St. James Hotel (Red Wing, Minnesota)

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406 Main Street # A
Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-2846
st-james-hotel.com/

The architectural firm of E.P. Bassford of Minneapolis designed the four-story Italianate structure, and work commenced in the spring of 1874. The hotel was outfitted in grand style with handsome furnishings, Brussels carpets in the lobby and English velvet carpet in the second floor ladies’ parlor. In May of 1875, the hotel was christened the St. James Hotel, most likely after the Court of St. James of London, as residents felt it sounded regal and high class.
The St. James Hotel opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1875. Tickets were $5 per person. The salutation of the invitations read “Yourself and a lady are cordially invited to attend . . .” The 500 prominent guests were treated to a lavish banquet featuring over 60 items ranging from raw oysters and roast venison to Boston cream puffs and strawberry ice cream. Dancing followed until 4:00 a.m.

Guests marveled at the hotel’s modern features including steam heat, hot and cold running water, gas throughout and a state of the art kitchen. The first floor included three dining rooms, the kitchen, office and baggage storage and the lower level featured a parlor, billiard hall, barbershop, public baths and four water closets. The second floor included a ladies’ parlor, bridal suite and two ladies’ water closets, while the fourth floor housed the ballroom.