Was beer as popular in the Old West as movies make it out to be?
Glen L. Hunt Jr.
Bedford, Texas
The water in many areas was so bad, local beer was often a healthier alternative for pioneers.
Since the shelf life of beer is short and the cost of transporting prohibitive, folks built local breweries. Saloons served beer for 10 cents a glass (paying that in 1870 would equal $1.77 for a glass today).
In warmer climes the beer was a little warm, usually served at 55 to 65 degrees. Though the be
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