Looking west from the intersection of Allen & Sixth streets
Photo probably taken by San Francisco photographer Carlton Watkins in 1880. Image Courtesy A.H.S.
All buildings behind Mr. Calisher (standing on right) up to the white faced Golden Eagle Saloon, were destroyed in the June 1881 fire. The wood roof structure (R) before the Nevada Boot & Shoe store is most likely the Arcade Saloon. The Arcade is where the 1881 fire started. Also, if you look closely at the last sign down Allen street, you may be able to read the "OK" Corral sign.
San Diego Union, June 23, 1881
Letter From Tombstone
by Clara S. Brown
Tombstone A.T., June 23
Editor Union: I don't know what kind of dispatches were sent over the country yesterday, but it certainly looked at one time as if the best part of Tombstone was doomed to destruction.
A BARREL OF WHISKY
Combined with tobacco in the shape of a lighted cigarette, was at the bottom of it all. The latter ignited the former, causing an explosion which set on fire a saloon (Arcade) in the very heart of the business portion of the town; and, before the flames could be checked, four blocks of frame and adobe were leveled to the ground. A fire under any circumstances is serious enough, but particularly fearful to contemplate when there is almost nothing to fight it with. People did the best they could, pulling down buildings and wetting others in an attempt to confine the limits of the conflagration, and, by arduous efforts, the flames were prevented from spreading across Fremont street to the northern part of the town, and across Fifth to the most valuable blocks in the camp. From Fifth to Seventh and from Fremont through to Toughnut streets, nearly everything was swept away. It was all done to quickly that
FEW PEOPLE HAD TIME TO SAVE ANYTHING
And many were reduced in an hour to a penniless condition. It was providential that one of our famous "Arizona zephyrs" was not blowing at the time, for much greater loss would inevitably have been sustained in that event. The Sycamore Spring Water Company placed their supply and wagons at the disposal of the city, and the fire company worked valiantly in the face of disheartening circumstances. The mercury indicated 100 degrees in the shade before the fire broke out, and the added heat of the flames rendered it extremely difficult to approach the burning buildings.
QUITE A NUMBER OF SAN DIEGANS
Were either burned out or barely escaped losing their property. Mrs. Frary's dressmaking establishment was entirely destroyed, but she saved most of her effects. The adobe building occupied by Mrs. Casper and Mrs. Tasker is a complete ruin, and not a vestige is left of the Tribolet house adjoining. Shaffer & Lord's fine adobe store was kept continually wet, and the veranda running around two sides was cut away. This stands on the north side of Fremont street. Some of the buildings on that side caught on the roof, and only constant vigilance prevented the fire from sweeping over to that block. It is a marvel how Tasker & Pridham's store was saved, when that and the adjoining store, in the same building were the only ones left out of an entire crowded block, on the south side of Allen street. The blackened front of the building and the charred sidewalk before it show what a fierce struggle there was between fire and man. I think it must have been a hand to hand encounter. Next came McClelland's wholesale liquor store, which went the way of so many others. He was in business in San Diego for a short time. Everything was taken out of Mr. Grist's house, which stood perilously near the burnt district, but was not harmed. It was
THE MOST QUIET CONFLAGRATION
That I ever witnessed. I did not once hear the cry of "fire." My attention was drawn to a big black smoke, rather center my own house than I cared to see it, and to people hurrying up the street. On satisfying myself that we were in no danger as long as the wind continued in the same direction. I prepared to go "up street" and the flames soared high in the air before I left the house--less than five minutes after seeing the smoke. No bells rang, no engines dashed past with their shrill scream, only the throng of people and the dread blaze denoted what was amiss.
The mayor arrived home from a visit to the East last evening, in time to view the smoldering ruins. While away, he purchased a fire engine and two horse carriages, in behalf of the city, which are now on the way here, and which, will prevent a similar calamity to this city in the future.
Looking north into Tombstone shortly after the 1881 fire.
C.S. Fly photograph Courtesy McLelland Collection
(1) Schieffelin Hall (2) Rear of Old Palace Saloon, 502 Allen St. (3)Cadwell & Stanford Gen. Mdse. 512/514 Allen St. (4) Remains/building of adobe wall (5)Fire House without bell on roof (6) Grand Hotel (7) Nellie Cashman (8) Gird Block on Fremont St. (9) Two story Golden Eagle Brewery on Allen St. (10) Oriental Saloon on Allen St.
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From G.S. McLelland Streets of Tombstone "A Closer Look"
Partial article from the Tombstone Daily Epitaph on June 24, 1881
"Baptism of Fire"
Dawn of Another Day
When the dawn of Thursday's sun, men women and children were astir, looking to see what had been left out of the ruins brought the evening before. There was little but desolation, the few goods they had saved being badly damaged. Nothing dismayed, the business portion of the community set about them to make ready for the new stocks that had been ordered by telegraph the night before--figuratively speaking, the dispatches being written by the light of their burning goods. The unsettled title to lots led to some disturbance between the leasees and leasers, but thanks to the prompt and decisive action of
Marshal Earp (Virgil)
There was no damage done. After consultation with the mayor and Councilmen, and being told to use his own judgement in the matter, he appeared on the scene of action and told the consultants that he should use total authority and the full power of the police force to maintain the same order of things that existed before the fire, and up to such time as the courts settle the question of titles. The decisive and just action on the part of the Marshal acted like oil upon troubled waters, and peace and order were restored. The action of Marshal Earp cannot be too highly praised, for in all it saved bad blood and possible bloodshed.
Back Home Link to Fire on the Streets of Tombstone in 1882
Link to G.S. McLelland's Streets of Tombstone collectable Maps, DVD and other rare artifacts
San Diego article sent to me by Casey Tefertiller in 1997
