Placing Bets

Gambling establishments followed the paths of western expansion, appearing in large and small towns along the frontier. People chasing gold helped make Denver an important hub of western commerce by the end of the Civil War (and well before Colorado was admitted to the Union). These images depict the interior of Chase & Heatley’s Progressive Club, conveniently located near the city’s stage depot. The larger image, from Harper’s Weekly, shows the gamblers playing cards at tables lining the interior, patronizing the well-stocked bar, and examining the images of racehorses on the walls. While seemingly sparse to the modern eye, the furnishings were actually considered quite posh. The proprietors supplied fine wine, liquor, and cigars “of the rarest vintage and most costly brands,” and “the best musical talent of the country” to keep patrons there as long as possible.

The carte-de-visite, small enough to carry in one’s pocket, was likely intended as a souvenir or business card.