Tombstone Vigilantes, Inc.

The Tombstone Vigilantes are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We were founded in 1946, and incorporated in 1954. Since our inception we have been dedicated to keeping the historical town of Tombstone alive through reenacting events of the era. Every member is a volunteer who selflessly gives of their time to not only keep Tombstone’s history alive but to raise funds for worthy causes.  On the second, fourth and fifth Sunday of the month known as Vigilante Sunday you can find the group on Allen Street entertaining tourists and locals with their reenactments of historical events and mock hangings.

The mock hangings are especially fun for the tourists. An unsuspecting victim is tried, convicted and then hung by one of the Vigilante members within seconds of them meeting and, for a donation the victim can get a picture taken while in the noose surrounded by their captors. For a small donation of $10.00, the tourist can go away with a hand made "hanging" plaque with thier name on it.  Not only do we perform on Vigilante Sunday, we also work with The Tombstone Lions Club on Wyatt Earp Days and Helldorado, Inc for the world famous Helldorado Days, as well as hosting our own special events, Vigilante Days and Showdown in Tombstone.

As well as entertaining Tombstone on Sundays and during special event weekends, the group travels throughout southeast Arizona to perform our special mock hangings for various organizations and private citizens. We have even traveled as far away as Tucson and Scottsdale.  All donations raised during Vigilante Sunday, during private events and through private donations are then generously given to worthy causes throughout Tombstone. Tombstone Vigilantes have donated to various charities and organizations including, The Tombstone Marshal’s Office, The Tombstone Fire Department, The Schieffelin Hall International Players ,(S.H.I.P)., the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, The Summer Recreation program, The Tombstone Small Animal Shelter, The Seniors Meals on Wheels program, the Tombstone Food Bank, the Renaissance Program, Friends of the Library, Friends of the Courthouse, Tombstone Restoration Commission, Tombstone High School, Walter J Meyer Middle School, Salvation Army for Katrina Relief, THS Booster Club, Ringo’s Golf Tournament, Adopt a Family for Christmas, to the City of Tombstone for Schieffelin Hall restoration, Arizona Western Heritage Foundation, and Naco Explorer Post #869, etc.

In 2006, the group participated in the Tucson Rodeo parade much to the delight of the 1,000’s in attendance.  We also host the Tombstone Easter Egg Hunt, boiling, coloring and rolling over 2,000 eggs along with passing out over 100 toys and dolls to the children in attendance which means every boy and girl takes home a gift. During the holiday season we buy approximately 75 toys for the Toys for Tombstone drive.  We also support the Senior Meals on Wheels, Tombstone Small Animal Shelter, Senior Citizens Center and the Food Bank of Tombstone through perpetual donations.  As well as local donations the Tombstone Vigilantes also remembered the troops overseas and in past years we sent 150 pounds of toiletries and personal items to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We also donated to the folks involved with the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, The bombing of the World Trade Center and the survivors of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.