Step back into the time of the Wild West, where spurs clanged on wooden floors and conflict was resolved with a revolver. The staple spot for cowboys was saloons, and these iconic establishments were more than just watering holes. Saloons were the pulse of western towns, where cowboys, outlaws, and travelers gathered to share stories and make deals. Take a look into the ways of the past with these 20 photos of saloons in the Wild West.
1. The Cosmopolitan Saloon in Telluride Colorado, 1910
Being able to drink and gamble in the same place is a tale as old as the Wild West. We just hope that the roulette table didn’t cause any shootouts.
2. It’s weird you very rarely see a woman in these photos of old saloons.
Maybe this isn’t a coincidence, maybe women didn’t want to be around a bunch of drunken cowboys. There’s nothing more inviting for a woman than a bar filled with drunk lunatics.
3. The mustache era.
This was a time when the respect given to a man was based on the size of his mustache.
If you still respect a man based on the size of his mustache, make sure to follow us.
4. Two Brothers Saloon, Austin Texas, 1901.
That welcome sign isn’t very welcoming. Also, that sign below says “no credit” and we wonder exactly what they mean by that in 1901.
5. This is where I’d be drinking if I lived in 1865.
There’s no better sense of security than having a DD take care of you and the whole bar. If I lived in the late 1800s you can bet I’d be drinking here.
6. The Anti-Saloon League.
I can’t tell if they’re genuinely this stern or if they were making funny faces. Regardless, I wouldn’t mess with them.
7. This Saloon in Manitowoc Wisconsin served kids.
Just kidding. But note the little child-sized glass he’s drinking from.
8. Well this looks inviting.
If you couldn’t tell, I’m being facetious. Chairs made of animal parts don’t scream come on in.
9. The cowboys have come to wash the dirt from their throats.
Although they look the part, these guys aren’t outlaws. These are just cowboys who are parched after a long day on the ranch.
10. The Castle Dale Saloon, Utah 1905.
Don’t worry about parking your horse outside, bring them right on in. Cleaning animal droppings is a part of this bartender’s job description.
11. The Office Saloon, Skagway 1900.
The bartender and some regulars took a break from the booze and took a nice photo together. It’s crazy to think about the weight photos will hold in the future.
12. The Elkhorn Saloon in Montana.
I wonder why they call it the Elkhorn Saloon, but that will remain a mystery.
13. There’s nothing quite like playing cards at the saloon with your buddies.
All of the floors in these saloons are seemingly wet. I’m just curious if the guys in that corner got into a fight after this game of cards.
14. Back when everyone dressed to the nines, even just for a drink.
I couldn’t imagine putting on my Sunday best every time I wanted to leave the house. These guys are just out for a drink with the boys and they look like they’re heading to church.
15. The Farmers Home in Hanover Kansas, 1890.
It’s a real shame animal heads aren’t a staple in every bar today. Who doesn’t love slugging down a nice cold beer while looking at the decapitated head of an animal?
16. A saloon in Thurber Texas, 1910.
It must be early in the morning because this bar is empty. This lucky cowboy has the entire bar to himself.
17. Billiard and saloon.
The only business that will survive on a faraway mountaintop, is a saloon. Cowboys will travel miles a day and go through sleepless nights for a nice glass of whiskey.
18. Waiting for the new kegs to be delivered.
Back in the day, breweries would pick up empty beer kegs and replace them with new ones. You can tell some thirsty cowboys are waiting for some fresh beer.
19. A courthouse and a saloon in one?
I’m not one to tell people how to do things, but this is a mistake. You can’t have outlaws getting out on a close call and heading straight into the saloon for a beer.
20. Just park your horse outside.
What would they call a parking lot for horses? Maybe a horse lot or something like that.
