Long Branch Saloon

During 1870's Dodge City began to acquire its infamous stamp of lawlessness and gun slinging. Without local or military law enforcement, buffalo hunters, railroad workers, drifters and soldiers scrapped and fought, leading to the shootings where men died with their boots on.

It was during this time that the famous Long Branch Saloon was built, and even that was an Old West tale, in and of itself. It all began when a bunch of men were playing ball on the hot dry Kansas plains. Side wagers began as the cowboys played against the soldiers. Sonn a much bigger wager was made that if the soldiers lost, they would provide the building materials to construct a saloon.  Lucky for all, the soldiers lost the game and the building materials promptly showed up. Before long, the Long Branch Saloon was born.

The saloon was purchased by Chalkley Beeson and William Harris in 1878 and through their efforts it soon became the most popular and refined place for the cattlemen of Dodge City.

The  Long Branch Saloon was one of 16 rowdy saloons during Dodge City's  Heyday. Soon, however, lawmen, such as Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Bill and others helped to tame the town.  

At The Old West Festival, The Long Branch Saloon is home to our very own Miss Annie and her Saloon Show, complete with Cancan Dancers straight from Paris!  You can also see Professor Faris’ Magic Show and of course get a nice cool refreshment (or warm refreshment if you prefer).  But be careful when you head out of the Long Branch to Front Street, gun fights tend to break out!

	Get Yer Youngens Deputized
	Youngsters will get sworn in by Bat Masterson and walk away with a badge and a new found desire to uphold the law!
	Old West Festival Gunfight Re-enactments - Big Irons Rangers
	The Big Iron Rangers perform 4 gunfight re-enactments daily.  These gunfights are fun for the family filled with humor and fun, along with some smoke and a whole lot of noise! Hamilton, Ohio based Big Irons mix comedy and high drama when they take to the stage when they perform gun fight re-enactments and trick shooting demonstrations. As members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), their interest is in preserving the Old West history and competitive shooting. Safety, of course, is always a top priority.
	Long Branch Saloon Show
	Long Branch Saloon: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
	The Saloon Owner Miss Annie has brought in some of the finest dancers from gay Paree to entertain the town!  Join us for some family comedy, outrageous dancing and sing-a-long with the whole show!
	The Villian's Deception: A Traveling Melodrama
	Long Branch Saloon: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM
	Watch a good old-fashioned melodrama!  Newly-wealthy Marian Haste is being pursued by suitors; will she marry Mungo McCash, who is only after her money, or will true love be able to prevail over all obstacles?
	Old West Costume Contest
	Long Branch Saloon: 1:00 PM
	Come dressed to impress and you can also be a big winner!  Daily Contest for best period dress.