Tombstone in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Owl Cafe and Tourist Hotel
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 17, 2011
1. Owl Cafe and Tourist Hotel Marker
Inscription.
Owl Cafe and Tourist Hotel. . On December 28th of 1881 while crossing 5th St., Virgil Earp was ambushed and shot. Would be assassins hidden in a new building under construction opened fire with shotguns. Virgil was severely wounded. He survived, but lost the use of his left arm. Meyer's Brothers Clothing and the Huachuca Water Co. moved into the new building. Later it became a popular saloon called the Bucket of Blood. In 1909 it was remodeled into a tourist hotel. In 1928 it became the Owl Cafι and Tourist Hotel. The historic building burned in a fire in 1942, thought to have begun in the cook's quarters. A new building was erected in the 1950's and in the 1970's it became the Longhorn Restaurant.
On December 28th of 1881 while crossing 5th St., Virgil Earp was ambushed and shot. Would be assassins hidden in a new building under construction opened fire with shotguns. Virgil was severely wounded. He survived, but lost the use of his left arm. Meyer's Brothers Clothing and the Huachuca Water Co. moved into the new building. Later it became a popular saloon called the Bucket of Blood. In 1909 it was remodeled into a tourist hotel. In 1928 it became the Owl Cafι and Tourist Hotel. The historic building burned in a fire in 1942, thought to have begun in the cook's quarters. A new building was erected in the 1950's and in the 1970's it became the Longhorn Restaurant.
Erected 2005 by Tombstone Restoration Commission. (Marker Number 28.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1880.
Location. 31° 42.736′ N, 110° 3.96′ W. Marker is in Tombstone, Arizona, in Cochise County. It is at the intersection of East Allen Street and South 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on East Allen Street. Marker is just to the left of the building entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tombstone AZ 85638, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Sky Islands and in Southeastern Arizona. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Gadsden Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
Marker is just to the left of the building entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,264 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
