IMAGES OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Bannack, Montana Photo Gallery

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Skinner's Saloon in Bannack, Montana

July, 2008, Kathy Weiser

The long bar still sits in Skinner's Saloon today, July, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

This building, originally built on Yankee Flats was moved to Bannack in 1863. Owned by Cyrus Skinner, a known outlaw and suspected gang member of the Innocents Gang, the saloon quickly became one of the wildest places in town. During its heydays, there were a number of shootouts in the saloon, including one where a bullet went astray, punched through the wall, and killed a woman across the street. On another occasion, two gamblers in a dispute, drew their guns and blasted rounds at each other. Though neither gambler was killed, a bullet killed a drunk man who was passed out on the floor. 

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Bannack-Gold to Ghosts

Cyrus Skinner, who was an escapee from San Quentin prison in San Francisco, California became extremely nervous when the Montana Vigilantes were formed in late 1863. Despite his profitable business, he and his wife soon fled Bannack to the small camp of Hellgate near present day Missoula, where he set up another saloon. Skinner was right to be nervous, as his friend, Henry Plummer was hanged by the vigilantes shortly after he left. But, Skinner wasn't safe. The vigilantes soon tracked him down and hanged him for his alleged role as a spy for the road agents.

Afterwards, the building was operated as a mercantile by two men named Graves and Murphy, followed by two more merchandisers, named John McMeen and A.F. Wright.

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated September, 2008

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Old West Calendars - Utilizing our great vintage photos along with Old West phrases and Native American proverbs, we now have a great line of nostalgic calendars. These come in two designs - one with 12 different pages of designs and phrases for each and other budget priced wall calendars with a one page design. Don't miss an important date ever again!