Saloons were the western version of a tavern but did not provide lodging. Saloons had liquor of the best, and the worst, qualities, depending on their location—a rich mining town or a hardscrabble settlement. Saloons had the most success in mining or cattle towns. Abilene, Kansas, with a year-round population of only 800, had eleven saloons. Regulations were few, so some saloons were open all day and night, seven days a week, especially in mining towns. Saloons located in farming communities were much quieter. Many Americans thought that saloons and strong drink were the work of the devil (indeed, alcoholism was a major problem in the United States). ). Perhaps the most vociferous in that belief was Carry A. Nation, who traveled around the country preaching her temperance message, urging moderation in most things but complete abstinence of intoxicating liquor.