The Wild West was a time of lawlessness, gunfights, and legendary figures that still capture our imagination today. One such figure was Big Nose Kate, a woman whose name is synonymous with the Wild West. Her story is one of adventure, love, and tragedy, and her final resting place is a testament to her enduring legacy.
Who was Big Nose Kate?
Big Nose Kate, whose real name was Mary Katherine Horony-Cummings, was born in Hungary in 1850. She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child and grew up in Davenport, Iowa. She later moved to Kansas and eventually found her way to Tombstone, Arizona, where she met the infamous Doc Holliday.
Despite his reputation as a gambler and gunslinger, Kate fell in love with Doc and the two became inseparable. They traveled together, living a life of adventure and danger, until Doc's untimely death in 1887.
Big Nose Kate's Life after Doc Holliday
After Doc's death, Kate's life took a turn for the worse. She struggled with alcoholism and poverty, and even spent time in jail for various crimes. However, she eventually found her way back to Tombstone and opened a boarding house. She lived there until her death in 1940 at the age of 90.
The Legend of Big Nose Kate
Despite the hardships she faced in her later years, Big Nose Kate remains a legend of the Wild West. Her relationship with Doc Holliday has been the subject of countless books and movies, and her name is still recognized by people around the world.
Today, visitors to Tombstone can visit Big Nose Kate's grave at the Boothill Cemetery. Her headstone reads "Mary K. Cummings, Died November 2, 1940, Aged 90 Years" and is a fitting tribute to a woman who lived a life of adventure and left an enduring legacy.
Visiting Big Nose Kate's Grave
If you're planning a trip to Tombstone, be sure to visit the Boothill Cemetery and pay your respects to Big Nose Kate. The cemetery is located on Allen Street and is open to the public.
While you're there, take some time to explore the other graves and learn about the people who helped shape the Wild West. It's a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and a must-see for anyone interested in American history.
Conclusion
Big Nose Kate may have lived over a century ago, but her legend lives on. Her story is a reminder of the Wild West's tumultuous past and the people who helped shape it. If you're ever in Tombstone, be sure to visit her grave and pay your respects to one of the most legendary figures of the American West.