Walla Walla’s iconic Marcus Whitman Hotel has long been a symbol of the city’s history and ambition. But did you know it wasn’t always destined to bear that name?
In the early 1920s, plans for a new hotel in Walla Walla were pitched under the name The Washington Hotel. The vision was for a five-story European-style building, which would have been a sleek addition to the city’s skyline. However, local business leaders, led by Ivan Bloch, had grander aspirations. They wanted something more ambitious—something that would cement Walla Walla’s place as a key regional hub.
The final result was the Marcus Whitman Hotel, a ten-story, $750,000 luxury building that opened in 1928. When it first opened its doors, it stood as the tallest building in southeastern Washington. More than just a hotel, it became a symbol of the city’s growing economic aspirations and a testament to the community’s belief in progress and vision.
To this day, the Marcus Whitman Hotel remains one of Walla Walla’s most recognizable landmarks, a reminder of the city’s bold beginnings and rich history.