The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
This is a true Texan one-off! In 1881 Albert Friedrich opened "Albert's Buckhorn Saloon". Not merely a drinking establishment, customers were invited to "bring in your deer antlers and you can trade them for a shot of whiskey or a beer"! So began the world's largest collection of horns and antlers. Over the years rattle snakes were added as a bargaining tool and a full size gorilla graced the saloon's window.
Today, the museum stands not far from the original location of the saloon and contains many of its original furnishings, including, of course its horn collection. It also houses the world's largest wildlife exhibit with a total of 520 species. You can visit the Buckhorn Curio Store, built in 1920 in response to Prohibition. Friedrich built it in order to support his family with the outlawing of the sale of alcohol. Oddities include antique Native American beaded gloves and a Veloccraptor's claw. Admission is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children. The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is located at 318 E Houston (only 50 yards from the River Walk).
|
