Gleeson Jail; Photo by Luanne Mattson

She and her partner bought the jail, and have turned it into a mini-museum. Inside the jail, you can see Native American artifacts, Western gear including old saddles, tack, an old bunk, mining and prospecting tools, ranching tools and other antiques.

The jail was built of reinforced concrete in 1910. Before that, the town jail was a nearby tree.

Gleeson's Jail Tree

The marshals would handcuff the prisoners to the tree, and they’d be forced to endure the elements. Next to the Jail Tree is a natural wash. Sometimes after a rainstorm, the water would rise dangerously close to the prisoners.

Since I was headed down, I called ahead, and Tina met me to open the jail. She then treated me to a tour of the area.

Between 1900 and 1920, Gleeson’s population swelled to about 1,000 people. On the website, it says, “In the downtown section of Gleeson, the population is exactly zero.” A few people live nearby, but they generally like the wide open spaces of this little ghost town. Mining

Here are pictures of other structures nearby:

Joe Bono saloon (Photo by Luanne Mattson)

This saloon, once owned by Joe Bono, is practically falling down. If you go, please do not attempt to enter it!

Gleeson's Shannon Hospital (Photo by Luanne Mattson)

Gleeson school

The foundation is all that remains from Gleeson’s third school (they kept outgrowing them).

There are plenty of other stories waiting for you to discover! The Gleeson jail is open to visitors the first Saturday of each month. Historian Glenn Snow is usually there to tell visitors about Gleeson’s heydays and the area’s history. Gleeson is about 15 miles from Tombstone via a dirt road. It’s also accessible by a paved road off of Highway 191 from the east.

For directions, check the Gleeson Web site. Please check their  calendar and hours of operation before you go. The jail is privately owned, as is most of the surrounding land.

If you want to explore the history a bit before you go, check out the historical sketches, which are written by Glenn Snow and are about bootleggers, scam artists and unsavory characters of the Old West.

Here’s the September lineup:

Sept. 5, 45th Annual Brewery Gulch Daze, Bisbee

Events such as the “Miz Old Biz” contest and the new Belt Sander Races make up this unique event celebrating Bisbee’s past. Once home to more than 20 bars and brothels, Brewery Gulch was one of Bisbee’s liveliest avenues. Brewery Gulch Daze features a pancake breakfast, pet parade, chili cook off, recycled art show and kiddie carnival games. Look for the waiter/ waitress relay races, always good for a giggle. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Bisbee.

Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 in Old Bisbee. For more info, call 520-432-3554 or 1-866-2BISBEE.

Sept. 4-6: Rendezvous of Gunfighters, Tombstone

Gunfighter groups from throughout the U.S. compete in this weekend event. In addition, there will be a costume parade on Sunday on historic Allen Street.

Free admission. Call  520-457-9317, 1-888-457-3929 or www.tombstonechamber.comfor more info.

Sept. 10 & 11, Bisbee Plein Air Competition Weekend & Bisbee Bloomers Garden Tour

Artists are invited to Bisbee to paint the picturesque hillsides of Tombstone Canyon and the Mule Mountains of Southeastern Arizona. Meet Arizona’s many Plein Air painters and take advantage of a well-organized and beautiful venue to share and sell your work. On Sept. 11, tour Bisbee’s delightful gardens as residents open their yards to the public. A shuttle bus will be available.

Garden Tour tickets are $10 and are available at the Bisbee Visitor Center. Call 520-432-3554 or 1-866-2BISBEE for information on each event.

September 23-26, Cochise County Fair, Douglas

Enjoy carnival rides, 4-H demonstrations, livestock auctions, collegiate rodeo, bull riding, food concessions, retail booths, animal exhibits, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.

Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Cochise County Fairgrounds, Leslie Canyon Road in Douglas, AZ. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for seniors (age 60+) & children (age 6-17); children up to age 5 get in free.

Info: Cochise County Fair Association, 520-364-3819 or www.cochisefair.org

Sept. 24, 22nd Annual Elks Oktoberfest

Authentic German food and music, games for kids, dancing. Wine and beer available. 4-10 pm. Free.

Details: 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Elks Lodge, #1 Elks Lane in Sierra Vista. Admission is free, beer is extra! Info: 520-458-2065

Sept. 25, Bisbee Blues Festival

The Fourth Annual Bisbee Blues Festival will feature live blues. This year’s artists are Tab Benoit, Shemekia Copeland, the Rhythm Room All Stars, Train Wreck and The Hounds. Food and beverages will be available.

