The Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City, Kansas
The Long Branch Saloon, a name synonymous with the untamed spirit of the American Old West, stands as a potent symbol of Dodge City, Kansas. More than just a place to quench one’s thirst, the Long Branch Saloon was a social hub, a stage for drama, and a silent witness to the forging of legends in a town known as "Hell on the Plains." Today, a reconstruction of this iconic establishment offers visitors a tangible connection to a bygone era, allowing them to step back in time and experience a taste of the Wild West. Located within the Boot Hill Museum, the recreated Long Branch Saloon continues to serve up a taste of history, offering both refreshment and a glimpse into the tumultuous past of Dodge City.
Dodge City’s reputation for lawlessness and gun-slinging emerged in the 1870s, a direct consequence of its unique position on the frontier. Lacking formal law enforcement, the town became a magnet for a diverse and often volatile population. Buffalo hunters, drawn by the vast herds that roamed the plains, mingled with railroad workers, constructing the iron arteries that would connect the nation. Drifters, seeking fortune or simply a new beginning, added to the mix, as did cowboys driving cattle from Texas to the railheads. Even soldiers, stationed at nearby Fort Dodge, contributed to the town’s vibrant, if often chaotic, atmosphere. The result was a tinderbox of conflicting interests and simmering tensions, frequently erupting in brawls, gunfights, and the grim reality of men dying with their boots on.
The genesis of the original Long Branch Saloon is a tale in itself, steeped in the playful rivalry that often characterized life on the frontier. As the story goes, a spirited ball game unfolded on the sun-baked Kansas plains, pitting cowboys against soldiers in a contest of skill and athleticism. Friendly wagers were placed, fueled by the free flow of beer under the scorching sun. As the game progressed, the stakes escalated, culminating in a bold proposition: should the soldiers lose, they would provide the building materials necessary to construct a saloon.
Fortune favored the cowboys that day. The soldiers, defeated on the ball field, honored their wager. Soon after, building materials arrived, and the vision of a much-needed respite from the harsh elements and the drudgery of daily life began to take shape. The Long Branch Saloon was born, a testament to the spirit of competition and the shared desire for a place to unwind and socialize.
In 1878, the Long Branch Saloon entered a new era when it was purchased by Chalkley Beeson and William Harris. These two men, with their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, transformed the saloon into the most popular and refined establishment in Dodge City. Beeson, in particular, was a driving force behind the saloon’s success. Recognizing the importance of entertainment, he assembled a five-piece orchestra that played nightly, providing a sophisticated soundtrack to the cattlemen’s evenings.
Beyond the saloon’s walls, Beeson’s influence extended throughout the West. He organized and led the renowned Cowboy Band, a musical ensemble that traveled extensively, entertaining audiences at cattlemen’s conventions, concerts, and dances. The Cowboy Band’s fame even reached the nation’s capital, where they performed at the inauguration of President William Harrison, showcasing the unique culture of the American West.
The Long Branch Saloon offered a diverse range of diversions to its patrons. Gambling was a popular pastime, with stakes ranging from a modest five-cent game of "Chuck-a-luck" to high-stakes poker pots that could reach thousands of dollars. The saloon’s beverage selection was equally varied, catering to a wide range of tastes. Patrons could choose from milk, tea, lemonade, or sarsaparilla for a non-alcoholic option. For those seeking stronger libations, the saloon offered a variety of alcoholic beverages, including champagne and beer. Anheuser-Busch was the original beer served in the Long Branch Saloon. Keeping these beverages cold was a logistical challenge. In the winter, ice was harvested from the river. During the hot summer months, ice was shipped by train from the mountains of Colorado, ensuring that patrons could always enjoy a refreshing drink.
During Dodge City’s peak as a Wild West town, the Long Branch Saloon was one of sixteen saloons that lined the streets. However, the era of unchecked lawlessness was not destined to last. As the town grew and evolved, so did its need for order and stability. A new breed of lawmen, including legendary figures like Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman, and Charlie Bassett, arrived in Dodge City, determined to tame the town and bring a measure of justice to its streets. Their efforts, often fraught with danger, gradually brought the era of the Wild West to a close.
In 1885, a devastating fire swept through Dodge City, destroying the original Front Street buildings, including the Long Branch Saloon. The cattle drives, which had been the lifeblood of the town, were also coming to an end with the expansion of the railroad. The combination of these factors led to a decline in Dodge City’s prominence, and the original Front Street was never rebuilt.
Despite the loss of the original buildings, the spirit of Dodge City and the legend of the Long Branch Saloon lived on. In 1947, a project was undertaken to reconstruct Front Street, capturing the essence of Dodge City as it appeared in 1876. The reconstruction was carefully researched, drawing upon historic photographs and newspaper accounts to ensure accuracy. The result is a captivating glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of Dodge City during its heyday. The reconstruction stands on a portion of the original 1870s cemetery, adding another layer of historical significance to the site. Entering the grounds of the Boot Hill Museum is like stepping back in time, immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and stories of the Wild West.
The Boot Hill Museum is home to a diverse collection of exhibits and artifacts, offering a comprehensive portrayal of early life in Dodge City. The museum boasts a collection of over 200 original guns, a testament to the town’s reputation as a gunfighter’s paradise. Other exhibits include a working print shop, showcasing the importance of communication in the frontier era, an extensive collection of drug store items, providing insight into the medical practices of the time, a Victorian-era cattleman’s home, offering a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite, a one-room schoolhouse, representing the importance of education in the community, a railroad depot, symbolizing the town’s connection to the wider world, a dry goods store, and a saddlery. Each of the more than 20,000 artifacts displayed throughout the complex is authentic, adding to the museum’s credibility and educational value.
The reconstructed Long Branch Saloon is a central feature of the Boot Hill Museum. The exterior of the saloon was meticulously copied from historic photographs. While the interior of the reconstructed Long Branch Saloon does not precisely replicate the original, it is consistent with the interior design of saloons from that era, creating an authentic and immersive experience for visitors. The bar itself is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, built in 1881 by the Brunswick Corporation. Hand-carved from cherry wood, it exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Two golden eagles, once part of Chakley Beeson’s personal collection, sit atop the back bar, adding a touch of grandeur. Today, it is illegal for anyone to own stuffed eagles except for Native Americans and Museums that acquired them before the 1940s. During the summer months, the stage in the Long Branch Saloon comes alive with nightly performances of The Long Branch Variety Show. The show features singers, dancers, and portrayals of iconic figures like Chalkley Beeson and Miss Kitty, bringing the history of the saloon to life through song and dance.
Visitors to the Boot Hill Museum can still "belly up to the bar" at the reconstructed Long Branch Saloon and order an ice-cold Budweiser or sarsaparilla. The sarsaparilla is bottled specifically for the museum, featuring a custom label that adds to the authenticity of the experience.
The Long Branch Saloon remains a potent symbol of the Wild West, a reminder of a time when Dodge City was a frontier boomtown, teeming with opportunity and danger. Its story, preserved in the Boot Hill Museum, continues to captivate and educate visitors from around the world.
Contact Information:
Boot Hill Museum
Front Street
Dodge City, Kansas
620-227-8188