Riley's Tavern
New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Rileys Tavern, Hunters oldest business, is housed in a circa 1895 building that was the Galloway Saloon and later home to the Bernardino Sanchez family. In 1933, Texas was the 23rd state to vote for the repeal of Prohibition. Shortly thereafter, J.C. Riley and his uncle drove a Model T to the steps of the state capitol in Austin to obtain the first license issued in Texas number 00001. At the stroke of midnight on Sep. 14, 1933, 3.2% beer could be sold and Comal County had sufficient stock available to meet the demand. Riley operated the business until his death in 1992. His tavern, midway between Austin and San Antonio, has been a popular destination for decades of travelers, with many from neighboring dry counties. (2013)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Set in a circa-1895 building that began as the Galloway Saloon, Riley's Tavern claims to be Hunter's oldest business. When Texas voted to repeal Prohibition in 1933, J.C. Riley and his uncle drove a Model T to the state capitol to grab Texas liquor license number 00001, and at the stroke of midnight on September 14 the beer began to flow. Midway between Austin and San Antonio, the tavern drew travelers—and thirsty patrons from surrounding dry counties—for decades under Riley's hand until his death in 1992.
Why it matters
It marks the end of Prohibition in Texas at a single, still-standing tavern, a small window onto how the nation's grand experiment with alcohol quietly closed at the local level.
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Related people
- · J.C. Riley
Related events
- · Repeal of Prohibition (1933)
Themes & tags
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