Details: 11a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 at Warren Ballpark in Bisbee. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more info contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-5421 or 1 (866) 2BISBEE or visit http://thebisbeebluesfestival.com/

Sep. 30-Oct. 3 Rex Allen Days, Cowboy Hall of Fame Ceremony & Banquet

The Cowboy Hall of Fame is the kick-off for the Rex Allen Days celebration. Western fun, Willcox style, this event honors their hometown hero. Rex Allen gained fame as a singer, cowboy movie star and narrator for Walt Disney Productions. This year will celebrate 59 years of Rex Allen Days, and the 2nd Annual Western Legends Award will be presented. Activities for Rex Allen Days include a parade, rodeo, General Orlando B. Willcox International turtle race, cowboy dances and country music concerts featuring Rex Allen Jr., Johnny Western and Jimmy Fortune. 

Details: Held at the Willcox Community Center. Admission varies per event. For more info, contact the Rex Allen Museum at 520-384-4583 or the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 520-384-2272.

Rex Allen (Photo courtesy of the Rex Allen Museum, Willcox, Ariz.)

Special guest stars at this year’s Rex Allen Days will be music stars, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers fame, and Johnny Western. The Cowboy Hall of Fame kicks it off. The 2nd Annual Western Legends Award will be presented this year. Other activities include a parade, rodeo, General Orlando B. Willcox International turtle race, cowboy dances and country music concerts. 

Details: Admission varies per event. Contact the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 520-384-2272 or the Rex Allen Museum at 520-384-4583, www.RexAllenMuseum.org for more information.

Do you remember Rex Allen? Are you sure? If you’re of a certain age (say 40s or older), you might have heard of him even if you don’t recognize his name. He was the narrator of Disney for years in the 60s and he was the narrator of the 1973 animated film, Charlotte’s Web. So you probably have heard of him.

View a clip from a Walt Disney show, “Yellowstone Cubs“. Do you remember those wholesome Disney shows? I do! I looked forward to Sunday evenings in front of the TV with Mom and Dad and my sisters and brother. For me, it really was a “Wonderful World of Disney”!

Gammons Gulch's new saloon set ©Gammons Gulch

Last year, a movie called “The Gundown” was filmed at Gammons Gulch, here in Cochise County, and the moviemakers wanted a saloon to film in. So, after raising money, the saloon was built. It’s now an 1,100-square-foot movie saloon!

They don’t serve alcohol, so it’s safe to bring the kids.

Just imagine: a gunslinger charges through the swinging doors, card games screech to a halt and chairs scrape the floor. A shoot out is bound to happen! But we’ll just have to wait to see if The Gundown includes one of those scenes or if a wise sheriff or marshal will talk them out of pulling that trigger.

George Scott, former mayor of Benson and a member of Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, helped raise funds to build the saloon.

Take a tour of Gammons Gulch today to learn about the movie set and see what I call a place that is like the “Antiques Roadshow on Steroids”!

Benson July Fourth Celebration, to be held July 3, 2010

Get a preview of fireworks in Benson! The community will commemorate its 130-year anniversary with a then-and-now slide show, the annual parade, and the popular “Water Fight” at Lions Park. Volunteer fire departments compete in the water fight. They use fire hoses to move a barrel on a pulley system, sliding the barrel toward the opposing team. Spectators often get a refreshing soak, and the kids get to play in the mud.  Entertainment and music throughout the day, with fireworks at dusk and a family dance held at Lion’s Park at night.

When:  July 3, 2010 Parade 9 a.m., Water Fight 10:30 a.m., Fireworks 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Benson

Admission:  Free

Info:  520-586-4293, Benson Visitor Center or info@bensonvisitorcenter.com

4^th of July in Bisbee, Bisbee

The famous Bisbee Coaster Races, the oldest and longest gravity-powered race in the U.S., start down Tombstone Canyon at 8:30 a.m. Between heats, the Bisbee Iron Man Mile will be held. A parade will be in Bisbee’s Warren section. Re-created Bisbee’s early miners’, mucking and drilling contests are held in the afternoon with shovels and four-pound hammers flying. The Bisbee Copper Kings will host its third annual baseball tournament Warren Ballpark, with fireworks at dark.

