BIRDCAGE THEATER | Tombstone Arizona | 2019 | A Window Into the Lawless Old West

The Bird Cage Theater is a tourist attraction that provides a glimpse of life in the Old West days of Tombstone. It's a time capsule dating back to 1881 and at one time hosted numerous touring acts. It's hosted patrons like Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and George Hearst. On this adventure, we take a trip back in time.
▬▬ C A C T U S A T L A S . C O M ▬▬
⚪ Read our review - www.cactusatlas.com/adventures/bird-cage-theater-2019
⚪ Get more information - www.cactusatlas.com/information/bird-cage-theater-2019
On this episode, we visit one of our favorite attractions in the historic town of Tombstone, AZ: The Birdcage Theatre.
Originally opened in 1881, this theater has seen a lot over the years, starting with more civilized entertainment, to more rowdy fun.
Evidence of rowdier times is riddled all over the building. For example, you can see a reported 140 bullet holes, the faro table where Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo had their famous duel, the remains of a poker game that went on for many years and had a $1000 buy-in, as well as the famous Black Moriah, the hearse that delivered all but six bodies to the many buried at the world-famous Boothill Cemetery.
The Birdcage Theatre is part museum, part paranormal attraction. Roaming this very old building, you will get a sense of its oldness. From the rickety original floors where many famous men like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo, and Curly Bill Brocius once walked, to the musty, dusty smells revealing the antiquity of this building, you will be immersed in history through all of your senses.
No wonder this place is reported to be haunted. Of course, we at the Cactus Atlas are very skeptical about the paranormal, but we do enjoy haunted history, and this location delivers it in spades.
Watch as we attempt to communicate with the spirits in the main part of the theater and see if we have any luck. Who knows, perhaps in one of the frames in this video, evidence of the afterlife will materialize. Please let us know if you see or hear anything suspicious on our video!
When you enter the famous Birdcage Theatre, you will be greeted by a friendly and informative presentation about the theater and some of its history. They will tell you about some of the artifacts present in the main lobby, including an original bar and cash register, left in its original state, as well as some other interesting artifacts such as original show posters.
If you ask one of the hosts about experiences with ghosts, chances are they will tell you some interesting stories. I know we heard a thing or two on our visit that got our attention!
At this point, you will have paid nothing to view the main lobby and can choose to leave. They will not pressure you and will be gracious for you having stopped by. At this point, you can choose to pay a fee to do a self-guided tour of the building. That is what we do in this video, and you can watch and see what we thought and decide if the self-guided tour is for you.
VIDEO FILMED: 10/06/2019
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ BOOTHILL CEMETERY | Tombstone Arizona | Contemplations of Life in the Old West - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5WsdmWQlptrirs
▬▬ L O C A T I O N I N F O ▬▬
⚪ Birdcage Theater - www.tombstonebirdcage.com/
⚪ Directions to Birdcage Theater - goo.gl/maps/AR2FHpiGVFFHRzxM6
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking and day trips as well as campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

[@maryhartwig6816]

Those rooms with the red curtains high up on the walls are the "cribs", where the soiled doves would ply their trade. We spent a long weekend in Tombstone for our first anniversary, and never had any unusual happenings at the Birdcage. My favourite place is Big Nose Kate's - good food and booze. That was in 1988, and our original rose bush cutting is still alive and doing well.

[@dennisnorkaitis9726]

The last time I was there I went down to the basement. . I recorded a harpsichord on video and smelled lavender perfume. I walked out of the gift shop above the basement . Replayed my video and was shocked. I returned to the gift store replayed what I recorded and the woman was impressed. . That was in fact a Harpsichord . Then she pulled out a 3 ring binder full of pictures showing lady's of the night. In same area. I'm still captivated and waiting to go back . I still get chills when I listen to that recording.

[@sandin6689]

Was the only person in the museum....felt 3 solid taps on my shoulder. Turned around, thinking it was the clerk ...no one was there. I said, "Hi". Awesome museum

[@thoughtful_criticiser]

I know what you mean about walking around an old building and feeling the original floorboards creak. The creaking floors and smell of my daughter's original school house, sends shivers down my spine thinking of all the students since 1400.

[@candymcclure2476]

another of your well researched and interesting trips. Thanks for taking me with you. Gramma Candy

[@CactusAtlas]

Any time! 😊

[@MW-bi1pi]

I was in Tombstone last month. The Birdcage Theater is definitely worth the price of admission. In fact it was the 2nd best thing I did in Tombstone. The clothing stores are good and not to high priced and there is an excellent, but high priced Gunshop. The BEST thing was the Gunfighters Museum. It is at 4th and Toughnut street. Many RARE and valuable guns. Any gun guys must visit the gunfighters Museum.

