A wood-fronted Mission Revival hotel that has drawn the people of Blessing together since 1907.
At a glance
Hotel Blessing is a historic hotel in Blessing, Texas, designed by Jules Leffland of Victoria for Jonathan Edwards Pierce, the town’s founder. It opened in 1907 as lodging for land seekers and traveling salesmen settling the region. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 1979.
History
Jonathan Edwards Pierce built the hotel to serve people arriving in the newly founded community. The building was refinished and painted in the 1930s. During World War II, wives and girlfriends of soldiers stationed at Camp Hulen in nearby Palacios often stayed here. After the war, the camp closed and freight train service stopped, changing the flow of visitors. The hotel stopped renting rooms in 1972.
In 1977, Pierce’s grandson Able Pierce and his wife Ruth renovated and reopened the hotel. It was later deeded to the Blessing Historical Society, which operates it today.
What you see
The hotel is an unusual expression of Mission Revival style. Instead of adobe or plaster over brick, its facade is entirely wood, a choice that sets it apart from more typical examples of the style. Inside there are 25 rooms. Most have a semiprivate bathroom or share a bathroom in the hall.
Cultural significance
The hotel has been a community gathering place since it opened. Its coffee shop remains popular with locals, who meet there to discuss community events.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Blessing, Texas
- Coordinates: 28.8439, -96.2222
- National Register of Historic Places: February 1, 1979
Practical information & getting there
The hotel is operated by the Blessing Historical Society and offers lodging and a coffee shop. Check with the society for current room availability and opening hours.
Sources & resources
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