our history
The Historic Crown King Saloon is located high in the Bradshaw Mountains of Arizona on Senator Highway. There are just over 100 full time residents and many weekend cabin owners. In addition to the Crown King Saloon & Eatery, Main Street consists of The Mill Restaurant, MJ's Cafe, The General Store and Post Office and the Crown King Fire Department. A one room schoolhouse is located nearby and is one of the last in Arizona. There are many rental cabins within walking distance.
In the late 1800's, Crown King had thousands of residents and was named after the Crowned King Mine. There were over 500 structures during the mining era including boardinghouses, saloons, several general stores and restaurants. A railroad was built in 1904 to help mining operations but due to lack of water and the high transporting costs to process material, the railroad was abandoned in 1926. The old railroad bed is still used today as the main access road to Crown King.
The actual date the saloon was built is unknown but there is reference placing the Saloon, or at least the actual bar itself, in Alexandra mining camp until around 1895, at which time that mine played out and because lumber was scarce, it was torn down and reconstructed in Oro Belle in 1898. Another article states the Saloon was built in Oro Belle in 1898. No matter where the building originated it is well established that Frank Morgan relocated the Saloon by mule from Oro Belle to Crown King in 1916 with the help of his wife, Bessie. Alphonso Caggiano first operated the Saloon however soon it became Tom Anderson's pool hall and boarding house, later Tom Anderson's Hotel and Restaurant, until his death in 1956. Tom Anderson arrived in Crown Kings at the age of 21 and was a miner at the Crowned King Mine and Mill before it closed. He is said to be one of the longest residents in Crown King. He was a well respected carpenter and cabinet maker who was called upon to build many coffins during the Flu epidemic of 1918. After the train pulled out in the 1920's, Tom purchased several miles of ties and constructed shops on Main Street where he eventually purchased the Saloon. Grant Van Tilborg bought the Saloon from Tom's daughter, Betty, and owned it until his death in 1975. Since then, there have been many owners who continue the tradition of its recognition as one of the oldest continuously operated Saloons in Arizona. Currently, the Saloon is still known for cold drinks but also serves up some great grub as well. The upstairs is closed to the public but leaves a lot to the imagination as the windows are still open and may have a couple of ladies waiting to be seen. The Crown King Saloon is full of photos showing the history of Crown King and we welcome you to come on in and take a look around. The Saloon offers live music on most weekens as well, check here for artists: Click Here
For more history please visit: Crown King Historical Society
**Live Music on the weekends**
Saloon will be closed Tuesday's and Wednesdays
Check out out Music Line-up here