When:  beginning at 9 a.m., July 4

Where:  Bisbee locations

Admission:  Free

Info:  520-432-6016 or Bisbee Visitor Center events

43rd Annual 4^th of July Festivities, Sierra Vista

The party begins July 3 with a youth talent show at Veterans’ Memorial Park, followed by a street dance with the popular band “Train Wreck.” Celebrations include the Pets & People parade, with entertainment, food and displays. City officials and dignitaries will address the crowd at a noon ceremony. A spectacular fireworks show starts at dusk at the Paiz/Stone Complex, on Tacoma Street.

When:  6 p.m., July 3; all day, July 4

Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd.

Admission: Free

Info:  520-266-2304 or Sierra Vista Visitor July events calendar or www.visitsierravista.com

July 4, Family Style 4^th of July at Medigovich Field, Tombstone

America’s independence is celebrated in Tombstone with the annual softball tournament. Street entertainment and a rousing fireworks display at dusk round out the too-tough-to-die town’s events.
When:  8:30 a.m.

Where:  Medigovich Field, Allen Street

Admission:  Free

Info:  520-457-3994 or Tombstone Chamber

July 3 & 4, Douglas’ “sporty” July 4th

If you and your kids can’t get enough of sports, check out the July 4th celebration in Douglas. They’ll have a variety of sports tournaments: youth soccer, golf, adult flag football and softball. You must pre-register. In addition, there will be food and craft vendors plus a Patriotic Parade downtown on Avenue G at 10 a.m. Fireworks will shoot off at on July 4th at 8:45 p.m.

For more info contact the City of Douglas Recreation Center at 520-417-7340.

A major conference will be held in Sierra Vista at the same time as the festival, so rooms will be in short supply. Visit SW Wings’ lodging page for info on sponsoring hotels, bed and breakfast inns or motels.

Be sure to make any lodging reservations well in advance!

If you can’t find lodging in Sierra Vista, You might also visit lodging facilities in the neighboring communities in Cochise County. Click on each city to find lodging within these communities (numbers in parentheses indicate mileage to Sierra Vista). Benson (35), Bisbee (24), Douglas (50), Tombstone (32) and Willcox (70).

Happy bird watching!

Roadrunner near the San Pedro River ©Cochise County Tourism Council

Dig for cold in Cochise County’s mines. A spot in Bisbee’s Queen Mine Tour is a brisk 47 degrees year-round. So when it’s 110 degrees in the desert… well, you do the math! You can get an education on mining life while you’re chilling out inside the mines. Try one of Cochise County’s two mine tours—the Queen Mine Tour or Tombstone’s Good Enough Underground Mine Tour. Visit the Queen Mine Tour or the Good Enough Mine Tour.

Which way to the beach? Cool off at The Cove, Sierra Vista’s Aquatic Center. You can dip your toes into the pool’s beach-like entry or go head first into the diving well. There’s also water tube slides and major wave action. Call the facility at 520-417-4800 or visit The Cove’s website.

Hang out with some cool customers. Tombstone has its share of cool characters hanging around. Visit Tombstone Chamber of Commerce to plan your own cool experience in the “town too tough to die.”

Gaze into cool night skies. With cooler evening temperatures, stargazers of all levels can revel in the county’s dark skies. Contact the Huachuca Astronomy Club to attend monthly star parties or join an event at one of 15 private observatories.

Do you have more ideas on staying cool? Share it by leaving a comment!

Go underground. The average temperature inside Kartchner Caverns is about 70 degrees. Insulated by layers of earth, caves are naturally cooler. While you’re cooling off, you’ll get to explore one of the world’s top 10 living caves. Throne Room tours show amazing stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form. See these wondrous formations on touts that last about an hour. Info: Kartchner Caverns State Park website

How cool is this?! Kartchner Caverns State Park® Photo by Noelle Wilson ©Arizona State Parks

Get high. No, we’re not pushing drugs. Get high in elevation. Cochise County elevations start at around 3,000 feet, and many of the peaks top out above 7,000 feet. That translates to crisp summer air. Mountain ranges include the Dragoons between Benson and Willcox, Mules where Bisbee sits, Whetstones where Kartchner Caverns is located, Chiricahuas, between Douglas and Willcox, the Huachucas in Sierra Vista, Dos Cabezas near Willcox and more. You’ll find lots of recreational opportunities like hiking and camping in Cochise County’s mountains!

Low-temperature golf at value prices. Sitting at elevations of 3,500-4,600 feet, these courses offer a respite from urban courses. Visitors can tackle the “Rattler,” a 757-yard, par-6 hole—just one of the interesting golf experiences at Cochise County’s seven public courses located in Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Sunsites and Willcox. For more info, check the Cochise County Tourism Council’s golf listing.

