A Part of Texas History
Established in Fort Worth’s Hell’s Half Acre in the 1800s, the White Elephant is the oldest Honky Tonk in the state of Texas.
1884
Established in the 1800s in Fort Worth’s notorious Hell’s Half Acre, the White Elephant Saloon is the oldest honky tonk in Texas. Once a lively hub for cowboys on the Chisholm Trail, it thrived in one of the nation’s most dangerous areas, where the spirit of the Old West still resonates today.
1887
One of the most legendary events at the White Elephant Saloon involved a dramatic shootout between gambler Luke Short and city marshal Jim Courtright. The duel ended with Courtright’s death, solidifying the saloon’s status in Western lore.
1920
In the 1920s, rising law enforcement and the start of Prohibition led to the White Elephant Saloon closing its doors. The crackdown on alcohol and legal pressures brought an end to the saloon’s legendary first run.
1970
In 1970, the Dooley family reopened the White Elephant Saloon, breathing new life into the historic venue. They relocated it to its current home in the Fort Worth Stockyards, ensuring its legacy endures.
1993
The hit TV show Walker, Texas Ranger filmed many iconic scenes in Fort Worth, including those set in CD’s Bar & Grill. Shot inside the White Elephant Saloon, our historic charm made it a standout location for the show.
2004
As the Dooley family set their sights on retirement, they handed over the Saloon to the young chef quickly making his mark on Fort Worth, Tim Love. Chef Love’s flagship restaurant, Lonesome Dove, just steps away from the Saloon, opened in 2000 and was quickly named a top restaurant. The Dooleys and Chef Love became great friends, and knowing his work ethic and determination, they knew there was only one person to be the new owner.
2007
In 2007, Chef Tim Love opened Love Shack right next door to the Saloon! White Elephant visitors can order and enjoy made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and more without ever having to leave the bar.
2022
In 2022, 1883, the prequel to the hit show Yellowstone, transformed the White Elephant Saloon into Pearl’s Dance Hall & Saloon! Rumor has it, you might bump into stars of the show at the bar or playing pool any given weekend.
The Hats
Not only is the White Elephant a Fort Worth staple for drinking, dancing and making memories–the cowboy hats that line the walls and ceilings represent a celebration of the many icons who have graced its doors. The hats belong to beloved trailblazers, rodeo cowboys, famous music acts and many more. Every little piece of history contributes to the saloon’s irreplicable presence today.
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