The allure of the Old West saloon is an indelible part of American lore, representing a cornerstone of social life and commerce during the frontier expansion. These establishments, far more than mere drinking holes, quickly emerged as essential community hubs, providing respite and entertainment for the diverse populace venturing into new territories. The very first Old West saloon is believed to have been established in Brown’s Hole, Wyoming, in 1822, primarily serving the rugged fur trappers of the era. From this humble beginning, thousands of saloons would proliferate across the American West, catering to cowboys, soldiers, lumberjacks, businessmen, lawmen, outlaws, miners, and gamblers alike.
Known by an array of colorful names such as cantina, grogshop, gin mill, and watering trough, the term “saloon” became widely recognized by the late 1850s, defining establishments specializing in the sale of beer and liquor by the drink. However, their services often extended far beyond spirits, encompassing food, lodging, gambling, dancing, and even brothels as integral secondary businesses. By 1880, the growth and influence of saloons were at their peak, cementing their status as vital institutions in the untamed West. As W. C. Fields famously quipped, “If I had to live my life over, I’d live over a saloon.”
The Ubiquitous Old West Saloon: More Than Just a Bar
Beyond their primary function as places to imbibe, Old West saloons played a multifaceted role in the daily lives of frontier inhabitants. They served as makeshift town halls, post offices, and even courts of law, often hosting impromptu trials or community meetings. For many, they were the only social gathering place, a sanctuary where news traveled, deals were struck, and weary travelers could find a warm meal and a bed. The interior design of these establishments varied greatly, from rough-hewn shacks to opulent halls with ornate bars, grand mirrors, and billiard tables. Despite the differences in grandeur, common elements often included a long wooden bar, spittoons, and a foot rail, providing a familiar comfort across the vast Western landscape. The atmosphere was often boisterous, filled with the clatter of glasses, the murmur of conversation, and sometimes, the sharp crack of a pistol or the dramatic shuffle of cards.
Notable Establishments: A Visual Tour of Historic Saloons
Commercial Hotel Saloon, Anaheim, California (1910-1916)
The saloon located within the Commercial Hotel in Anaheim, California, circa 1910, offers a glimpse into the more established urban saloons of the West. Situated at 182 West Center Street (now Lincoln Avenue) at the corner of Lemon Street, this establishment had a rich history. Originally built in 1872 by Anaheim’s second mayor, Henry Kroeger, it was first known as the Anaheim Hotel. It later changed hands and names, becoming the Commercial Hotel by 1890 under the ownership of Max Nebelung. Photographs from 1910 depict a bustling scene, with two men behind the bar and several patrons standing or seated throughout the room. Visible details include a cash register, an array of liquor bottles and glassware displayed in cabinets, three spittoons along the foot-rail, and walls adorned with wallpaper, clocks, and various pictures. Lighting was a mix of modern bare electric bulbs and traditional kerosene lamps, illustrating a transitional period. In 1905, John Ziegler purchased the Commercial Hotel, eventually replacing the original structure with a new $40,000 four-story brick building in 1916, which he named the Hotel Valencia. While the building was new, Ziegler appears to have retained the long, iconic bar. The Hotel Valencia’s bar featured a large mirror framed by ornate woodwork, with a bartender and Ziegler himself often seen serving customers. This establishment stood until its unfortunate demise by fire in May 1977.
Judge Roy Bean’s Saloon in Langtry, Texas
Perhaps one of the most legendary Old West saloons was the Jersey Lilly Saloon in Langtry, Texas, the domain of the eccentric Judge Roy Bean. Bean, a self-appointed justice of the peace, famously referred to himself as the “Only Law West of the Pecos.” His courtroom was indistinguishable from his saloon, where justice, though often peculiar, was always final. Beyond legal proceedings, the Jersey Lilly offered billiards and “opera house” productions, contributing to its unique character. Both the village of Langtry and the saloon itself were reputedly named in honor of the English actress Lillie Langtry, for whom Judge Bean held a deep, unrequited infatuation. Though they never met during his lifetime, Langtry did visit the saloon in 1904, shortly after the judge’s death at 78 following a spirited drinking spree. Today, the Jersey Lilly Saloon and Courtroom remain a significant historical site, adjoining a Visitor’s Center in Langtry that chronicles Judge Roy Bean’s remarkable career and provides insights into Texas travel. The town of Langtry itself is now largely a ghost town, preserving the legacy of its colorful past.
