Western saloon

Western Saloon

Judge Roy Bean, a famous saloon owner known as "The Law West of the Pecos."

The Western saloon was a significant establishment in the American Old West, serving as a social hub for settlers, cowboys, miners, and outlaws. These saloons were more than just places to drink; they were centers of community life, offering a place for relaxation, entertainment, and business dealings.

History

The first saloons appeared in the early 19th century, catering to fur trappers and traders. As the frontier expanded, so did the number of saloons, reaching their peak during the California Gold Rush and the subsequent mining booms. Saloons were often the first businesses to open in new towns, providing a vital service to the transient and predominantly male population.

Architecture and Design

Jim Cotton's Saloon in Phoenix, 1885, showcasing typical Western saloon architecture.

Western saloons varied in size and style, from simple tents to elaborate structures with ornate bars and mirrors. The typical saloon featured a long bar, often made of mahogany, with a brass foot rail. Behind the bar, large mirrors and shelves displayed an array of bottles. Many saloons also had gaming tables, dance floors, and stages for live entertainment.

Social and Cultural Role

Saloons were more than just drinking establishments; they were places where men gathered to socialize, gamble, and discuss business. They often hosted card games such as poker and faro, and some even offered services like prostitution.

A Faro game in full swing at the Orient Saloon, Bisbee, Arizona.

Notable Saloons

Some saloons became famous due to their owners or patrons. For example, the saloon owned by Judge Roy Bean in Langtry, Texas, was known for its colorful proprietor who dispensed justice as "The Law West of the Pecos." Other notable saloons included the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona, and the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas.

Temperance Movement

Temperance propaganda highlighting the perceived evils of saloons.

The saloon was often targeted by the temperance movement, which viewed it as a source of moral decay. This movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the eventual passage of Prohibition in 1920, which outlawed the sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

Decline

The decline of the Western saloon began with the advent of Prohibition, which forced many saloons to close or operate illegally as speakeasies. The changing social landscape and the rise of modern bars and restaurants further contributed to their decline.

Legacy

Despite their decline, Western saloons remain a symbol of the American frontier spirit. They are often romanticized in Western films and literature, representing a bygone era of rugged individualism and adventure.

The Northern Saloon, a classic example of a Western saloon.

Related Pages

• American Old West
• Prohibition in the United States
• Temperance movement
• Poker
• Faro (card game)