The Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone Arizona
Tombstone, Arizona was once a thriving boom town thanks to the discovery of untapped silver mines in the late 1800s. However, this newfound wealth also brought lawlessness and violence to the area, turning it into a place where gunfights, gambling and prostitution were commonplace. One of the most notorious places in Tombstone was the Birdcage Theatre – a saloon that became known as the wildest night spot in the Old West. The Birdcage Theatre was home to gambling tables, dance performances, and even a brothel upstairs. However, it wasn’t just a place for entertainment – it was also one of the deadliest places in town. At least 27 people lost their lives within its walls during its heyday, with 16 gunfights recorded.
Deaths at the Birdcage Theatre
One of the most gruesome murders associated with the Birdcage Theatre involved two rival madams – Little Gertie and Margarita. Little Gertie killed Margarita with a stiletto after accusing her of stealing customers. The murder weapon was never found and Little Gertie was never charged for her crime. Despite its violent past, many people still flocked to the Birdcage Theatre for entertainment – including gamblers who participated in one of history’s longest poker games which lasted for an incredible eight years, five months and three days straight!
Hauntings of the Birdcage Theatre
The Birdcage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ is well known for its notorious past and colorful history. But there’s more to this iconic building than meets the eye. Rumor has it that the theatre is haunted by a variety of spirits and paranormal activity. Some of the reports include tapping on shoulders, smelling cigar smoke and whiskey, people being kissed on the cheek and even phantom piano music coming from downstairs when no one is playing!
One of the most commonly reported sightings is that of an apparition of a woman dressed in 1880s period undergarments opening the curtain on the catwalk above. Some visitors have even reported being kissed on the cheek by this mysterious woman! Photos have been captured of misty figures throughout different parts of the theatre, from upstairs to even on the staircase. Some visitors have seen a Lady in White walking around upstairs as well as reports of disembodied whispers and voices coming from all directions.
The Birdcage Theatre also has an infamous wine cellar which was once connected to saloon downstairs via steel bars. Reports claim one particular woman walked through these steel bars into the wine cellar completely nude! EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) have been heard around The Black Mariah hearse, where nasty comments are said to come from. Poltergeist activity has also been reported with objects being moved around or thrown in certain rooms.
Visiting the Birdcage Theatre
While Tombstone may have been too tough to die back then – today it is still alive and well as a popular tourist destination where you can experience what life might have been like during those wild west days. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, then a visit to The Birdcage Theatre may be just what you need! With countless reports over the years of mysterious hauntings and paranormal activity, The Birdcage Theatre definitely lives up to its reputation as one of Arizona’s spookiest places.
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