Page 68 - November 2017 The Castle Pines Connection

TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME TO
The
e Buckhorn Exchange opened
its doors a few years back; 124 to
be exact! Colorado’s most historic steakhouse, with the state’s very rst liquor license, was established in 1893 by Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz.
Zietz was no stranger to some of the time’s famous names. In 1875 at the age of 10, Zietz met Colonel William “Bu alo Bill” Cody. Within two years, Zietz was a member of Cody’s band of scouts. With their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and tribal habits, Indian scouts were used by the U.S. Army to assist in battling uncooperative, warring Indians. During those years, Indian leader Chief Sitting Bull gave Zietz the nickname “Shorty Scout” due to his small stature. Zietz and Sitting Bull became lifelong friends.
Zietz opened the restaurant at the age of 28 and served meals to cattlemen, miners, silver barons, Indian chiefs, gamblers, businessmen, and some famous people as well. Former president Teddy Roosevelt ate at the Buckhorn and later brought Zietz along on his hunting trips as a guide. e walls adorn many species of game, 95% of which were shot by Zietz or his son Henry Jr. Among the taxidermy collection are deer, moose, bu alo, mountain sheep and fowl. Also on display is an impressive gun collection.
Buckhorn exchange Denver’s Oldest Restaurant
Other well-known patrons of e Buckhorn Exchange include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan, and James Cagney. After Zietz’s death in 1949, his son Henry Jr. took over operations of the restaurant and continued to do so until the present management purchased both the building and the business in 1978. ey took special care to preserve the memorabilia as well as the exterior of the structure, which was declared an historic landmark in 1972.
In keeping with the history of e Buckhorn Exchange, the restaurant still serves a variety of game options including bu alo, elk, quail and duck. ey even o er a fried alligator tail appetizer. Other menu items include steak, baby back ribs, salmon, lamb, and Cornish game hen. If you go for lunch, you will have an option for
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