Step back in time and experience the authentic Old West charm of the Pioneer Saloon, a legendary watering hole nestled in Goodsprings, Nevada, just a short drive from the dazzling Las Vegas Strip. Established in 1913, this iconic saloon has stood the test of time, witnessing a century of Nevada history and evolving from a bustling hub for miners to a must-visit destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike. For those seeking a genuine taste of Nevada’s past, the Pioneer Saloon offers an unparalleled experience, far removed from the neon lights and modern thrills of Las Vegas, yet conveniently close enough for an unforgettable day trip.
In the early 20th century, Goodsprings was not just a dusty outpost; it was a thriving community that rivaled even Las Vegas in its prime. Imagine a time when residents of Las Vegas journeyed to Goodsprings for entertainment and supplies – a stark contrast to today’s perception. Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Goodsprings retains the captivating allure of Nevada’s small towns, offering a unique sense of excitement and discovery for those who venture off the beaten path. And at the heart of Goodsprings’ enduring appeal lies the Pioneer Saloon, the sole survivor and continuously operating saloon from the town’s prosperous early days.
During its zenith in 1916, Goodsprings boasted a population of 800 residents and a vibrant Main Street lined with stores, restaurants, churches, a theater, and an impressive nine saloons. The Hotel Fayle, once proudly advertised as the “finest in the West,” added to the town’s grandeur. This vivid picture of Goodsprings’ past is captured in Carole K. Halmrast’s 1985 Nevada Magazine article, “Almost A Ghost Town,” which paints a picture of a town with a potentially “dubious welcome” for visitors.
However, times have changed. When associate editor Charlie Johnston and the author revisited the Pioneer Saloon on a chilly December evening, they were met not with suspicion, but with genuine warmth from locals and patrons. The welcoming atmosphere, perhaps enhanced by Charlie’s karaoke rendition of Luke Bryan’s “All My Friends Say,” underscored the saloon’s transformation into a friendly and inviting destination. But beyond the present-day camaraderie, the Pioneer Saloon’s true draw lies in its rich and captivating history.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Pioneer Saloon
Goodsprings, like many Nevada towns, owes its origins to the potent combination of railroads and mining. Joseph Good, the cattle driver for whom the town is named, settled here in 1868 with dreams of ore milling. However, it was J.F. Kent, founder of the Yellow Pine Mining Company in 1901, who truly unlocked the area’s mineral wealth. The establishment of Las Vegas as a major railroad hub in 1905 and the subsequent arrival of rail lines to Goodsprings by 1911 paved the way for the town’s most flourishing era.
The iconic facade of the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, a historic landmark near Las Vegas.
Adding to the town’s prominence, the Hotel Fayle, a two-story, 20-room establishment, was completed in 1916. Named after Clark County Commissioner George Fayle, who also built the Pioneer Saloon and the adjacent general store in 1913, the hotel symbolized Goodsprings’ boom. While offering comfortable lodging for prospectors and miners, the Hotel Fayle also had a more colorful side, reportedly frequented by “street girls” and their clients, according to the Pioneer Saloon’s website, adding a layer of Wild West intrigue to its history. Sadly, the Hotel Fayle was destroyed by fire in 1966.
Between 1915 and 1925, Goodsprings’ mines yielded a staggering $25 million in ore, primarily lead, a crucial material for ammunition, especially during both World Wars. This economic prosperity fueled the town’s growth, leading to the surprising addition of amenities like an ice cream parlor and even a car dealership.
“In the teens, it was one of the largest cities in Nevada,” recounts Tom Sheckells, whose father Noel currently owns the Pioneer Saloon. While sharing the saloon and town’s history, Tom points out bullet holes still visible in the saloon’s original tin walls. Framed beneath these bullet holes is a newspaper article titled “Man Killed at Goodsprings,” a stark reminder of a deadly card game that unfolded within these very walls in 1915.
According to the coroner’s report, a miner named Paul Coski was fatally shot by Joe Armstrong after being caught cheating at cards. “Those were the rules of the West: You don’t steal horses, and you don’t cheat at cards,” Tom explains, emphasizing the harsh realities of frontier justice.
