History

Boomtown in the 20th Century

In the late 1800s, Hot Springs became a booming spa-town, healing injured soldiers, Presidents, and also catering to newly wealthy American travelers. Bathhouse Row flourished with large, luxurious buildings and historic architecture. The Arlington Hotel, first built in 1875, still remains the largest hotel in Arkansas. The Medical Arts Building became the famous 'Superman Building' skyscraper (and was recently purchased to be converted into a Marriott). The massive Army Navy Hospital Campus healed our nations wounded, and the Majestic Spa, just 2 blocks from our property, was opulent, attracting world famous celebrities and politicians. (The Majestic Spa site is also in proposed re-development)

Prohibition

Hot Springs became a popular winter retreat, especially for notorious gangers, like Al Capone. Hot Springs became a gambling town, which fueled more growth. Walking distance from Majestic Magnolia, was the Velda Rose Hotel, as well as a big nightlclub and illegal casino, The Legendary Vapors, profiled in a newly published book.

Hot Springs also has a history in Baseball, when the major teams would come for Spring Training. They would be able to gorge and soak in the natural mineral water, which would help their performance. One day during Spring training, a little known player became a legend, just a stone's throw from Majestic Magnolia.
On St. Patrick's Day in 1918, a player named George Herman hit the 'Home Run that Changed Baseball'. That home run sailed 573 feet, the longest home run ever hit, give or take a few feet. And Babe Ruth is now the famous home run hitter we all know, but he got his career start in Hot Springs at Spring Training.

The Majestic Magnolia has been referred for generations as the 'Latta House', and was built by Captain George Gray Latta in 1874.