Magnolia Hotel (Biloxi, Mississippi) facts for kids
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Magnolia Hotel
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Magnolia Hotel 2012
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 119 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1847 |
| Restored | 1973 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001013 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 14, 1973 |
The Magnolia Hotel is a very old building in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was built in 1847 as a place for people to stay, like a hotel. Many people think it's the oldest hotel still standing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was also named a Mississippi Landmark in 1985.
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History of the Magnolia Hotel
The Magnolia Hotel was built for a man named John Hahn. He owned a coffeehouse in New Orleans. When it was first built, the hotel was a two-and-a-half-story building. It was made of wood and had plastered walls.
Original Design and Location
The building was about 54 feet (16.5 meters) on each side. It had a main hallway that went from the front to the back on both floors. On the first floor, there were two rooms on each side of the hall. The second floor had six rooms on each side. The hotel was first built close to the beach. It faced south, looking out toward the Mississippi Sound.
Early Years and Guests
John Hahn passed away in 1848. But his wife kept the hotel open. Many guests came from New Orleans. Biloxi was a popular vacation spot on the Gulf Coast. After the American Civil War, people from northern states started visiting. They liked the mild winter weather. John Hahn's family continued to run the hotel. It stayed open until World War II, when it finally closed.
Damage and Restoration
In 1969, a very strong storm called Hurricane Camille hit the area. It caused a lot of damage to the hotel. Because the hotel was so important to history, the city of Biloxi bought it in 1972. They moved the building to a higher spot. This new spot was about 100 yards (91 meters) north of where it used to be. The building was turned to face east and then fixed up. More repairs were needed after another big storm, Hurricane Katrina, hit in 2005.
Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum
As of 2013, the Magnolia Hotel building was being used for a special museum. It became the Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum. This museum shows off items from carnival celebrations. It also shares the interesting history of the Magnolia Hotel itself.
