There are some places in Oregon that harken back to another time and place, and have become legendary in their own right. The Pioneer Saloon in Oregon is one such place. This 140-year-old saloon is one of the oldest pubs in Oregon, with a history that’s straight out of an Old Hollywood film. With a notorious reputation that includes two hangings, a deadly shooting and stabbing, Prohibition, and two World Wars, The Pioneer Saloon is a place of fascinating history that will blow you away. Oh — and the ambiance at this old-school saloon is also wholly, unapologetically Old West Oregon.
Home to just under 400 residents, Paisley is a south-central town in Oregon that feels like stepping back in time.
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That “time” is the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s, during the Gold Rush and Westward expansion. Oregon was at the center of much of the action during this now-legendary time.
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And in the midst of this historic moment, The Pioneer Saloon was born.
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Opening in 1883, the Pioneer Saloon had quite the notorious reputation back in its day. In April 1888, Civil War veteran Henri Brown shot and killed Pioneer bartender Harry Schick over a game of cards.
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And in 1906, Paisley resident Gib Gaylor was found dead in the saloon’s club room. With a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a bottle of medicine in the other, Gaylor, it seems, had accidentally drunk the wrong bottle.
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Today, The Pioneer Saloon has a much different reputation; it’s an old-school saloon that’s one of the few still standing in the region.
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People come here for classic pub grub, and an authentic saloon experience.
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And the old-school saloon vibes are strong here; it’s the kind of place where you’ll find folks camped out on the front stoop, whiling away the afternoon.
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If this bar could talk… what would it say? What stories would it tell?
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There’s only one way to find out. Come and experience a taste of Oregon history at The Pioneer Saloon, an off-the-beaten-path gem that’s totally worth the trip!
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Have you ever been to The Pioneer Saloon in Oregon before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Visit The Pioneer Saloon on Facebook to learn more about this historic pub in Oregon.
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Address: Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant, 327 Main St, Paisley, OR 97636, USA