Beyond this local incident, the Pioneer Saloon is perhaps most famously associated with the tragic Carole Lombard plane crash of January 16, 1942. The renowned actress was on a war bond tour when her plane crashed on nearby Mount Potosi. The Pioneer Saloon became the somber headquarters for the search party, and it was here that Lombard’s husband, the legendary Clark Gable, endured agonizing days awaiting news. Gable reportedly spent his time in a corner of the bar, his grief-stricken vigil adding another layer of poignant history to the saloon’s narrative. Today, a dedicated room adjacent to the bar displays fragments of the plane, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia, serving as a moving tribute to Carole Lombard and this tragic event.
The Pioneer Saloon continued to evolve through the decades. Don Hedrick Sr. took over in the 1960s, a period described as “wild and woolly,” and became a legendary figure in Goodsprings. Known for his gruff exterior yet respected for maintaining order, Hedrick’s reign lasted for three decades, with rumors even linking him to the Hells Angels. His son carried on the legacy until the mid-2000s.
When the Pioneer Saloon came up for sale again, Noel Sheckells recognized the potential of this historic gem. “He grabbed me, and we got in the truck and came out here,” Tom Sheckells remembers. Despite the saloon’s dilapidated state, with broken windows and in need of significant repair, Noel Sheckells saw its inherent value. “He said, ‘No…trust me. This is a good place.'”
Pioneer Saloon in the 21st Century: A Living Museum
The sellers, keen to pass the saloon into the hands of another family who appreciated its history, agreed to sell to Noel Sheckells. In December 2006, the Sheckells family took ownership, breathing new life into the Pioneer Saloon. They reopened the general store and even entertained the idea of rebuilding a small hotel in Goodsprings, further solidifying the saloon’s role as the heart of the community. According to Noel Sheckells’ research, Goodsprings in its heyday boasted not nine, but seven saloons, alongside five cafes, four brothels, and two mercantile stores, painting a picture of a truly vibrant frontier town.
An archival photograph of the Hotel Fayle in Goodsprings, Nevada, which burned down in 1966, showcasing the town’s early 20th-century architecture.
In 2007, the Pioneer Saloon’s historical significance was officially recognized with its addition to the State Register of Historic Places. This milestone underscored the Sheckells family’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the saloon’s heritage for the small unincorporated town of approximately 200 residents.
One of the saloon’s most remarkable features is its bar, dating back to the 1860s. Crafted from mahogany in Brunswick, Maine (a name synonymous with billiards), this bar embarked on an incredible journey. It traveled by sea around Cape Horn, before the Panama Canal existed, reaching San Francisco. From there, it was transported by ox-wagon to Rhyolite, Nevada, a mining town that experienced a rapid boom and bust. When Rhyolite declined, the bar was once again loaded onto a wagon and moved to Goodsprings, where it has remained ever since. “What’s crazy is that might be the oldest bar in Nevada,” Tom Sheckells marvels.
Adding to the saloon’s allure, a National Geographic “Diggers” episode filmed at the Pioneer Saloon showcased another fascinating aspect of its history. For years, patrons had tossed coins over the bar, many landing in a narrow gap between the back bar and the wall, untouched for decades. The “Diggers” crew unearthed a treasure trove of coins dating back to the late 1800s, generating international attention and further drawing tourists to Goodsprings and the Pioneer Saloon.
The Carole Lombard & Clark Gable Memorial Room inside the Pioneer Saloon, Goodsprings, Nevada, honoring the actress’s tragic plane crash near Las Vegas.
The Pioneer Saloon’s enduring appeal is undeniable. Stepping through its doors is like entering a living movie set, transporting visitors to the Old West. The creaking wooden floors and the palpable sense of history create an atmosphere unlike any other. “It’s like walking into a movie scene,” Tom Sheckells aptly describes. “It really takes you back. You can’t find anything like it.” Just a short drive from Las Vegas, the Pioneer Saloon offers an authentic and unforgettable Nevada experience, a true testament to the state’s rich and captivating past.
A close-up view of the historic bar at the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, potentially the oldest bar in the state.
