Old West Saloon Descriptions

Judge Roy Bean’s Saloon in Langtry, Texas

Judge Roy Bean's Jersey Lilly Saloon in Langtry, Texas

Judge Roy Bean’s Jersey Lilly Saloon in Langtry, Texas

Judge Roy Bean, operating out of Langtry, Texas, was the self-appointed justice of the peace, referring to himself as the “Only Law West of the Pecos.” Though his justice methods, carried out in this combination saloon/courtroom, were somewhat odd, they were always final. In addition to Bean’s colorful “justice” meted out in his saloon, patrons could also enjoy billiards and “opera house” productions. Both the village of Langtry and the original Jersey Lilly Saloon was supposedly named in tribute to the English actress Lillie Langtry, with whom the judge was infatuated. Though they never met, she did visit the saloon in 1904, shortly after the judge died at the age of 78 following a drinking spree.

Today, the Jersey Lilly Saloon and Courtroom adjoins a Visitor’s Center in Langtry, Texas, that interprets the highlights of Judge Roy Bean’s career and provides travel information for the Lone Star State. Langtry is all but a ghost town today.

Judge Roy Bean

Judge Roy Bean

Lillie Langtry, 1890

Lillie Langtry, 1890

Judge Roy Bean's Jersey Lilly Saloon, in Langtry, Texas by Kathy Alexander.

Judge Roy Bean’s Jersey Lilly Saloon, in Langtry, Texas by Kathy Alexander.

Interior of Jersey Lilly Saloon in Langtry, Texas by Kathy Alexander.

Interior of Jersey Lilly Saloon in Langtry, Texas by Kathy Alexander.

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