The History of the Oriental Saloon

"If these walls could talk..."

The Oriental Saloon opened in the summer of 1880 at the corner of Fifth and Allen Streets in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. At the time, Tombstone was a booming silver mining camp exploding with fortune seekers, gamblers, outlaws, and lawmen. The Oriental quickly became one of the most luxurious and notorious saloons in the Southwest.

The Tombstone Epitaph described it as “the most elegantly furnished saloon this side of the Golden Gate.” It featured crystal chandeliers, thick Oriental carpets, a long mahogany bar, and imported liquors served by bartenders in white coats.

Wyatt Earp & The Gambling Concession

In early 1881, Wyatt Earp acquired a one-quarter interest in the gambling concession. With help from friends like Bat Masterson and Luke Short, he helped bring order to the high-stakes tables. The Oriental became a favorite gathering place for the Earp brothers (Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan) and their close friend Doc Holliday.

Violence & Legends

The Oriental earned a reputation as one of Tombstone’s “bloodiest corners.” Several shootings occurred in and around the saloon, including:

• A dramatic confrontation between Doc Holliday and owner Milt Joyce in October 1880.

• The famous Luke Short vs. Charlie Storms gunfight right in front of the Oriental on February 25, 1881.

Fire & Rebirth

The original building burned down in the great Tombstone fire of June 1881, but it was quickly rebuilt. The saloon survived the boom and bust of Tombstone’s silver mines and stands today as a proud National Historic Landmark.

Today

Now known as Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon & Theater, the building continues to welcome visitors from around the world. Guests can step inside the same walls where legends walked, enjoy cold drinks at the historic bar, watch live gunfight reenactments, and experience the real spirit of the Wild West.