Meeker, Colorado Saloon, 1899
An interior view of a saloon in Meeker, Colorado, captured in 1899, provides a snapshot of frontier life in a different setting. Meeker, nestled in the fertile White River valley of northwestern Colorado, was a relatively isolated farming and hunting community, not a bustling mining town. The town bears the name of Nathan Meeker, the U.S. Indian Agent who, along with eleven others, was killed during the 1879 Meeker Massacre involving the White River Ute Indians. This saloon image, taken during an era when Meeker was a popular hunting destination that even attracted visitors like Theodore Roosevelt, reveals a long wooden bar with towels for customers, a foot rail, and a prominent spittoon. Behind the bar, a large wooden fixture featured rectangular and oval inset mirrors, reflecting what appeared to be taxidermied deer and bighorn sheep heads. The bartop displayed a cash register, bottles, and glassware, while patriotic bunting and small American flags adorned the back fixture. Advertising posters and a calendar decorated the wallpapered walls, and a kerosene lamp provided illumination from the ceiling. A notable detail in the photo is the presence of a dog on the floor to the left of the bar, adding a touch of domesticity to the rugged scene. Today, Meeker is home to approximately 2,500 people.
Pappe’s Saloon in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, 1901
Pappe’s Saloon in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, established in 1889, tells the inspiring story of Richard Pappe, Sr., a German immigrant who, with his wife and infant son, arrived in the U.S. in 1882. After initially establishing a bakery in Newton, Kansas, the Pappe family joined the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, staking a claim in Kingfisher. As one of the city’s founders, Richard Pappe Sr. exemplified the American dream, eventually establishing multiple businesses, including this saloon. Located in the 300 block of North Main Street, Pappe’s Saloon initially occupied a single-story building that had previously been an ice cream parlor. Photographs from 1901 showcase a long, ornate wooden bar backed by a large mirror reflecting liquor bottles, with spittoons and a foot rail at its base. A sizable cigar case was situated to the right of the bar. Both the ceilings and walls were wallpapered, adorned with posters, paintings, and a calendar. Lamps hanging from the ceiling provided lighting. An interesting historical detail is the presence of towels hanging from the bar, used by customers to wipe beer foam from their mustaches in the absence of napkins. With Oklahoma achieving statehood in 1907, Prohibition was enacted, leading to the saloon’s transformation into a cafe. Over the years, a second story was added, and the building has served various purposes, a testament to its adaptive history.
Thornton-Curry Saloon, Lincoln, New Mexico, 1890s
The Thornton-Curry Saloon, also known as the Bank Exchange Saloon, in Lincoln, New Mexico, during the 1890s, was a venture of J. Y. Thornton and George Curry. This establishment featured a billiard table prominently in the room, with the bar situated at the back. Behind the bar, a mirror and shelves displayed bottles, and a typical foot rail was in place, as seen with a cowboy resting his foot upon it. The walls were decorated with patterned wallpaper and a few prints, while lamps hanging from the ceiling provided illumination to the plank-board floor. J. Y. Thornton, a Pennsylvania native, served five years with the Fifteenth Infantry at Fort Stanton, New Mexico, before being discharged in 1875. He then entered the cattle business with George Curry at Fort Stanton for five years before they opened this saloon and hotel in Lincoln around 1880. Thornton also owned the Pioneer livery stable in Lincoln. This saloon was famously located directly across the street from the jail where, on April 28, 1881, the notorious Billy the Kid killed his guards and made his dramatic escape while awaiting execution. Thornton later moved to Roswell, New Mexico, in 1895. His partner, George Curry, a Louisiana native and post trader at Fort Stanton, developed an interest in politics, serving as deputy treasurer, county clerk, county assessor, and sheriff of Lincoln County. Curry went on to enlist in Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and served as a member of the New Mexico Territorial Senate and later as Territorial Governor.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Old West Saloons
The Old West saloon was far more than a simple establishment for drinking; it was a vibrant, often chaotic, and utterly essential institution that shaped the social fabric of the American frontier. From the bustling urban centers of California to the isolated farming communities of Colorado, and the lawless territories of Texas and New Mexico, these establishments served as vital gathering places. They were economic engines, community centers, makeshift courts, and havens for both honest pioneers and infamous outlaws. Each saloon, with its unique history and cast of characters, contributed to the rich tapestry of the American West, reflecting the spirit of adventure, resilience, and sometimes, the raw lawlessness of the era. The photographic galleries and historical anecdotes of these iconic places continue to captivate, offering an invaluable window into a bygone age when the saloon was truly at the heart of frontier life.
