Historical Markers in Texas

Site of St. James Hotel

History·Wichita County·Texas

Joseph Alexander Kemp (1861-1930), a Wichita Falls merchant, and Morris Lasker (1840-1916), a native of Prussia who later served as state senator from Galveston, formed a partnership in 1892 for the construction of a hotel at this site. Built by Myles O'Reilly, the three-story St. James Hotel was completed one year later and became the center of area social events. Guests were attracted by the good food and by the music of a hotel orchestra. Business began to decline as new hotels opened in the area and in 1929 the building was demolished. (1980)

Getting there

33.9137, -98.4900

Locations are approximate and may be inaccurate, on private land, or otherwise inaccessible. Check before you travel.

Hear it from the road

Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.

Download Whistlestop on the App Store