Western Saloons – More than just drinking dens

The flickering glow of oil lamps casts dim light on a long wooden bar and the faded advertisements hanging on the walls. Tobacco smoke forms crooked halos above the heads of men gathered around rough-hewn tables and mingles with the pungent odor of sweat and unwashed bodies. Ruggedness, camaraderie, and a hint of danger linger in the air.

That’s often what comes to mind when we picture a 19^th century saloon, but the ambiance and appearance of saloons in the Old West could vary widely, depending on factors such as location, clientele, and the preferences of the owner. That said, they generally fell into two broad categories: relatively upscale (and even luxurious) or plain and utilitarian.

In larger cities with affluent populations, some saloons aimed for a classy atmosphere. These establishments often featured elegant furnishings, such as polished wood bars, brass fixtures, and plush seating. Decor could include ornate mirrors, elaborate chandeliers, and decorative wall hangings. Upscale saloons often invested in finer glassware and serving vessels and may have employed well-dressed bartenders and waitstaff to cater to a more discerning clientele.

In smaller towns and rural areas, saloons tended to be simpler and rustic in appearance. They were often housed in basic wooden buildings with little in the way of decoration. The bar might be a simple wooden counter. Lighting was typically provided by oil lamps or candles, contributing to a dim and sometimes smoky interior. These saloons prioritized function over form.

Regardless of their level of fanciness, cleanliness and hygiene standards in 19th-century saloons could vary widely. Some saloon owners took pride in maintaining a sanitary establishment, while others were less diligent in this regard. Factors, such as the availability of clean water, played a role in determining the cleanliness of a saloon.

Despite their differences in appearance, saloons of all kinds shared certain common characteristics. They were typically loud, bustling places filled with the sounds of conversation, laughter, and occasionally music. Smoke from cigars and pipes often hung in the air, contributing to the distinctive ambiance of the Old West saloon. Regardless, saloons were important social hubs where people from all walks of life came together to drink, socialize, and unwind.

Even though the primary function of a saloon was to serve alcohol, 19th-century saloons offered a wide range of services beyond just that. Saloon owners stocked a variety of drinks to cater to different tastes and preferences. Many also served food, ranging from simple bar snacks to more substantial fare, such as sandwiches, stews, and chili. While the quality of the food varied depending on the establishment, it provided patrons with sustenance to accompany their drinks.

Some saloons offered rooms for rent upstairs or in adjoining buildings. These accommodations were often basic, with little more than a bed and a wash basin, but they provided travelers with a place to rest for the night.

In the absence of formal banks in many frontier towns, saloons sometimes acted as makeshift financial institutions. Patrons could cash checks, exchange currency, or even secure loans from the saloon owner. Some saloons also offered safe deposit boxes where patrons could store valuables. Some saloons served as informal post offices or communication centers. Travelers passing through town could leave or pick up messages, letters, or packages there. Additionally, telegraph lines were sometimes connected to saloons, allowing for long-distance communication.

Saloons often doubled as meeting spaces for various community groups, such as fraternal organizations, political clubs, or business associations. These gatherings provided opportunities for networking, organizing, and socializing outside of regular business hours. Many were lively entertainment venues. Piano and guitar music were common, as were stage performances of singing, dancing, and comedy acts. Games, such as Faro, billiards and darts, were popular forms of entertainment.

Some saloons crossed the line from lively to dangerous. Take the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas. According to the Legends of America website, it lived up to the Wild West image. “Back in the 1870’s [around the time the saloon was built], Dodge City began to acquire its infamous stamp of lawlessness and gun-slinging. Without local or military law enforcement, buffalo hunters, railroad workers, drifters, cowboys, and soldiers scrapped and fought, leading to the shootings where men died with their boots on.”

Overall, saloons in the 19th century were multifunctional establishments that provided a range of services to their patrons, catering to their social, recreational, and practical needs. And they were surprisingly plentiful. In 1883, though it had only 3,000 residents, Livingston, Montana had 33 saloons!

Some Wild West saloons are still open for business today. 

Have you ever visited one?

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