Moody Hotel
Canadian, Hemphill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1910 Canadian was a thriving railroad and marketing center with a Baptist Academy. English-born Robert Moody (1838-1915), a rancher, banker and trustee of the academy, decided to build a hotel that would reflect the town's prosperity. On the site of the former McIntosh Hotel, he began construction of this brick veneered building. The three-story facility opened in late 1910 with 40 guest rooms and a beautiful oak stairway. The Moody Hotel became a local landmark and a popular stop for visitors until changing travel customs caused it to close. (1978)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
By 1910 Canadian was a thriving railroad and marketing hub, prosperous enough that English-born rancher, banker, and academy trustee Robert Moody set out to build a hotel worthy of the town. Rising on the site of the former McIntosh Hotel, his three-story brick building opened late that year with 40 guest rooms and a handsome oak stairway. The Moody Hotel became a beloved landmark and popular waystation until shifting travel habits eventually closed its doors.
Why it matters
The hotel captures the optimism of a Panhandle railroad town at its peak, and how changing modes of travel later stranded the grand depot-era hotels that once welcomed the traveling public.
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Related people
- · Robert Moody
Themes & tags
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