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The History of The Iron Door Saloon

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Groveland’s Iron Door Saloon was built sometime before 1852 and was first called the “Granite Store”, perhaps because the front and back walls are made of solid granite blocks.  Also the side walls are made of rock and mortar and the roof consists of three foot sod, covered by tin.  The Iron Door Saloon is the only historic building in Tuolumne County that is built from Granite rather than the usual slate rock.

James Tannahill was the first owner of the store and served the Groveland community as the first Postmaster from 1863-1880, running the post office in the store.

The establishment became a saloon in 1896 when it was purchased by Giacomo DeFarrari and was named “Jake’s Place”.  There is much speculation about whether “Jake’s Place” continued to serve as a “watering hole” during this period.

In 1937, a second story was added and cards, billiards, and pool were offered for an evening diversion.  The establishment was renamed “The Iron Door Saloon”  for the hefty iron doors which had been hauled in on mule back across the Tuolumne River by way of Wards Ferry.  These doors were manufactured in England, brought around the tip of South America by ship and sold to the Saloon as a fire protection device.  “If the town was burning, just close the doors and wait it out.”

The Iron Doors remain the same as when originally fitted.  Inside, the visitors will pass through the swinging doors and be treated to a page of history out of yesteryear.  Besides some stray bullet holes, you’ll find the Yosemite area’s finest looking back bar, historic pictures of Hetch Hetchy Valley in the pre-implements of the west.  You’ll also see historic Pictures of John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club, and spectacular scenery of Yosemite Valley.  There is a tribute to Black Bart, the famous “Gentlemen Stage Coach Robber”, and natural history museum of indigenous animal species of the Sierra and their status in the wild.  The Iron Door Saloon receives guests from all over the world on their way to Yosemite.  Children and adults are welcome to peruse the unique collection of artifacts. 

The Iron Door Saloon has live music most every weekend with a great variety of groups and styles, with dancing a favorite activity.  The Iron Door Staff is knowledgeable of the local campgrounds, the hotels and motels, in the area, along with hikes and trails, rivers and lakes that should not be missed if you are to get the full experience of these beautiful mountains.  The Iron Door Staff is always happy to steer you to where the fish are biting, the eagles are flying, or those little known streams for a quiet afternoon away from it all. 

The Iron Door saloon is also available for private parties, for wedding receptions, birthday or anniversary parties or just for some good old fashioned fun!  The Iron Door can provide catering for any event.  Let the Iron Door staff make your trip to the sierra as splendid as the scenic environment surrounding you.