While all evidence of the palisades and the black houses of Picketed Point have been effaced in the advance of progress and time, this important chapter of the early history of Marietta and Ohio will never be forgotten, nor will the romance of the past ever dim or fade.

Here on the banks of the Ohio River today, you can view the same magic beauty that fascinated early settlers in 1788, as evidenced by inscriptions in the letters of Rufus Putnam, "a country of the most pleasant climate and of the rarest beauty and enduring charm."

The Lafayette Hotel draws its name from the visit in 1825 of the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution. Lafayette landed at the "point" on a boat named Herold. The towns people did not know of his plan to visit here and were unprepared for his arrival. A prominent early Marietta citizen, Nahum Ward, entertained him at his home. Lafayette continued from Marietta through several communities to his final destination of Boston, Massachusetts. A plaque near the Hotel marks the spot where Lafayette came ashore in Marietta and today the locals boast that the first tourist to visit Marietta was the Marquis de Lafayette.

The Bellvue Hotel was built in 1892 where the Lafayette Hotel stands today. It was 4 stories tall, had 55 steam heated rooms, a bar, a call bell system in every room and advertised hot and cold baths. The rate was $2.00 or $3.00 American Style. The Bellvue was destroyed by fire on April 26, 1916, at 5:40 p.m. Pictures of the fire are on display in the vestibule by the Lafayette's Gun Room Restaurant.

The Lafayette Hotel, built by Marietta businessmen, opened on July 1, 1918, and was incorporated as the Marietta Hotel Co. which owned the original building, additions, and real estate. Reno G. Hoag was hired as manager with a salary of $150 per month plus room and board for his family.

When Mr. Hoag was named manager in 1918 his eighteen year old son, S. Durward Hoag, also began working for the hotel. He helped unpack furniture and fixtures which came by boat from Cincinnati on the river packet, Liberty, a week before the opening on April 26. Eventually, Reno Hoag purchased the contents of the hotel for $25,000. For a number of years, Reno and Durward began buying stock as it was offered to them and in 1924, incorporated. Together they operated the Lafayette, making improvements and changes as the times dictated. The old Mansion House, which was built in 1835, was purchased by the hotel froThomas McCurdy and Christina McCuley. The house stood directly behind the Lafayette and was demolished to build a 30 room addition to the original hotel, The Hoag Addition.

Reno Hoag died on March 4, 1944, and S. Durward Hoag continued to run the hotel until he sold the Lafayette on December 17, 1973, to local businessman, Harry J. Robinson.

Mr. Robinson saw a need for larger facilities to accommodate meetings and banquets. He also had a passion for the preservation of big bands and ballroom dancing. In 1978, the Sternwheel Ballroom was added at a cost of $650,000. Mr. Robinson's business insight continues to benefit the Hotel and the local community by allowing the hotel to attract small and medium-sized conventions from around the state. The Grand Ballroom still plays host to big band music and ballroom dancing. Harry Robinson operated the Lafayette Hotel until May 30, 1984.

From June 1984 to July 1989, the Lafayette Hotel was operated by a limited partnership comprised mostly of out of town investors. During this period, the property suffered extreme financial set backs and remodeling over runs and was eventually turned over to the mortgage holder, Bank One, Columbus. Bank One continued to operated the property in receivership until a buyer could be found.

In May 1991, the Lin Family from Columbus, Ohio, formed the Lafayette Hotel, Inc., and purchased the property. Since then, guest rooms, the lobby and the Grand Ballroom have been redecorated and major improvements have been made to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. More importantly, the property has been linked to Historic Hotels of America through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Gun Room Restaurant
The Rufus Putnam Dining Room was opened on January 31, 1931. All known direct descendants of Rufus Putnam were invited as complimentary guests to the grand opening.

On August 17, 1946, the Gun Room Dining Room was formally opened to the public. Displayed on the walls is our famous collection of long rifles. Also displayed throughout the Gun Room are a boat's telegraph, steering arms, steamboat instruments, a bell, a compass and bell pulls. The pilot wheels were made for the Navy in World War II, but were never used.

The Gun Room is known as one of the area's finest dining rooms. Over the years, the spelling and name of the restaurant has changed from Gun Room Dining Room to Gun Room Restaurant and the current logo is displayed below.

Long Rifle Collection
The long rifle collection is on display in the Gun Room Restaurant. These rifles are all handcrafted and date from 1795 to 1880. Among this collection hangs a percussion rifle made by J.J. Henry and sons, who accompanied Benedict Arnold to Quebec in 1775 and the company later was contracted to make muskets for the US Army. Each rifle is numbered and a description and brief history hangs just inside the entrance to the Gun Room Restaurant.

Riverview Lounge
In 1919, prohibition stopped the legal sale of alcohol on hotel property. (See our lunch menu for details about "The Case of the Bootlegging Bellhop".) On January 19, 1934, the first liquor license in Marietta was issued to the Lafayette Hotel for The Taproom Grill. In 1950, The Top Flight Bar & Grill replaced The Taproom Grill. The Top Flight Bar & Grill was decorated like the inside of a airplane and the faux windows contained pictures of aerial views of the Marietta area.

The Riverview Lounge as it is today was renovated in 1984. The ceiling was created by hand plastering and the large hardwood bar, carefully crafted by Amish wood workers, was installed. The lounge overlooks the Ohio River and has a unique atmosphere with the original riverboat paintings and model sternwheelers adorning the area.

Original Call Bell System
The original call bell system of the Mansion House is displayed on the left hand wall as you enter the Front Street entrance to the dining room. A dozen small bronze bells, numbered and suspended on coil springs were activated by pulling a cord upstairs placed in each room. The bell would vibrate on its spring for several minutes so the maid could see what chamber was calling for her. Reno Hoag and his son found this system when the old Mansion House was demolished. They rehabilitated the system for display in the Hotel. The bells and other parts of the system were made in England. Similar systems were used in English inns in the 17th century

The Pilot Wheel
The eleven foot pilot wheel suspended from the ceiling of the Lafayette Hotel Lobby is one of the few remaining pilot wheel of that size in existence today. This pilot wheel came from the steamboat, J.D. Ayres.

Flood Levels
Two bench marks indicating flood levels of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers in 1936 and 1937 are located in the lobby beside the elevator. The 1936 flood put 4 1/2 feet of water in the dining room and the 1937 flood brought 10 1/2 feet into the lobby of the hotel. A plaque located just below the balcony of the second floor on the outside corner of the Lafayette shows the water mark of the 1913 flood.

Today, flooding is still a concern for the Hotel. The lower lobby receives water every few years if flood waters go above 36 feet. To better cope with the water, all the carpeting and wood paneled walls are now removable. Preparations for and recovery from a flood now takes only a few days. You know what they say, "Practice makes perfect."

Become a Part of History
Marietta, Ohio, is an official stop for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Several times a year, the Mississippi Queen, the grand American Queen, and/or the Delta Queen dock at the Ohio River Levee beside the Lafayette Hotel. When the Delta Queen comes to town, the event is especially significant to the Lafayette because it is the only time and place in history where one Historic Hotel of America can visit another!

The Lafayette takes great pride in our riverboat heritage and we would like to share our passion for this era with you. The Lafayette Hotel offers impeccable service, exquisite food, guest rooms that have been host to many dignitaries, and the largest banquet facilities in the area with a staff to help plan your special event. Let us welcome you - after all, we've been preparing for your visit for over 100 years.