.K. Corral After tensions had been building between the Earps and the Cowboy faction in Tombstone, for some time, Marshal Virgil Earp determined to disarm the men on October 26, 1881, resulting in the 30 second shoot out, which left Frank and Tom McLaury, as well as Billy Clanton dead. Also involved in the gunfight for the Cowboys were I Ike Clanton, Billy Claiborne and Wes Fuller. In the Earp party were brothers, Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan, as well as Doc Holliday. Today, the O.K. Corral is allegedly haunted by the ghosts of the Cowboys. Over the years, a number of witnesses have reported seeing the fading apparitions of men dressed in cowboy attire, often appearing with guns drawn, perhaps locked into a perpetual battle with the Earps. Others have claimed to have felt numerous cold spots in various areas of the corral. Boot Hill Graveyard At the nearby Boot Hill Graveyard, called such because many of its occupants died with their boots on, more than 250 graves give partial stories of the Tombstone's lawless past. Used primarily from 1878-1884, the graveyard was originally called the "Tombstone Cemetery." Men such as those killed at the O.K. Corral Gunfight, Marshal Fred White killed by Curly Bill Brocius, an unfortunate soul by the name of George Johnson who was hanged by mistake, five men hanged for the vicious killings labeled the "Bisbee Massacre," gunfighter, Charlie Storms who was killed by Luke Short, and dozens more, ranging from prospectors, to outlaws, lawmen, and prostitutes. Of some who were laid to rest here, their names were never known or were only known by a nickname. Today it is one of Tombstone's most popular tourist attractions. Evidently, per a number of legends, it also remains popular with the many dead who lie there. Visitors often report seeing strange lights and hearing unidentifiable noises coming from the old graveyard. Spirits have been spied on numerous occasions, and even more frequently are said to appear in photographs. Billy Clanton, killed in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is said to rise from his grave before walking along the road back to Tombstone. 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.
The streets of Tombstone themselves are said to be the pathways of many a lingering spirit, one of which is the long dead Marshal Fred White, who was accidentally shot by Cowboy faction leader, Curly Bill Brocius on October 28, 1880. White, the first marshal of Tombstone, had gained the respect of the Clanton Gang, and in fact, had arrested “Cowboy” members on a number of occasions, rarely having any problems when doing so. In the early morning of October 28th, Curly Bill and several of his cohorts were making sport by shooting up the town. 
Another cowboy, that of a man moving along in a long black frock coat, has also been seen on a number of occasions. Crossing the road, the apparition is often seen near the site where Virgil Earp was ambushed and shot in the arm, crippling him for life. The spirit never makes it across the street, leading many to believe that this may the ghost of Virgil Earp, himself.
Tombstone's most famous place - the OK Corral, was the site of the best-known gunfight occurring in the Old West. Portrayed in dozens of western films and books, the gunfight made a legend of Wyatt Earp and brought Tombstone, Arizona fame. 
Over the years, the old cemetery fell into disrepair, with numerous old wooden tombstones falling down or decomposing entirely, and others being stolen by souvenir hunters. It wasn't until the town's first Helldorado Days, around 1929, the old cemetery began to be referred to as the Boot Hill Graveyard. Still, it continued to sit neglected until the 1940's when an effort began to restore the cemetery.
Bird Cage Theater
Just imagine what it was like to walk down the center of town, your feet stirring up the dust as your boots scuff the dirt. You hear the sound of music, laughter, and shouting. You see a tall man with a Sheriff star pinned to his shirt. That was what Tombstone, Arizona was like back in the 1880’s when Wyatt Earp was the law and his brother James owned the local saloon. That saloon was the Bird Cage Theater.
The Bird Cage Theater was in operation from 1881-1889 and within those eight years the saloon had seen 26 murders. There was more than its share of sadness in this boisterous establishment. Although by all outward appearances, the “ladies of the night” were just doing a job to find their true love. Once a “painted lady” reached a certain age and did not find a good man to take care of her, she would commit suicide, as she did not want to live that life anymore. This was the first and only 24-hour establishment that housed a brothel, gambling hall, theatre and saloon.
As with any place with a violent past The Bird Cage Theatre has its share of paranormal activity. There is a minimum of twenty-six ghosts who have been haunting the establishment. Many people have claimed as early as 1921 that there have been reports of strange happenings that were too unbelievable to have been real.
The pungent smell of cigar smoke permeates throughout the building. This would not be too odd, aside from the fact that there has not been a cigar smoked in the building for nearly 30 years. Since that time, there have been numerous accounts of different paranormal experiences. There have been around 100 sightings a year of a man who wears striped pants, head gear and carries a clipboard that goes from stage right to stage left and just disappears.
There are other instances that have been reported of the strong smell of whiskey before the entire ground floor of the saloon seems to just come alive with paranormal energy. It has been said that you can hear the laughter and music and some folks have even seen the groups of transparent individuals who are laughing and gambling. It is as if they are stuck in the world that they enjoyed the most.
Big Kate's Saloon
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.
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? 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. 
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.
Nellie Cashman's Restaurant
Nellie Cashman’s Restaurant is another haunted location with spirits allegedly visiting this old building since frontier days. Located in Nellie Cashman’s old restaurant and boarding house, once called the Russ House, this quaint little restaurant of today is said to continue to host a spirit or two.
Its original owner, Nellie Cashman, was one of the Old West’s original female entrepreneurs, as well as a prospector and an “angel of mercy,” known throughout the west for her charity, courage, and determination.
After having traveled to mining camps in Nevada and Canada, Cashman made her way to Tombstone in 1880, where she opened the Russ House. Soon, she moved on to other mining camps, but not until she had made her mark on Tombstone.
Though most do not believe that it is the building’s original owner who continues to lurk within its walls, they do believe there is “someone.” Both staff and customers have made several reports of playful spirits who continue to make their presence known.
Often, staff will arrive in the morning to find that objects have been moved during the night. Strange noises, crashing sounds, and even muted voices have been heard in the building. Lights mysteriously turn on and off of their own accord, and sudden changes in temperature are felt in various areas. Though these spirits are seemingly harmless, they do seem to be sensitive to criticism, making themselves known when people express their non-belief. In fact, on one occasion when a customer was making fun of the ghosts, a mustard bottle suddenly jumped from the table, leaving her clothing spattered with the yellow gook.
Yet others have actually professed to having seen an apparition of a woman, most presuming it is Nellie herself. However, ghost investigators doubt this, as Nellie actually died in Canada many years after leaving Tombstone. Later, after Nellie had moved on, the building was used as a boarding house, and allegedly a woman who lived there was murdered by a man who was also living there. The investigators believe that it is this woman who continues to lurk within the building.
