From Cattlemen to Cocktails
The Evolution of Alpine’s Hotel Ritchey
In the heart of Alpine, stands a building that has witnessed the changing tides of history. Once a humble adobe structure catering to cowboys and cattlemen, the Hotel Ritchey has risen, fallen, and risen again—each chapter of its life reflecting the spirit of the Old West and the community that surrounds it. As one of the last historic railroad hotels in the region, its story captures the essence of Murphy Street, Alpine’s oldest business district.
The Birth of a Frontier Hotel (1886-1914)
The City Hotel, as it was first called, began as an unassuming one-story adobe building in 1886, serving as a practical stop for ranchers overseeing their cattle shipments. Situated across from the bustling shipping pens of the Southern Pacific Railroad, its location was ideal for the rough-and-ready cowboys who needed a place to rest. By 1910, the hotel expanded with a two-story frame addition, doubling its capacity and cementing its role in Alpine’s growing commercial district.
In 1914, the hotel changed hands, and J.T. Ritchey saw an opportunity. After a round of renovations and new furnishings, he reopened it as the Hotel Ritchey, ready to accommodate the needs of traveling ranchers and businessmen. Its proximity to the railroad ensured a steady stream of guests.
Decline and Desertion (1950s-2000)
The postwar era saw the rise of modern transportation, and the need for railroad hotels declined. By the 1950s, the Hotel Ritchey had closed its doors, its role as a central hub for the cowboy community fading into memory. The building, once a symbol of local enterprise, was reduced to a shadow of its former self, leased out for storage or left vacant as its structure slowly deteriorated.
Attempts at Restoration and the Fight for Preservation (2000-2021)
In 2000, local contractor Charles Maxwell recognized the building’s historical significance and intervened just as the city planned to demolish it. Stabilizing the structure marked the first step in its revival, though the road to restoration was long. The hotel changed hands multiple times, with varying levels of success, but its decline was halted.
In 2018, the Hotel Ritchey was reborn as the Ritchey Wine Saloon and Beer Garden, offering locals and visitors a taste of Alpine’s storied past. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the business hard, and by 2021, the property had once again fallen into foreclosure.
Revival and Rebirth (2021-Present)
Enter local business owner Anne Calaway and archaeologist David Keller, who purchased the property with a vision to restore its former glory. After extensive renovations, the Hotel Ritchey reopened in the summer of 2023, this time as a full-service bar, restaurant, and music venue. With the historic building bustling with life once again, it now serves as a cherished gathering place for the community.
The history of the Hotel Ritchey is one of resilience, revival, and reinvention. From its early days as a hub for cattlemen and ranchers to its modern incarnation as a popular bar and music venue, the hotel’s story mirrors the evolution of Alpine itself. Standing tall on Murphy Street, it’s a reminder of the town’s frontier roots and the enduring legacy of its historic structures.