[@Johnnny-ve1ti]

Just came back from a tour of the Bird Cage Theater and had a paranormal experience as the lady in the gift shop was sharing some of her own experiences. I could feel a real cold breeze on the back of my neck which was giving me extreme chills and goosebumps. When I checked for the ac vent behind me there was none and the one I did find was not in the direction that the cold are was coming from. I finally mentioned to the gift shop lady about my experience and she informed me that the ac was not on and that the door to the shop was wide open on an 85 degree day.

[@hardtogetnamehere]

We just left Tombstone yesterday. The Bird Cage was a must. Such an amazing building. We didn’t get any ghost photos, but took a lot of pictures and had a great time.

[@kevintoboz4929]

I just got back from there last week, the bird cage was by far the best thing in that town, the food being the worst lol

[@bruceburnett1584]

That Faro table was THE Faro table at the Birdcage...and is in fact the site of the Ringo/Holliday "Duel" where they were both so drunk they actually each planted a slug into the floor boards about 6" from where the table sits. Most of the items inside he Birdcage have been there since the theater closed in the late 800's unless otherwise documented by placards on other items. ;)

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks for the info! Definitely one of our favorite places to visit in Tombstone and we enjoy continuing to learn about it!

[@babycharliebrown]

Do you have any evidence to substantiate that this is true? Can understand that it’s what people want to believe but that’s not providence.

[@scottsmith31]

Proof?

[@kevintoboz4929]

@@babycharliebrown go and see it. I just got back a week ago, and staff told me the same thing

[@betonarchese]

That coffin next to the Hearse is mine and was used in the movie, "Tombstone".

[@jaykay3071]

I personally think they should re convert it to a theatre, and start putting on old timey shows again. It’s kinda a boring attraction with the tours they have available, and this town is lacking in some fun action, so if they converted the theatre back, and started doing like magic shows, musical performances, and old timey re-enactments from the past! It would be a hit!

[@CactusAtlas]

I can see that being an enjoyable experience. We've never actually taken one of the tours there - generally just explore at our own pace so we can stop and read a lot of the things there. There's some really interesting articles and such all over the place. So I'm torn... really enjoy spending time looking over things (always seem to find something we hadn't noticed before) but entertainment is fun too. Always end up looking at the stage and wondering what shows would have looked like there. 👍

[@WPUpioneer]

Demos teaching people how to play faroe would be fun too

[@marylesueur868]

Last weekend my daughters, sister and I visited tombstone and of course the birdcage. My sister had her arm touched and my daughter had her earing flicked. Years ago when I went there with my husband I smelled lavender on the back stage. It's a place everyone should visit! I suggest going into the gift shop in big nose kates saloon and seeing the swampers bedroom. Its free and very eerie.

[@ronnieparker3341]

I went to Tombstone back in the early 90s and it was wonderful.!

[@Realstuffadventures]

Enjoyed your video. The Birdcage is also my favorite. I see that they have now closed off Allan St and put dirt down on it . I like this idea. Great to see HD video. I treasure all of mine from visits, but they are VHS tape, state of the art at those times. When I visited there a few times, Ben Traywick was very active as the town historian. Got several of his books. He is retired now. You may know, but there is a youtube channel called The Haunted Saloon that is great that features some of the actual histories of Tombstone. There is a decendant, Terry Clanton who also has a great channel and website, he provides some great stuff too. Thanks for doing this video and long live Tombstone !

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so much! Oddly enough, I did not know about those channels you mentioned but will definitely be checking them out! Thanks again!

[@tombstonegabby]

@@CactusAtlas About Terry "Ike" Clanton. On occasion when he's in town he will ride a penny-farthing bike on Allen Street - in period dress of course.

[@neypassos3847]

Simply Amazing. Thank you so much for the video.

[@CactusAtlas]

Why thank you!

[@just_nate_8694]

I used to be skeptical too and a lot of people will be until you experience something and I hope one day you will.

[@CactusAtlas]

I know Glenn hasn't experienced anything personally. I have, yet I'm still a skeptic as well. Just how some people are. 🤷‍♀️

[@susanwheeler7396]

I loved the BirdCage!

[@madameleota6731]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I love old, historic places. I want to visit Tombstone one day soon!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! We too love historical places and Tombstone is worth it. It you ever visit be sure to check out the courthouse as well. Lots of really cool pieces.

[@dennisnorkaitis9726]

Do it you wont regret it this town is Fabulous !

[@dennisnorkaitis9726]

Do it you wont regret it it's Fabulous!

[@kevintoboz4929]

Not sure if you ever went. I just got back to NJ from tombstone. It’s a great time, and the bird cage theater is amazing. If you love history this is a must. Also it has a weird feeling inside

[@PanhandleHopper]

Very nice tour. I love the basement and random explosives contained within, hahaha. Very cool that they have so much original stuff still around.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yeah, was strange seeing the random grenade in that cellar! Such a cool place to visit, especially for those interested in the Old West.