You can find out more by contacting any of the Cochise County Visitors Centers: Benson Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Willcox.

Carlson Creek will be one of the wineries featured

Join Willcox Wine Country members as they host a weekend of wine, live music and food to cap off the Sulphur Springs Valley Historical Society’s Historic Preservation week. Local favorite Nowhere Man and Whiskey Girl will provide music, as will The Trail Mix Trio.

Details: Wine garden open Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Six tastes and a commemorative glass for $10. For more info, visit www.AzWineFestival.com.

May 15, Fiber Arts Festival, Bisbee

Celebrating its 18th year, the Fiber Arts Festival will be held in Vista Park in conjunction with the Bisbee Farmer’s Market. The Fiber Arts Show will present sheep-shearing, fiber demonstrations and vendors that sell finished products along with natural fibers and equipment.

Details:   8 a.m. – 1 p.m.at Vista Park in the Warren section of Bisbee. Admission is free. For more info, call 520-642-3603 or go to www.bisbeefiberarts.com.

May 15, Guided Tour of Buffalo Soldier Historic Sites

Learn about the accomplishments and history of Fort Huachuca’s Buffalo Soldiers during a tour around Fort Huachuca. The tour is given by a member of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers. Call 520-417-6960 or 1-800-288-3861 for more details.

Note:  Fort Huachuca is an active military installation.  U.S. citizens may take the tour and must provide valid photo identification for all over the age of 13.

May 29 & 30, Bisbee Gem and Mineral Show, Bisbee

Gems and minerals from many regions will be on display in historic Bisbee at the Queen Mine Tour. Call 520-432-2071.

Details: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Queen Mine Tour building in Old Bisbee. Admission is free. Call 520-432-2071 or visit www.DiscoverBisbee.com for more information.

May 29-31, Wyatt Earp Days, Tombstone

Gunfight reenactments fill the streets, along with a chili cook-off, hangings, street entertainment, look-alike contests and an 1880′s fashion show.

Details: The fun begins at 10 a.m. each day during Memorial Day weekend in historic downtown Tombstone. Admission is free. Call 520-457-3511 for more info.

May 29 & 30, Willcox Rod & Classic Car Show, Willcox

The 3rd annual car show will be held in the Willcox Historic District on Railroad Ave. For information contact the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at 520-384-2272 or the Rex Allen Museum at 520-384-4583 or info@rexallenmuseum.org

June 19 & 20, Tombstone Gem Show, Tombstone

An exhibition featuring gems, jewelry, mineral specimens and fossils. Great for jewelers, hobbyists and collectors.

Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express. Admission is free. For more information call 1-888-457-3929 or visit www.tombstonechamber.com

June 26 & 27, Sabaar Shriner’s Tombstone Sweet Onion Festival, Tombstone

Enjoy a weekend with parades, costume contest, music, Taste of Tombstone and the crowning of the Onion Queen!

Details: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Allen Street in Tombstone. Admission is free. Call 520-457-9327 for more info.

May 8 & 9, Holy Trinity Monastery Fiesta de la Primavera, St. David

The Holy Trinity Monastery will hold its annual spring festival on Mother’s Day weekend—a lovely place to take Mom! Visit more than 150 arts and crafts booths plus enjoy entertainment and food.

Details: Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Monastery, St. David, AZ. Admission is free. Call 520 720-4642, ext 22 for more info or visit http://www.holytrinitymonastery.org.

May 8 & 9, Border to Border Cinco de Mayo Run, Douglas

If you like motorcycles, this is the place for you! Bike show, car show, raffles and drawings, plus a poker crawl make for a rousing weekend at the border. Street dancing on Friday evening will feature Déjà vu, and Elvis will appear on Saturday.
The Border to Border Run starts at 9 a.m. Street Dancing will be Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Gadsden Hotel, Douglas, AZ.  Admission is free. There is a small fee for specific events. Call 520-364-4481 or 520-234-3901 for more info.

May 9, International Migratory Bird Day, Sierra Vista

With talks, walks, exhibitions and children’s events, visitors can learn about birds, beavers, wildlife and native plantings. The Gray Hawk Nature Center will showcase a variety of snakes and lizards. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the San Pedro River, the Sonoran Joint Venture, Coronado National Forest, Cochise County Master Gardeners and the Bureau of Land Management.

Details: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the San Pedro House, 9800 Hwy 90, at the San Pedro River. Admission is free. For more info call 520-459-2555.

Places for more info:

Sierra Vista tourism info

Benson Visitor Center

Douglas Arizona