The Lost Thunderbird Photograph

Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper Archive Analysis

Researchers Mark Chorvinsky and Jack Pearl conducted extensive searches of the Tombstone Epitaph archives from 1880-1900, looking for any mention of giant bird encounters or related photography. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records maintains digitized copies of the newspaper from this period. Their investigation found no contemporary reports of giant bird shootings, unusual creature encounters, or related photographic sessions in Tombstone during the alleged 1890 timeframe. The newspaper regularly reported on local curiosities, unusual animal encounters, and notable photographs taken in the area, making this absence particularly significant. The complete Tombstone Epitaph archives are publicly accessible online through the Arizona State Library digital collections. The lack of any contemporary documentation raises serious questions about whether the legendary incident ever occurred, or if it was a story that developed decades later.