Groveland in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Iron Door Saloon

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

1. Iron Door Saloon Marker

Inscription. This building is the oldest liquor-serving establishment in the state of California. It began life in 1852 as “The Granite Store” built by Peter King. It operated as a general mercantile with, of course, the obligatory “plank over flour barrels’ serving liquor to thirsty miners. In the 1860’s postmaster Jim Tannahill bought the store which also functioned as the town’s post office for almost 25 years. In 1896 Giacomo De Ferrari turned the building into a full fledged saloon. It became named “The Iron Door Saloon” in 1937. Since 1985, it has been owned by Peter and Bettike Barsotti.

Erected 1999 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter 1849.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 37° 50.355′ N, 120° 13.793′ W. Marker is in Groveland, California, in Tuolumne County. It is on Main Street (State Highway 120) just west of Back Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18753 Main Street, Groveland CA 95321, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Groveland (a few steps from this marker); Groveland Hotel

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(a few steps from this marker); Arrastra (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph E. Lemos (approx. 1.9 miles away); Big Oak Flat (approx. 2 miles away); Second Garrote (approx. 2.1 miles away); MCH History (approx. 4.7 miles away); Ferretti Shrine (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groveland.

Also see . . . The Iron Door Saloon. The Iron Door Saloon website offers a link which details the history of the saloon. (Submitted on March 8, 2012.)

Iron Door Saloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012

2. Iron Door Saloon

The marker is mounted on the front of the building at the far right.

The Iron Door Saloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012

3. The Iron Door Saloon

Main Street, Groveland image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012

4. Main Street, Groveland

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,277 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.