City Directories and History:  Arguably the most important landmark in the county, although the location is often misunderstood, the Cherokee Inn was built less than a mile north of the town of Blacksburg. The inn was located just across the railroad on present day Carolina Street situated on a small hill  within equal walking distance of the grand home of Major John F. Jones and the railroad depot. Like almost all of the turn-of-the-century buildings in Blacksburg, the building’s architectural plans and funding came from Major Jones. Major Jones felt the town needed something grand, and that a large hotel would catch the eye of the passengers traveling along the railroad. This magnificent seventy room, two-story structure would include a large dining room, kitchen, ballroom, and accompanied by a small wood shed located behind the inn. The ballroom was known throughout the town and hotel as “The Annex” due to its separation from the residential portion of the hotel. In a late 1800’s newspaper advertisement, the inn was described as: “One of the best hotels in the state. Only two minutes walk from’ the Richmond and Danville, and Charleston, Cincinnati, and

Reportedly a view of the Cherokee Inn at Blacksburg, S.C. Courtesy of the AFLLC Collection – 2017

Chicago Railroad stations. Situated among the foot hills of the Blue Ridge mountains, on the south slop of Whitaker Mountain, 1,500 above the sea. New House. Modern Appointments. Cuisine unsurpassed. Elegantly furnished. Elevated position. Extended view from hotel in all directions. House three stories, surrounded by 800 feet of wide covered verandas. Lithia, Sulphur, and Magnesia Waters. Climate second to none in this country.” As said in the final two

Mr. A. Tripp of Blacksburg owed the Roddey Mercantile Co., $68.18 in ca. 1896. Courtesy of the RRF Collection 2020.

sentences in the advertisement, the inn was sought by many for its clear air, some hoping to relieve their sicknesses. With the hotel being on the rise, Major Jones constructed a small park located just across the railroad tracks for the guests at the hotel. Unsatisfied with the park, Major Jones would construct the Overlook Place atop Whitaker Mountain. According the a 1908 land surveyed map of Blacksburg, the inn closed in 1902 for unknown reasons. The inn burned down shortly thereafter.

The Herald reported on Dec. 10, 1890 – “A new hotel in Blacksburg, the Cherokee Inn is nearly completed.  It will be three stories with a tower offering a fine view.  There are sixty rooms in the main building and a wing with another twenty rooms.  There is a fireplace in each room and pipes for heating.  The first floor has a parlor and dining room and piazzas run around all floors.  The hotel has electric bells and bathroom.”

On May 6, 1891 the Enquirer reported, “A new manager has been hired for the Cherokee Inn.  The furniture is now arriving and a formal opening will take place soon.”

The Yorkville Enquirer reported on July 1, 1891 – “The new hotel in Blacksburg, the Cherokee Inn is fast becoming a popular resort with the traveling public.”

The Yorkville Enquirer of March 25, 1891 reported, “Mr. A. Tripp, the new Supt. of the 3CCC’s railroad, has taken a sweet of rooms at the Cherokee Inn and will bring his family here.”

The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Jan. 4, 1893 – “The Cherokee Inn is gradually filling with winter borders, and every vacant room in the house is applied for by northern parties, principally from New England.” Also on Jan. 18, Mr. F. B. Alvord, the manager of the Cherokee Inn, is building an ice house for summer use.”

The Herald reported on Dec. 8, 1896 – “In the Co. Clerk’s office reported the Cherokee Inn had been sold……

The Herald reported on De. 30, 1896 – “The Cherokee Inn of Blacksburg will change hands on Friday (Jan. 1, 1897), it has been leased by A.H. Greene and G.H. Greene of Rock Hill and will be run by them.  In Blackburg’s palmy days the Cherokee, a beautiful model of architecture, resembling a cottage in the Alps, as it nestles at the foot of Mt. Whitaker, was erected to attract Northern visitors.  Ben Doby will be in charge of the culinary department. He was at one time connected one of the famous hotels in Saratoga.  Mr. J.C. Cunningham, formally owner of a hotel in Kershaw will be the housekeeper.  The Greenes will still be in charge of the Carolina Hotel in Rock Hill.

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