[@KillerMouse]

Love the video! It was incredibly informative. This will help me for a class project.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful. 😄

[@jaystruthers4036]

I like your bearded with the western hat with the brim pushed up in the front look must better. It's more of an interesting look.

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

lived in Sierra Vista , visited in 1962. Tombstone was all dirt roads. Visited in 1987 and everything was paved. Birdcage was a bar. no collection of stuff.....and no admission. I see now they put some dirt on the asphalt and charge $14 to look at a collection of stuff....

[@kreggossmer2029]

😎👻👍

[@janbrown4265]

I went at night when they said we could see or hear something. I never did I really wanted to. I think I would have rather of went there during the day so I could have more time looking at everything. I missed a lot.

[@CactusAtlas]

We've been there several times over the years and never experienced anything, but we're also actually not believers in the paranormal. Fascinated with the stories and lore though. Definitely go back during the day if you get a chance. One could easily spend hours and hours there reading and looking over everything in there.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Enjoyed the vlog

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks! 😄

[@chrissmarr1253]

We did the ghost tour and had a black shadow go across the wall where the soiled doves were

[@CactusAtlas]

Interesting! Can't say we've really had any experiences there. 😅

[@mariocisneros911]

Tucson has an old west town , but this is the real deal. The bird cage does smell like an old abandon garage from 80 years ago but without the moisture.

[@CactusAtlas]

Haha! Super, super accurate about the smell. I'm guessing you're taking about Old Tucson? That was a really fun park but last we heard it's still closed. Glad we got to visit it and film there while we had a chance but really miss it. 😥 Thanks so much for checking this video out though. 😄

[@RFWieder]

I was there several years ago, it looks like they've done a lot to improve the displays. The theater area was a mess when I was there!!

[@shanebloeser2910]

I visited the Bird Cage Theater in August of 2020. I knew it was haunted. I was backstage and I heard a man's voice say something to me. Couldn't understand what he was saying and I promise you, I was the only one there. Then I went down to the gift shop and while I was talking to the lady behind the counter, something grabbed my right arm and I turned around and nothing was there. I said LET GO and it did. Yes the theater is very haunted.

[@fish295]

Good tour, we were there in 2017...

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! 😄

[@mrchappel]

Was there in 2010. Went downstairs backstage looking around and felt what can be best described as pressure on my chest (No not a heart attack, thank you). Went to where the fire alarm was. Took a digital picture of GF and her face was shrouded in shadows. True stuff-didn't say it was ghosts, it just happened.

[@cherylevans6355]

My husband and I experienced the same thing. We felt like someone was "with us" the entire time. We both felt the urge to leave pretty quickly. The funny thing was that we were not together walking around. He was on one side and I was on the other.

[@kayotikkassie]

Just went there on Saturday 5/21/2022 instant nausea and dizziness. The smell of ammonia and urine followed me the entire time, I was there with my daughter and husband and repeated asked them how they were feeling and if they smelled anything funky kept getting weird looks and told no. I’ve always felt a strong attraction to tombstone since I was 7/8 years old and it’s history maybe this was sign or I’m just getting old and can’t travel like I use to 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sandrafrancis979]

Yes it is the original table. You are in Cochise County

[@ION400]

1:45 Charles Bronson sighted

[@Susieq26754]

Arizona is very dry. Thats why everything is preserved well.

[@CactusAtlas]

We do have less rainfall here than other areas, but that also leads to fires.

[@mondaynightmitch2823]

It isn't dry right now, at least not in the Sierra Vista/Tombstone areas

[@TylerHaley]

wat was that at 6:04 top balcony

[@dodgingbullets3503]

They shouldnt park cars on the streets of Tombstone, kinda takes the beauty and the authentic look away lol

[@CactusAtlas]

I can see that to a degree. There are, however, three blocks of Allen Street that are for pedestrian traffic only. That said, Tombstone is still a town with a population of over 1000 residents.

[@TexasTrails]

I believe the bird cage had a large fire many yrs ago

[@jehovahuponyou]

GOOD VIDEO - BUT I REALLY DO NOT THINK DOC HOLIDAY EVER FACED RINGO DOWN INSIDE A BUILDING, HE DID HOWEVER TELL OLE RINGO THAT HE WAS HIS "HUCKLE BERRY FILLED DOUGHNUT" (LOL!!!!!!!) ABOUT THE TIME WYATT, VIRGIL, AND GROUP LEFT TOMBSTONE, THAT BEING ON FREMOUNT OR ALLAN STREET ONE - ANYWAY, GOOD VIDEO, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@whispering7438]

I live in Tombstone

[@AnimeCosplayLovers]

You are asking for the spirits to do to many things you have to set 1 thing for them to do like “flicker the lights” and it take a lot of energy for them to do stuff like move stuff,talk and even flickering lights so no wonder you didn’t get a response

