There’s a new tour in town covering a darker side: Bisbee True Crime Tour. Created and hosted by Steve Moramarco, a local musician, writer, and former actor, Bisbee True Crime promises to give visitors something more than just ghost stories or miner’s legends.
“This tour is 100% true, covering crimes and vice from Bisbee’s earliest days up to the present day. This tour is adults-only, as some of the stories are a bit intense. Not to mention there’s a bit of raunchy jokes and coarse language. Leave the kids at home,” Moramarco said.
Bisbee was founded in the year 1880, and originally named Mule Gulch. The Copper Queen Mine produced 8 billion pounds of copper, giving the town several booms and busts. At its peak in 1916, there were over 25,000 people.
“Everyone was here directly or indirectly because of the copper, from the miners and engineers, to the gamblers, thieves, and prostitutes,” he added. “That half of the story is often watered down for the families or neglected altogether.”
The tour is a little under an hour long, involves a few staircases and dark alleyways. Comfortable shoes and a flashlight are recommended.
Moramarco also punctuates different stops on the tour with photos and newspaper clippings, shown on his iPad. At the end of the tour, there is a moment of silence for the victims of these horrible crimes as well as for the women of the tenderloin, who suffered in their toils.
The idea for the tour was germinated after Moramarco had worked for a few other tours and felt they were not really covering the complete history of Bisbee.
“I don’t feel like we are competing with the other tours in town, the Ghost Tour and such. We’re offering a completely different experience and little, if any, overlap of content. You can take those tours as well. We’re just like another ‘E’ ticket attraction here in magical Bisbeeland,” Moramarco said, referencing Disneyland’s early ticketing system.
Moramarco is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, where he studied alongside and acted with Jack Black and Michael Stuhlbarg. He’s also the author of two books, one of which involved researching Italian history. His indie film The Great Intervention is available to watch on YouTube, and he has appeared in many commercials and TV shows including ER and Everybody Hates Chris.
He came to Bisbee in 2020 and instantly fell in love with the place. “I didn’t know a soul and only thought I’d be here for just a few weeks. Two months later, I owned a home.” He has two shows on KBRP radio, runs the events website/newsletter This Week in Bisbee, and has his own band – Moramarco! – that plays his quirky, original music; his song “Satan, Lend Me a Dollar,” was featured on Showtime’s “Weeds” TV series, season one.
“I’ve been a performer most of my life, so doing this tour comes naturally to me. I enjoy entertaining people, as well as teaching them some history of the town. This tour isn’t for everyone, but those that want to see another side of Bisbee and aren’t uncomfortable with the topics, will have a great time.”
Bisbee True Crime Tour is offered 7 days a week during the month of October at 8pm. Tickets are $20 but if you use code BISBEEAZ they are just $15. Book your tour today!