The Historic Magnolia House
Greensboro, North Carolina
442 Gorrell St., Greensboro, North Carolina 27435
Original Property Opened in 1889
Historic Hotels of America member since 2022
Built in 1889 and opened as a motel in 1949, The Historic Magnolia House was one of five hotels between Atlanta, Georgia and Richmond, Virginia that allowed African American travelers to stay. Known by its formal name, the Daniel D. Debutts House, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is in the South Greensboro National Register Historic District.
In beautiful Queen Anne style, The Historic Magnolia House is a private and comfortable place to stay in the south side of Greensboro, North Carolina. Hosting many famous musicians like Ray Charles, Ike & Tina Turner, Jackie Robinson, Louis Armstrong and so many others, the halls practically echo with history. With four guestrooms inspired by the aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s, the accommodations are draped in bold colors and textures with mid-century modern design.
Discover
- Discover the Queen Anne-style architecture of The Historic Magnolia House. The renovation to restore the home to its former glory undertook an effort to revitalize the style of the mid-century as well as the importance to the African American community's history.
- Embrace the history of the Green Book and the significance that The Historic Magnolia House played in Black travel during the years of segregation. In 1949 the hotel was transformed into a quaint, six-bedroom “traveler’s motel” that visiting black travelers could use while passing through Greensboro.
- Relax in rooms designed with bold mid-century modern designs and brassy finishes and inspired by the famous guests who frequented the property like Miles Davis, James Baldwin, Ray Charles, and more.
Explore
- Engage in various cultural, artistic, and educational programs at Lebauer Park. Enjoy annual "artist in residence" as well as dances, performances, and art installations.
- Learn about the past at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. Housed in the former Woolworth's, the site of a non-violent protest in the civil rights movement, it serves as a reminder of the fight for basic civil rights in the United States and world.
- Walk in the footsteps of Continental soldiers at Guildford Courthouse National Military Park. The battle took place in 1781 and began the campaign of success that lead to the Continental Line securing independance for the colonies.
Experience
- Watch a show at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The 3,000-seat venue is home to touring Broadway productions, concerts, Guilford College’s Bryan Series, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra performances, comedy shows and all types of family entertainment.
- Promenade through the historic streets of Downtown Greensboro and take in the Greensboro Murals that adorn the buildings. There are over 150 works of public art throughout the community.
- Be enchanted at the Greensboro Science Center. Established in 1957, it includes a mesmerizing 90,000-gallon shark reef tank and more.
Taste
- Savor brunch or dinner at the Historic Magnolia House Restaurant. Soul food served daily as well as a huge selection of wine, cocktails, and craft beer.
- Expand the palate with food from new regions and countries, explore lesser known varieties and learn about new styles and old favorites. Try the southern tradition of fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese or skip the meal and go straight to dessert.
- Gather at the table to share the stories of the past, or order to go or delivery and dine in privacy.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
