Step back in history…

The Excelsior House Hotel is the oldest hotel in Texas. Located in the heart of Downtown Jefferson, the historic hotel has been welcoming travelers since 1858. Famous guests from both the 19th and 20th centuries include Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, Rutherford B.Hayes, Lady Bird Johnson, Steven Spielberg and more. While each of the 15 guestrooms features lovely antiques and old world charm, each is also equipped with new-world amenities like cable tv and perfect wifi. The grand ballroom and the fountain courtyard at the old hotel are favorite destinations for weddings, receptions, reunions, and romantic getaways. Business groups enjoy meetings, retreats and small conventions at Excelsior House. Since 1961, the not-for-profit hotel has been owned and operated by the ladies of the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club, in association with the Excelsior Foundation. 

Which is the oldest hotel in Texas? The Excelsior in Jefferson or the Menger in San Antonio? TEXAS MONTHLY answers this question in a wonderful column by the Texanist. (Illustration by Zohar Lazar)  Spoiler alert – It’s Excelsior House Hotel!!!

Coming MAY 2 – 5, 2024, The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club presents the 77th Annual Historic Pilgrimage. To purchase tickets for the Historic Home Tours and other wonderful events visit https://jefferson-pilgrimage.com/