The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas
Arizona Travel Guide stays at the historic Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, Arizona, checks out the bar & restaurant & traces its history from 1907 to the present day.
We had always wanted to stay at the historic Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, so we decided to make it happen. And the moment we stepped into the lobby we knew we were in for a treat. The lobby is huge with an impressive marble staircase opposite the reception desk.
Checking in couldn’t have been nicer. The receptionist was delightful and friendly, explained everything to us, and escorted to our room in the 1928 Otis elevator, which only staff are allowed to operate.
The Saddle and Spur Tavern
After exploring the hotel a little, we sat in the lobby and enjoyed a beer each from the Saddle and Spur Tavern which has an impressive range of local, national, and international beers, as well as a great cocktail menu.
333 Cafe Restaurant and Bar
You can also dine there if you wish, as the same menu is available as in the main restaurant, but we wanted to try the opulent dining room. One unusual feature is that there’s a whole page of Indian dishes. The waitress explained that the current owners are from India, so the dishes are authentic. Well, my chicken tikka massala was so hot I had to ask for some yogurt to help cool it down a little. My wife’s grilled chicken with chipotle and cilantro was much less hot but still with a spicy kick to it Two more beers washed them both down well.
Museums
The Gadsden also has a fascinating museum, which we spent the following morning looking round. On our visit there were also two other museums open, one commemorating the Gadsden veterans of the Vietnam War, the other for Black History Month and showcasing Gadsden’s reputation as a haven for Black people in a genuine multi-cultural community. Today Douglas is 75% Hispanic and we really noticed the warmth and friendliness of the people as we walked around the town. Even sullen teenagers would say ‘Hello’ to us as they passed us on the street, and a couple of people stopped to chat with us, pointing us in the direction of things we might want to see while visiting.
History of the Gadsden Hotel
The Gadsden Hotel, located in Douglas, Arizona, is a historic landmark that has played a significant role in the region’s history since its construction in 1907. The hotel was named after James Gadsden, who negotiated the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, which secured a portion of southern Arizona and New Mexico for the United States.
The Gadsden Hotel was designed to serve as a luxurious accommodation for travelers, businessmen, and dignitaries visiting the booming copper mining town of Douglas and the surrounding area.
Architecture and Early History
The original Gadsden Hotel was a four-story building featuring a grand lobby with a stunning marble staircase, Tiffany stained-glass windows, and a vaulted ceiling. Unfortunately, the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1928. It was rebuilt in 1929, retaining its opulent design and becoming one of the most elegant hotels in the Southwest. The rebuilt hotel featured the same grand staircase, stained-glass windows, and a lobby adorned with Italian marble and hand-painted beams.
Famous Guests at the Gadsden Hotel
Over the years, the Gadsden Hotel has hosted numerous notable figures, including:
- – John D. Rockefeller: The wealthy industrialist and philanthropist stayed at the hotel during his travels.
- – Lillian Russell: A famous actress and singer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- – William Holden: The Hollywood actor, known for his roles in classic films, visited the hotel.
- – Lee Marvin: Another renowned actor, who stayed at the Gadsden during his career.
Others have included John Wayne, Thornton Wilder, Peter Fonda, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joseph Cotton, Shelley Winters, Pancho Villa, Paul Newman, Jerry Lewis, Johnny Depp, Tom Selleck, and Ava Gardner.
Pancho Villa and the Horse Legend
One of the most famous stories associated with the Gadsden Hotel involves the Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa. Legend has it that Villa rode his horse into the hotel’s lobby and up the grand marble staircase during the Mexican Revolution.
While this tale is widely recounted, historical evidence supporting the event is scarce. Nonetheless, the story has become a part of the hotel’s lore, adding to its mystique and connection to the turbulent history of the U.S.-Mexico border region. The marble staircase still has a couple of chips in it said to have been made by the horse’s hooves as a nearby sign explains/
The Gadsden Hotel’s Decline and Revival
Like many historic hotels, the Gadsden faced challenges in the mid-20th century as travel patterns changed and the mining industry declined. However, it has been restored and preserved over the years, maintaining its status as a cultural and historical treasure. Today, the Gadsden Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to welcome guests, offering a glimpse into the past with its elegant architecture and rich history.
The Gadsden Hotel remains a symbol of Douglas’s vibrant history and its connection to the broader narrative of the American Southwest and Mexico. Its stories, including the legendary visit of Pancho Villa, continue to captivate visitors and historians alike.
More Information about the Gadsden Hotel
Visit the official Gadsden Hotel website.
More Information about the Gadsden Hotel
Visit the official Gadsden Hotel website.
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