[@CactusAtlas]

And Glenn wondered why I rolled my eyes at him while we were filming. LOL In all seriousness though, we're both skeptics & make no claims to be paranormal experts nor have much of an interest in going in that direction. Our videos are just meant to be lighthearted and fun. -amy

[@AnimeCosplayLovers]

The Cactus Atlas that’s totally fine not trying to change your mind I just wanted you guys to know if you really want something to happen set 1 task

[@edwinthompson6510]

Hi my great-uncle Orlando ran a haulage mule train business, he delivered mining and goods to Tombstone among the stuff he carried was the Birdcage piano,,,, i have documentation as to proof of delivery Edwin J

[@CactusAtlas]

Wow! How cool! Thanks for sharing that. 👍

[@9cGFNRH]

Thanks Edwin. Are you able to share what proof you do have?...Old West Magazine.

[@edwinthompson6510]

@@9cGFNRH Hi yes i can OldWest

[@mistervacation23]

I was there once and they told me everything in here is orginal. I then said how about these plexiglass cases are those orginal? They then said get the F out.

[@WPUpioneer]

The one thing that bugs me about the birdcage: if they were so interested in keeping everything original, why couldnt they have done just that instead of covering the floor where the seats and game tables were with artifacts? Keep the buildings seating as it was and build a separate building for the artifacts. Sure, leave the original bar and faroe table there, but move everything else. Like does the hearse and coffin really belong there? They couldn't have put it in the building that used to be the undertaker? Sorry for complaining I just feel like they could have done that differently. Also if youre a nonbeliever youll never see them as they cant feed off your energy

[@MW-bi1pi]

The Birdcage Theater was not built until 1882. So it was a year after the Gunfight at the OK Corral....It is an EXTREMELY cool place you must see.

[@markk5295]

Some people can see spirits and other people cannot

[@mondaynightmitch2823]

Just visited this museum yesterday, the tour itself is pretty cool but the last 30 minutes of the tour is bogus, nothing but a complete waste of time listening to the guide trying to lure a "ghost". Either way very interesting building, especially considering it is the original and still around.

[@CactusAtlas]

Haven't actually taken a tour with a guide. It's really a cool place if one has the time to stop and take time to really take everything in - even newspaper clippings from residents who used to live in Tombstone from the day.

[@Renfield37]

they are bullet holes in the ceiling

[@alfrede.neuman8898]

Looks Like Someone Decided To Clean The 50 Year Old Dust And Cobwebs Out Of The Place. Trip Advisor Is Loaded With Remarks Of "Rip Off" And Just A "Dirty Old Junk Room."

[@CactusAtlas]

We've been a number of times and wouldn't necessarily agree with those reviews. Everyone probably has different expectations I'm sure. 🤷‍♀️

[@dannyboy3980]

I wouldn’t think $14 bucks to see this is a rip off....but more of a donation. Whether all the artifacts are 💯 real the fact remains, that site is history and a lot of real things happened inside...so take my $14 now!! 😂

[@sherritahall9816]

at 6:57 the ghost was draining your camera battery it makes the video glitch. Just thought you should know.

[@scottsmith31]

Many of the so called “facts” about this place are totally made up, mostly by the owners to add tourist attraction. There is absolutely positively zero proof that that table is the one doc and ringo dueled at, in fact there is little if any evidence to suggest that even happened at all. Also, that piano most certainly has NOT sat on that spot since 1881, there is a picture from when the building was opened in the 30’s showing absolutely nothing in the building, including in front of the stage where the piano now sits. Also most of the “bullet holes” are wayyyyy too big to be actual bullet holes. And lastly…. The Russian Bill story is laughable. $25 a night for two years straight??? $25 in 1881 was equivalent to approx $705.00 today. Not a chance.

[@williamfulgham2010]

I would not know about the $25 back in the day in Tombstone, but the inflated prices for goods and services are well known in those old mining towns such as what occurred in California during the 1849 gold rush. Another old mining town is still being preserved to a certain extent in Colorado, up in the front range, where there were very high prices during the mining period.

[@kingmanarizona2661]

Tombstone is a tourist trap, and very little is original. They have built lots of new buildings to look old, and everything costs money. It is not even worth the drive.

[@CactusAtlas]

Agree for the most part, but there's still some really cool original history there if you know where to look.

[@mrmeaner3917]

Ffs my house is older.

[@safarieten]

This place is nothing more than a cheesy, 2bit, tourist trip !!!!!!

[@alfrede.neuman8898]

I Visited There In 1977. Everything In Town Then Had A $1 Entry Fee. Just Looked In And Saw Nothing Interesting About It.

[@moniquenstein]

Annoying how much he carries on over the paranormal while denying his belief in the paranormal and ignoring the artifacts that he could have been saying something about…