The Saloon on the Rocky Mountain Mining Frontier

By Elliott West

Book Overview

Elliott West's careful analysis of the role and development of the saloon as an institution on the mining frontier provides unique insights into the social and economic history of the American West. Drawing on contemporaneous newspapers and many unpublished firsthand accounts, West shows that the physical evolution of the saloon, from crude tents and shanties into elegant establishments for drinking and gaming, reflected the growth and maturity of the surrounding community.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080329784X
• ISBN13: 9780803297845
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
• Length: 197 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A highly entertaining and enlightening read!

This is one of the better books I have ever read (mostly text and very few photos/illustrations) about saloons, and saloons in the Rockie Mountains in particular. Lots of great stories, saloon lexicon, who ran saloons and what the saloons were like. The book even covers what it cost to start up a saloon in the 1800s, from the tent saloon with a 2x12 for a bar to the most elegant saloons with paneling, crystal glassware, marble bars, elegant paintings, etc. Also covered are the various types of beverages, how difficult it was to transport them to remote mining camps, the profits one could make in the saloon business..ethnicity of saloon owners and so forth. After reading this book, you will know so much about these old saloons that your daydreams with be very authentic...great source for writers, researchers, students.