The Magnolia House’s story as a haven for Black travelers began in 1949 when Arthur and Louise Gist purchased the property.
By Faith Katunga, Travel Noire
Photo, The Historic Magnolia House.
The Historic Magnolia House, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, should be on many travelers’ must-visit lists. Staying here is a rare chance to stay at a hotel that was an integral part of African American history—one of the few “Greenbook” hotels that are still in operation. In addition, this exquisitely preserved example of Victorian-Italianate architecture has a long history, dating back to 1889. But, the Magnolia House’s story as a haven for Black travelers only began in 1949 when Arthur and Louise Gist purchased the property.
They transformed it into a “traveler’s motel,” giving essential service to Black Americans passing through Greensboro during the era of segregation. In 1955, the Gist family took a bold step by listing their establishment in the “Negro Motorist Green Book,” commonly known as the “Greenbook.” This annual guide, published from 1936 to 1967, was a crucial resource for Black travelers. It listed safe and welcoming businesses during the Jim Crow era.
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