McKinley Inn

The McKinley Suite🥂💖🥳

Christian's Saloon Est. 1897: “Mr. A. S. Christian, a descendant of Mary Christian, the original pioneer in this area, bought the lot in 1897 for $300 and built the present structure. Christian’s Saloon was one of seven saloons in Downtown Elgin at a time when Elgin was known as “wild” with the best (or worst) Western Traditions. Elgin’s reputation was perhaps best illustrated by the manner in which the train conductor announced the stop as 'Hell-gin, half way to Hades, next stop!'. There was a large sign painted on the side of the building which read, 'A. Christian Saloon' to attract customers from the eight daily passenger trains. Old timers tell the story of a Bible salesman who got off the train, saw the sign and headed straight for the saloon. He rushed in anxious, with intent to congratulate the proprietor on such a fine establishment. He very hastily retreated when he figured out the nature of the business.” The original hand painted sign has been restored by a local artist and can be viewed on the East side of the building.

The Foyer

Our Namesake: MAY 1901, Citizens of Elgin, Texas, waiting at Union Depot for the arrival of President William Mckinley who was making a goodwill tour of the United States in an effort to ease political tension between the northern and southern states. The McKinley Inn, which was a Saloon at the time is pictured behind the tree on the very right of the photo.