Capitol Bar, Sorocco, New Mexico
Sep 28, 2018 17:50:10 #
Last weekend, my wife and I made a long-weekend trip to Western New Mexico to visit and photograph the ghost town of Mogollon and the towns of Magdelena and Sorocco. During our tour of Sorocco, we stopped at the Capitol Bar for a drink and discovered that it was celebrating its 122nd year in business and the friendly barkeep filled us in on its history.
In 1896, Sorocco, NM boasted the Territory's largest population reaching well over 3,000 residents. At that time more than 30 bars were built in Sorocco to satisfy thirsty miners, ranchers, gamblers, residents and even outlaws who frequented the area. The Italian immigrant brothers, Giovanni and Tobaschi Biavaschi built the saloon using stone, adobe, and brick and served the finest wine anywhere. Giovanni, a winemaker from Valtellina, Italy, was said to be flamboyant and a bit of a con man, but he made delicious vino.
A few years down the road, the brothers sold the bar to Amos Green, a Justice of the Peace. And not only did Green hold court in the bar, but he jailed people in another part of the building. The jail is gone now but the bars on the window are still visible. He also performed weddings here. It is said that he charged the groom based on the bride's beauty. Back in the day, the Cap would open at 7 a.m. and there'd be a full bar of people who would start their day there. The early morning patrons included the District Attorney, the Judge, and lawyers and they were referred to as "the breakfast club". After a few drinks, they would all leave and go about their business of the day.
The "Cap" has survived fires, prohibition, a couple of name changes and a handful of owners. During prohibition, the Capitol was turned into a pool hall and speakeasy where drinks were 25 cents a shot. It's said that moonshine smuggled in from Magdalena, NM (just down the road) was also available. A trap door behind the bar led to a basement, providing an escape route from the law during that period.
As is fitting for an old west watering hole, today the Cap reflects the character and attitude of its countless patrons over the years. Curiosities abound, including a military sword taken from a captured German soldier in WW 1, which hangs over the bar.
In 1896, Sorocco, NM boasted the Territory's largest population reaching well over 3,000 residents. At that time more than 30 bars were built in Sorocco to satisfy thirsty miners, ranchers, gamblers, residents and even outlaws who frequented the area. The Italian immigrant brothers, Giovanni and Tobaschi Biavaschi built the saloon using stone, adobe, and brick and served the finest wine anywhere. Giovanni, a winemaker from Valtellina, Italy, was said to be flamboyant and a bit of a con man, but he made delicious vino.
A few years down the road, the brothers sold the bar to Amos Green, a Justice of the Peace. And not only did Green hold court in the bar, but he jailed people in another part of the building. The jail is gone now but the bars on the window are still visible. He also performed weddings here. It is said that he charged the groom based on the bride's beauty. Back in the day, the Cap would open at 7 a.m. and there'd be a full bar of people who would start their day there. The early morning patrons included the District Attorney, the Judge, and lawyers and they were referred to as "the breakfast club". After a few drinks, they would all leave and go about their business of the day.
The "Cap" has survived fires, prohibition, a couple of name changes and a handful of owners. During prohibition, the Capitol was turned into a pool hall and speakeasy where drinks were 25 cents a shot. It's said that moonshine smuggled in from Magdalena, NM (just down the road) was also available. A trap door behind the bar led to a basement, providing an escape route from the law during that period.
As is fitting for an old west watering hole, today the Cap reflects the character and attitude of its countless patrons over the years. Curiosities abound, including a military sword taken from a captured German soldier in WW 1, which hangs over the bar.
Sep 28, 2018 18:17:26 #
Sep 28, 2018 18:19:43 #
Great place. Another place not far away is the Owl Bar and Cafe in San Antonio. NM. They have great burgers.
Sep 29, 2018 07:53:50 #
Sep 29, 2018 08:17:45 #
Sep 29, 2018 12:28:45 #
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