Fire Danger in Tombstone

[Steve Sanders]

I've been following the developments re: Tombstone's water shortage and conflict with the Forest Service since last year's Monument fire. 

My understanding is that although there a couple alternate water sources, Tombstone is at increased risk, and might not have the resources to battle a large fire in town, thus possibly facing a repeat of the catastrophic fires of the 1880's.

Question: If, God forbid, such a catastrophic fire were to occur, would the town have the benefactors and willpower to rebuild as an 1880's historic site? 

[Morgan]

Today, I doubt it. An investor might just buy up the property and build, god for bid "Tombstone Land" with gates and enterance fees.

[Jolene Little]

Tombstone is a historical landmark.  Even if it is the burned out dust of a town, people will want to see it.  I believe there will be benefactors or friends of Tombstone who will rebuild it with as much historical accuracy as possible.  I can just see the people with metal detectors trying to find remnants of Tombstones past!

[Steve Sanders]

You mean historically accurate but with a carnival atmosphere? Or do you mean like a gated community?

[anthony martin]

 Steve,

    The folks of Tombstone have not had the will of common purpose to address real,historic preservation in an intelligent methodical manner for several decades now,well before the situation with the water supply.To put it bluntly,they tend to see both big and small matters there as something of a pissing contest where so much is driven by immediate self interest or rivalries.I love that old town and am both frustrated and mystified by all the nonsense.YES,THEY NEED TO RESOLVE THE WATER SUPPLY ISSUE-it has gone on too long now and disaster is waiting in the wings.

   Once that matter is resolved it would be great if they held a series of town meetings where they could come up with a truly comprehensive plan for really proper restoration and ongoing conservation.I'd like to also see re -creation of long vanished historic structures based on old photographs worked back into the fabric of what is left.If handled correctly it could and inevitably would be as historically significant and as successful as Williamsburg,Virginia and would be a world class tourist and commerce draw.Other folks and I have discussed this for years and all too often we hear much from the local nay sayers.You will find a number of exchanges on here about the Tombstone situation in relation to preservation and intelligent planning for the future but I'll close this as I always do-Fix the water supply problem pronto quick,as the clock is ticking,then start planning for a much better future.It will take people with vision ,determination,real community spirit and indomitable will who will not be put off by either factions or special interest.All of that could already be in existence.

[Kevin Hogge]

I'd like to see Arizona exercise is State Sovereignty and tell the Forestry Service and wacko fed to take a hike. Oh, I know it would come with a strong backlash "It's Federal Land". No, its within the boarders of a Sovereign State. Make your own decisions Arizona, the ones that are best for your people and have the Federal Government take the time to read the Constitution; specifically the Tenth Amendment and a little exercise of the meaning of Enumerated Powers.

 

 

[Kevin Hogge]

We would all like to see Tombstone more closely resemble it's original landscape. Although I'm not sure which Tombstone that would be; prior to the '81 fire? prior to the '82 fire? after the '82 fire?? They are all a little different but I would also like to see the buildings, the streets, the restriction on vehicle traffic on the numbered streets all addressed. But there is a vast difference between Tombstone and Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg Va has been restored over many years through the Rockefeller Foundation who gained the ownership of property and the ability to shape the area as CWF deemed to be accurate. Tombstone proper is private property, any effort to direct a comprehensive restoration of the town is not possible as is. A foundation or other form of non-profit with the financial backing to fulfill such an undertaking would have to be created and over time acquire the property to accomplish the vision. Then you must consider the long term viability of the organization; how does it sustain itself of even make a profit? Do you charge visitors like many of the Colonial Williamsburg attractions?? Do I really want pay to be in Tombstone?? Donations?? Historical Grants?? Much to consider but foremost is the fact that this is private property. Regardless of how I might want to see it  handled, its the owners, individually who make that call.

[Marshal Harting]

It's in the Desert. Gee no water? Wondering why.

[Steve Sanders]

Hey, Kev. I think you stated the predicament very well. It ultimately is a private property issue, and it is ulitmately the individual owners who will decide what direction the town will take. And for those of us who love the town and its history, it is very disheartening to see what sometimes looks like indifference to the "gold mine" they have literally in their backyard. Sometimes appears to be "the town that doesnt care if it dies."

[Chuck Sawyer]

Well, hard times have hit Tombstone as well.  Most of the stores are barely making it day to day and that's a long range problem.  The water situation could become critical except in the mine tours, the water level is at 500' and they can't pump it all out...last April tour of the little mine just off main street.  Sadly, it's $$$$$ that will tell the story.  Here's hoping for the BEST for 'The Town too tough to die' !!

[Morgan]

Well we can all hope some investor might just come along and start buying up the property such as the Bella Union, The Blue Adobe lodge and the parking lot in between on Fremont St. Then with some renovations put them back in operation. Additional properties are available and as the real restate market continues to falter in the South west may become affordable.

As to the stores that are barely making it, what can you say, they have chosen the products they sell, and in ,most cases you just can't survive on "trinkets"

It all still comes back to the main draw which is the O.K. Corral gunfight. But unfortunately there is a movement about town to "ignore" it's importance and rally 'round the "Outlaws". This movement is bound to end up shooting themselves in the foot no matter how many residents don't like the Earps.