The Tygart Hotel, 1906

The Historic Tygart Hotel was built in 1906 as the grand hotel of Elkins. It is one of the city’s oldest buildings, is still one of the tallest buildings in

Elkins to date and is recognized as an anchor of the city’s historic downtown district. The Tygart Hotel played an important role in the development of the region and continues to do so today.

Originally known as Hotel Gassaway (named after Senator Henry Gassaway Davis), it operated as a high-end hotel for over sixty years. John T. Ward was one of the most prominent builders associated with the Elkins Downtown Historic District. Ward was born in Barbour County and began his career as a laborer for the West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railway. He moved to Elkins in 1889, and while working with the railroad, was a participant in the construction of the first depot, the railroad shops, the Randolph Hotel, and one of the first bank buildings in Elkins. Once the railroad was completed into town, he began his own contracting firm. He constructed many commercial buildings in the downtown area and Hotel Gassaway would be his most ambitious project. The parcel of land had originally been part of the “Public Square Block” set aside by Senator Henry Gassaway Davis who in partnership with Stephen B. Elkins founded the city of Elkins in the mid-1880s.

The hotel catered to the wealthy clientele drawn to Elkins in the early to mid-twentieth century, first for the city’s early railroad and industrial opportunities and later as a thriving economic hub of the region. Eventually after a few changes in ownership, the hotel was changed to Hotel Tygart in 1923. Due to its popularity, the hotel quickly became a central gathering space for community members as well. The hotel hosted many famous visitors over the years and was used for numerous local social gatherings like Mountain State Forest Festival functions or the first classes held by the Augusta Heritage Festival.

Hotel Gassaway housed other businesses such as an onsite restaurant and beauty salon. In addition, the site was frequently used for political activities and acted as the headquarters for local Democratic Party organizations, an office/residence for Senator Jennings Randolph, and a tour stop by Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. on behalf of John F. Kennedy during his 1960 presidential campaign.

In the early 1970s, the building ceased operation as a hotel and converted into an apartment complex as used until several years ago. Despite its history and general decline over recent decades, the Tygart Hotel has remained a cornerstone of downtown Elkins and an essential piece of the community’s heritage.

The Tygart Hotel, Today-2024

Today, The Tygart Hotel is a 56-room boutique hotel. The hotel features a full bar and restaurant and a banquet room and is part of the Choice Ascend collection, meaning that it offers guests access to all of Choice’s premium amenities and services.

The hotel captures the beauty and character of both the old building and the Elkins region, as well as preserves stories and mementos from its long history. The restoration of the historic Tygart Hotel would not have been possible without the dedication and support of an array of project partners. The involvement of community lenders, nonprofit organizations, banks, and government entities has been instrumental in bringing this ambitious project back to life. Thanks to their contributions, the Tygart Hotel stands today as a testament to the collective power of community collaboration.

The Grand Opening!

We now ask for you to join the Tygart Hotel March 21st-23rd for their grand opening and for an unforgettable weekend of art, history, elevated dining, and live music as they unveil the beautifully restored Tygart Hotel. Reserve your room now and be part of the Tygart Hotel’s next chapter. Stay, savor, and celebrate with us!

The event is as follows:

Lost Towns of the Mon Art Opening