In Dodge City, saloons were popular destinations for drovers to relax and quench their thirst after a long journey. The main road, Front Street, was lined with wooden shanties with porches where water barrels were kept in case of fire. South of the town was the infamous 'Red Light District,' a captivating area that was not only well-known for its three vices: whiskey, gambling, and prostitution, but also for the intriguing stories and characters it housed. This area, with its alluring mix of vices and captivating history, not only fueled the economy of Western Cattle Town but also formed a fascinating part of its history.
Keith Wondra, curator for Boot Hill Museum, tells us that the primary whiskey sold in Dodge City saloons was corn mashed, a staple of the Wild West. It had 40-50% ethyl alcohol by volume and was made from grain, water, and yeast. The production process involved mashing the corn, fermenting the mash, and then distilling the fermented mash. It was aged in new charred oak barrels and referred to as bourbon. During that period, almost every type of whiskey was called bourbon, regardless of where it came from, as long as it contained corn. However, one whiskey, known as the 'Old Sneak Head,' stood out for its unique ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship that would undoubtedly pique the interest of whiskey enthusiasts. Its ingredients included alcohol, tobacco, molasses, red Spanish peppers, and river water. Two rattlesnake heads were added to each barrel to give it spirit. The whiskey was ready to drink when the rattlesnake heads rose to the surface and floated after being dropped in a horseshoe, a process that was as fascinating as it was unique, adding a touch of mystery to its production. Saloon owners, driven by profit, resorted to a deceptive practice. They sold overnight whiskey, watered down to increase their profits. A gallon of whiskey cost $2.00, and a drink was sold for 25 cents, which meant the saloon owner made a profit of about 700%. The more they watered down the whiskey, the more profit they made, a practice that may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who sought a genuine whiskey experience. Between 1872 and 1876, it's estimated that 2,250 barrels of whiskey were consumed in Dodge City, which is the equivalent of approximately 70,875 gallons or 4,536,000 drinks. However, after the railroad reached Dodge City in 1872, a new era of drinking began. Saloons started selling not just whiskey but also beer, champagne, and wine, offering a diverse range of beverages. Join Keith Wondra on Wild West Podcast as we journey through time to uncover the captivating chronicles of Dodge City's early saloons. From dark, inexpensive origins to their influence in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape, Keith guides us through every nook and cranny of these saloon stories, revealing fascinating details about these establishments that were Dodge City's lifeblood during its formative years. We discuss the infamous Saloon War of 1883 and its monumental impact on Dodge City and its economy.
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Author"THE MISSION OF THE WESTERN CATTLE TRAIL ASSOCIATION IS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE WESTERN CATTLE TRAIL AND TO ACCURATELY PROMOTE AWARENESS OF IT'S HISTORICAL LEGACY." Archives
September 2024
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