The Roper Hotel
Marble Falls, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
George C. and Elizabeth Roper constructed this double-galleried hotel building about 1888. In the growing town of Marble falls, The Roper Hotel became a popular stop for visiting businessmen and dignitaries. It was purchased by W. F. Smith in 1926 and later operated as The Central Hotel and The Francis House. His son R. O. Smith, who became manager in the 1930s, later served as mayor of Marble falls. The hotel remained in the Smith family until 1963. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
George and Elizabeth Roper built this double-galleried hotel about 1888, and in the growing town of Marble Falls it became a favored stop for visiting businessmen and dignitaries. Sold to the Smith family in 1926, it operated under several names; R.O. Smith managed it from the 1930s and later served as the town's mayor. The hotel stayed in the family until 1963.
Why it matters
A town's hotel was its front door, and the Roper's long life mirrors the rise of Marble Falls from frontier settlement to established community.
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Related people
- · George C. Roper
- · R.O. Smith
Themes & tags
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