Bucket of Blood Saloon

The Bucket of Blood Saloon was originally one of the buildings destroyed in the Great Fire of 1875, which consumed more than half the buildings in town. Within eighteen months of the fire, the town was rebuilt and although the site of the saloon underwent reconstruction, it remains along with most of Virginia City, a place from another time. Designated a National Historic District, the town stills retains its wooden planked raised streets, and though the saloon and other buildings have undergone facelifts and renovations, one visit is enough to stave off any doubts that this was just as it looked more than a hundred years ago.

"The Bucket" maintains its original aura despite changes that may have been made during the passing years. The exterior still exudes the 1860's western architecture, while the interior delights you with the romantic past of yesteryear. Lamps hanging from the ceiling, reminiscent of the old Tiffany lamps, mirrors and photographs of people and days gone by adorn the walls. The bar is fashionable western and has a reputation for making some of the best mixed drinks to be had. During some renovation period, a picture window overlooking the mountains was installed, a sight to behold for tourists and locals alike. And when the weekend evening live entertainment is available, it is of course mostly Country, but sometimes you will hear Tin Pan Alley as well. Run by the McBride family almost since the days of the flappers, they opened their business in the first years of the 1930's and survived the Depression years. With care and expansion McBride & Sons have managed to continue the legend of the Bucket of Blood Saloon which began way back in the 1860's.

Historical buildings abound in the town, however, The Bucket has a history apart from the other structures that includes another saloon which was located through a door and down an enclosed stairwell to the Boston Saloon which was at the rear of the building. This has historical importance as it was where the African American community met. Discovered sometime in the 1990's, there have been archaeological explorations to uncover this history.

It is a tribute to the McBride's and others like them who spent their lives in this historical town and actively participated in helping to energize the tourist industry which has helped to save this gem of history for the millions who have had the good fortune to visit and see for themselves a by-gone era.