Originally built in 1879 by Frank Gallegos, a reputed former member of Joaquin Murrieta's band, Banta Inn began as a two storey saloon and sporting house and has continued as a saloon to this day. A major fire in 1937 damaged the inn, and it was rebuilt with some of the original timbers retained. The inn remained in the Gallegos family until 1981, when Frank Gallegos's youngest daughter, Jenny Gukan, sold it at the age of 92. It is also alleged to be haunted by the spirit of the late Tony Gukan, Jenny Gukan's third husband.