Cochise Ghost Tramp!

Cochise is an unincorporated community located in Cochise County, Arizona.  The town was settled alongside the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880's.  Cochise was not a mining town, but a railroad stop for coal and water, which was "fuel" for the trains.

This area was were the original train station stood.  All aboard!

At its peak it had a population of 3,000.  It had a post office, the train station, a general store, and The Cochise Hotel. Today, only 50 people or so remain in Cochise. The Cochise Hotel is considered a historic location and is somewhat preserved, but was closed on the day we were there.

The Hotel was built in 1882 by railroad telegrapher John Rath.  He also put a Wells Fargo office in the front room of the hotel.  In 1899, The Cochise Hotel employed famous wild west personality Big Nose Kate, long time companion and common law wife of Doc Holiday.  She was many things over the years prior to moving to Cochise.  She was a prostitute and show girl...and reportedly opened Tombstone's Grand Hotel in 1880! She moved to Cochise when Doc Holiday died and worked at the Cochise Hotel. Kate spent 30 years in the Cochise area prior to moving to Prescott, Arizona at 80 years old.  We will elaborate more on Kate when we post our adventures in Tombstone, Arizona.

Big Nose Kate and Doc Holiday

The old store is still standing and appeared to be "lived in" and a few of the old historic houses still have people living in them.

Cochise is a curious place, a town that feels forgotten.  But, if you love wild west history it is worth the drive. 

Check back for our Tombstone trip and the history of Big Nose Kate, Doc Holiday and the Earp boys.