The Tombstone Thunderbird

On April 26, 1890, the Tombstone Epitaph reportedly published an article about cowboys who killed a giant flying creature in the Arizona desert. The creature resembled a pterodactyl. The article has never been located.

The Story

According to the legend, two cowboys encountered a massive winged creature near Tombstone. They shot and killed it. The creature had a wingspan of 20-30 feet, a long beak, and leathery wings.

The Lost Article

Many people remember seeing the Epitaph article, often including a photograph of the creature nailed to a barn with cowboys posed beside it. Despite extensive searching, neither article nor photograph has been found.

The Mandela Effect

The Tombstone Thunderbird is often cited as an example of the Mandela Effect: a false memory shared by many people. Thousands remember the photo; it doesn’t appear to exist.

Native American Tradition

Thunderbird legends predate European settlement. Native peoples across North America describe giant birds, some with reptilian features. The Tombstone incident may connect to older traditions.

Assessment

The Tombstone Thunderbird exists somewhere between fact, legend, and false memory. Something happened in 1890 that sparked persistent stories. Whether it was a real creature or a tall tale has been lost to history.