Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, the Green Park Inn stands as a testament to a bygone era. Founded by the Green Park Company, spearheaded by Civil War Major George Washington Findlay Harper from Lenoir, NC, this iconic hotel welcomed its first guests in the bustling summer of 1891. Harper’s vision, as expressed in an 1892 brochure, was to create “a more comfortable summer home” in the region, prioritizing guest comfort in every aspect of its design and construction.
Originally a sprawling 73,000 square foot structure on the expansive Green Park acreage, the inn was eagerly anticipated by the community. In April 1891, The Lenoir News offered a glimpse into the future, describing sixty guest rooms equipped with modern amenities for the time: fireplaces, running water, and electric bell alarms. The inn’s three levels housed a restaurant and bar, features that remain today, alongside then-innovative hot and cold bath facilities, a grand ballroom, a billiard room, a bowling alley, and even a shooting gallery and tennis court for leisure activities. Recognizing the needs of travelers, a telegraph and post office were also incorporated for public convenience. Notably, the Green Park Inn served as the area’s only United States Post Office for many years, and a piece of its original sorting system is preserved within the hotel’s History Room, offering a tangible link to its past.
Over its remarkable 133-year history, this distinguished establishment, often referred to as the “Grand Dame of the High Country,” has played host to an array of illustrious figures. From Annie Oakley and J.D. Rockefeller to Eleanor Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover, the inn has welcomed presidents and industry titans alike. Literary history was even made within its walls, as Margaret Mitchell famously penned a portion of her masterpiece, “Gone With the Wind,” during her stay. In more recent times, the inn has also drawn in popular culture icons, including the members of the influential musical group, The Smiths. The Green Park Inn continues to be a cherished destination, blending historical charm with modern hospitality in the heart of Blowing Rock.
