In the heart of Southern Nevada, a stone’s throw from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, lies a town that whispers tales of a bygone era – Goodsprings. And within Goodsprings, stands a testament to time itself, the iconic Pioneer Saloon. Built in 1913 by businessman George Fayle, this remarkable establishment isn’t just a saloon; it’s a living, breathing museum where the spirit of the Old West remains vibrantly alive. For a century, the Pioneer Saloon has been serving up history alongside its drinks, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Nevada experience far removed from the modern glitz.
Pioneer Saloon Goodsprings Nevada
A Century of History in Goodsprings
To truly appreciate the Pioneer Saloon, you must first understand Goodsprings itself. Imagine a time when Las Vegas was a mere whistle stop, and Goodsprings was the vibrant hub drawing residents for entertainment and commerce. Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Goodsprings’ story is deeply intertwined with the rugged spirit of Nevada’s mining boom.
The town owes its existence to Joseph Good, a cattle driver who settled here in 1868, hoping to strike it rich in milling ore. However, it wasn’t until J.F. Kent founded the Yellow Pine Mining Company in 1901 that Goodsprings began its ascent. The real catalyst came in 1905 with the establishment of Las Vegas as a major railroad center. By 1911, the railroad lines extended to Goodsprings, setting the stage for its most prosperous period.
During its peak in 1916, Goodsprings boasted a population of 800, a bustling Main Street lined with stores, restaurants, churches, a theater, and no fewer than nine saloons. Adding to the town’s grandeur was the Hotel Fayle, a two-story, 20-room establishment advertised as “the finest in the West.” This hotel, completed in 1916, and the Pioneer Saloon, built three years prior, were both the vision of Clark County Commissioner George Fayle, solidifying his lasting impact on Goodsprings.
Pioneer Saloon exterior in Goodsprings Nevada
Pioneer Saloon: More Than Just a Bar
The Pioneer Saloon is more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a repository of stories, echoes of a wilder time. Even the saloon’s walls have tales to tell. Look closely, and you’ll find bullet holes in the tin walls, silent witnesses to a deadly card game in 1915. A framed newspaper article nearby recounts the event: a miner named Paul Coski killed by Joe Armstrong for allegedly cheating at cards. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unwritten rules of the Old West, where justice was often swift and unforgiving.
Perhaps the saloon’s most famous association is with the tragic plane crash of Carole Lombard in 1942. The celebrated actress, wife of Clark Gable, was on a war bond tour when her plane crashed on nearby Mount Potosi. The Pioneer Saloon became the heart-wrenching base of operations for the search party. Clark Gable himself waited here, in agonizing suspense, for news of his wife. Today, a dedicated room adjacent to the bar serves as a memorial, displaying fragments of the plane, newspaper clippings, and other artifacts from the crash, a poignant tribute to Lombard and a somber reminder of the events that unfolded here.
Hotel Fayle Goodsprings Nevada
The saloon has seen its share of colorful characters and ownership changes over the years. After the Hotel Fayle tragically burned down in 1966, Don Hedrick Sr. took over the Pioneer Saloon, ushering in what some remember as a “wild and woolly” era starting in the 1960s. Hedrick, rumored to be connected to the Hells Angels, was a figure of both notoriety and respect, maintaining order in his own unique way. His son continued the family legacy into the 2000s, before the Sheckells family took ownership in December 2006.
Tom Sheckells recalls his father, Noel’s, vision for the saloon despite its dilapidated state at the time. Against the odds, Noel Sheckells revitalized the Pioneer Saloon, reopened the general store, and reaffirmed the saloon’s place as the heart of Goodsprings.
Experiencing the Pioneer Saloon Today
In 2007, the Pioneer Saloon earned its place on the State Register of Historic Places, a fitting recognition of its enduring significance. The Sheckells family has embraced this history, making it a central part of the Pioneer Saloon experience.
One of the saloon’s most remarkable features is its Brunswick bar. Crafted in Brunswick, Maine, in the 1860s, this bar embarked on an incredible journey by sea around Cape Horn to San Francisco, before being transported by ox-wagon to Rhyolite, Nevada. When Rhyolite’s mining boom went bust, the bar was once again loaded onto a wagon and brought to Goodsprings, where it has remained ever since. This incredible piece of history might just be the oldest bar in Nevada, a tangible link to the state’s early days.
Carole Lombard and Clark Gable Memorial Room at Pioneer Saloon
Adding to the saloon’s allure, a National Geographic “Diggers” episode highlighted a unique tradition at the Pioneer Saloon. For years, patrons had tossed coins over the bar, many landing in a gap between the back bar and the wall, untouched for decades. The “Diggers” crew unearthed coins dating back to the late 1800s, adding another layer to the saloon’s rich history and attracting further attention to Goodsprings.
Stepping into the Pioneer Saloon is like stepping directly onto a movie set. The creak of the wooden floors, the ambiance of the dimly lit space, and the weight of history in the air create an atmosphere unlike any other. It’s a genuine slice of the Old West, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Nevada’s captivating past. Whether you’re a history buff, a film enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and authentic experience, the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV, promises a memorable journey back in time.
