
The Buckhorn Saloon was established in the late 1880s by Albert Friedrich,
an avid outdoorsman. Friedrich decorated the saloon with trophies from
hunting trips in Central and South Texas. The saloon was popular with
cattle drivers dropping in before heading to the rail yards in Kansas.
These trail hands traded not only stories with the saloon owner, but
also swapped trophy racks and natural oddities in exchange for drinks
and entertainment.
As Friedrich's collection of horns and collectibles grew, he moved the
Buckhorn twice before it was acquired by the Lone Star Brewery in the
1950s, instantly becoming the star attraction of the brewery tour. The
collection was re-acquired by descendents of the Friedrich family in
1998 and renamed the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, now located in a former
department store in downtown San Antonio.
Alamo Architects re-created the historic exterior of the building with
new wood windows, projecting stucco cornices, brick detailing, and suspended
canopies. A 30-foot neon pylon sign beckons visitors from the rooftop.
Three-dimensional Longhorn heads add a note of whimsy. Inside, the original
collection of horns is housed on the second floor, which overlooks the
double-height saloon space featuring a section of the original bar. New
exhibit areas include a Hall of Fins, North American and Alaska Halls,
and a hall dedicated to the history of Texas and cowboy lore. Other spaces
include a gift shop, restaurant and a banquet hall for 300.
Client> Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
Construction Cost> $1,800,000
Completion> 1999