The Historic Magnolia House
442 Gorrell St. Greensboro, NC, 27406 US / NC
Location Description
The Historic Magnolia House, a Green Book site in Greensboro, NC that housed African American writers, actors, athletes and musicians as they traveled south to perform during the Jim Crow era. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former motel was recognized in 6 editions of The Green Book as a highly recommended place to stay for Negro travelers in North Carolina. Of the 250+ Green Book sites, we are 1 of a very few that operates currently within its historic context. Within these walls embeds the history of our space are memories of James Brown playing in the street with neighborhood children, Joe Tex signing autographs on the front porch and moments captured with Ike & Tina Turner, Ray Charles, James Brown, James Baldwin, Sam Cooke, Jackie Robinson to name a few. The Magnolia House started out as a Motel bought and owned by the Gist family in 1949. Samuel Pass knew the home was unique to the economic development of the Greensboro community. The result is a beautiful marriage of property and its original structure. It is the rich history and Victorian detail that makes this location exquisite. Magnolia House was the first hotel of prominence in Greensboro for colored people during segregation. The Gist Family, original owners of the motel during segregation, had close relationships to Miles Davis and was responsible for donating the Davis Trumpet to the UNCG Music School. Speakers such as Jackie Robinson and others would stay at the motel when visiting NC A&T or Bennett College.
Location Category
- AUDITORIUMS / THEATERS - Arts Centers / Stages
- CITIES / TOWNS - Downtowns
- HOUSES - Period Homes / Historic
- MUSEUMS / EXHIBITS - Science / History
- RESTAURANTS / EATERIES - Diners
Architecture Style
- Period 1800s
- Period 1950s
- Victorian
