Saloon Cowboys
By Art Saborio
The image of the saloon cowboy is indelibly etched in the collective consciousness, largely thanks to romanticized depictions in countless movies and books. The saloon cowboy and the Old West, with its rugged landscapes and untamed spirit, elevated these figures to iconic status. While saloons eventually became ubiquitous in most Western settlements, it’s important to acknowledge that Mexican-style cantinas often predated them in certain areas, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
The architectural blueprint of the classic Western saloon, as immortalized in popular culture, was remarkably consistent across the vast territories. A simple, often unadorned wooden facade greeted patrons, typically fronted by a raised wooden boardwalk, providing a practical solution to the often muddy or dusty streets. Strategically placed hitching posts offered a secure anchor for horses, essential transportation in this era. Proximity to a water source, like a trough or well, was equally vital for tending to the needs of these equine companions. The entrance, almost invariably, featured a pair of swinging doors, designed to brush against a saloon cowboy as he stepped into the dimly lit interior. The bar itself was the focal point, stretching the length of the room to accommodate a throng of thirsty patrons. Beyond the bar, the floor was typically furnished with a scattering of wooden tables and chairs, providing a space for socializing, gambling, and the inevitable tall tales.
The atmosphere within a saloon cowboy establishment was a vibrant mix of camaraderie and potential conflict. It was commonplace to witness groups of men engaged in friendly poker games, their faces illuminated by flickering lamplight, or sharing embellished stories of their adventures on the trail. However, the saloon also served as a breeding ground for disputes, often fueled by alcohol and simmering tensions, which sometimes escalated into violence that spilled out into the dusty street.
The earliest incarnations of saloons bore little resemblance to the grand establishments depicted in later narratives. These primitive forerunners were often makeshift affairs, constructed from tents or simple square wooden frames draped with canvas. The canvas provided rudimentary protection from the elements, offering a modicum of shelter from rain. The floors, however, were typically nonexistent. During periods of rainfall, patrons would find themselves ankle-deep in mud; in drier times, they would contend with swirling dust. The primary offering of these early saloons was a potent form of whiskey, accompanied by a rudimentary place to sit and rest weary bones.
The whiskey served in these nascent saloons was far removed from the refined spirits enjoyed in more established Eastern cities like New York or Chicago. This was a raw, potent concoction, often brewed on-site or in nearby camps. The ingredients were simple and unforgiving: raw alcohol, burnt sugar for color, and a touch of chewing tobacco to impart a distinctive flavor. The resulting product was often sold under colorful and ominous names like "Coffin Varnish," "Tarantula Juice," and "Red Eye," reflecting its harsh character and potential consequences.
The term "Firewater" eventually became synonymous with whiskey, particularly in the context of trade with Native American tribes. To convey the potency of the liquor, cowboys would demonstrate its flammability by pouring it onto a fire. The high alcohol content of the whiskey caused it to ignite readily, similar to gasoline. This dramatic display led to the widespread adoption of the term "firewater" to describe the potent beverage. Furthermore, social pressure within the saloon dictated a particular style of consumption. Sipping whiskey was viewed as a sign of weakness and was often met with derision or even threats, with patrons sometimes being forced to down an entire bottle at gunpoint.
Beer, while available, was not as ubiquitous as whiskey in the early Western saloons. The absence of pasteurization techniques meant that beer was typically served warm, a condition that further deteriorated as it sat, causing it to become flat and unpalatable. Whiskey, on the other hand, retained its flavor and potency regardless of temperature fluctuations. It wasn’t until the 1880s that Adolphus Busch revolutionized the brewing industry with the introduction of artificial refrigeration and pasteurization methods, paving the way for the mass production and distribution of Budweiser as a national brand.
In the late 1820s, Bent’s Fort in Colorado became the site of what is generally considered the first true saloon cowboy establishment in the West. While a few smaller towns already boasted cantinas, these establishments lacked the scale and ambition of the saloons that would soon proliferate throughout the region. Bent’s Fort served as a trading post and social hub, attracting trappers, traders, and Native Americans, and its saloon became a vital component of its operations.
The discovery of gold often acted as a catalyst for the rapid proliferation of saloons in a given area. In 1848, Santa Barbara, California, had only a single cantina. However, the subsequent gold rush triggered an explosive growth, resulting in the establishment of approximately 30 saloons within a short period. Similarly, towns like Livingston, Montana, with a population of around 3,000, boasted an astounding 33 saloons. In that era, starting a business was relatively straightforward, fueled by a spirit of innovation and expansion. Saloons, in particular, proved to be lucrative ventures, attracting a large and eager customer base. The saloon cowboy represented a thirst for both drink and social interaction, making the establishments the center of frontier life.
©Art Saborio, 2010, updated March 2025.
About the Author: Born and raised in San Diego, California, Art Saborio has always had a passion for family, writing, history, gaming, and law. As he grew up, his interests also expanded into international travel and photography. Art describes himself as a family man with a desire and interest to help others. He is married with children and enjoys traveling the world and writing. He also runs several websites. Click here to find out more about the saloon cowboy. The saloon cowboy provides a look into how the West was born.
Also See:
Saloon Art, Advertising, and Photo Prints
Saloon Museums of the American West