Sonoma County's Wild West: Saloons, bars and taverns of the past

Saloons were some of Sonoma County's earliest businesses. Click through our gallery of historic photos to see what life was like in the area's saloons, bars and taverns as far back as the 1800s.|
JANET BALICKI WEBER
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Saloons, roadhouses and taverns were some of the earliest establishments that catered to settlers in Sonoma County. The Western Saloon, or “watering hole,” served customers like gold miners, fur traders, cowboys, soldiers, businessmen, lumberjacks and lawmen (and almost only men). Along with groceries and post offices, saloons are among the earliest businesses in 19th century Sonoma County.

As years passed saloons gave way to bars and bars to nightclubs which continue to provide entertainment for men and women ages 21 and up.

Click through our gallery of historic saloons, bars and taverns to get a glimpse of our social drinking past.

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