10/18/2026
100 Years. 100 Stories.
A Century on Main: 1927–2027.
History isn’t just something to preserve—it’s something to share.
Our General Manager, Hayden Ashworth, recently attended the Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Conference in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, representing the Bolling Wilson Hotel and Graze on Main. The gathering brought together hoteliers united by a shared responsibility: serving as stewards of the historic places, memories, and stories entrusted to their care.
The conference brought history to life in unforgettable ways. Hayden had the honor of following the sounds of fifes and drums to dinner at Shields Tavern, hearing from Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, and listening to an inspiring speech delivered by the historical interpreter presenting President Abraham Lincoln.
A particularly meaningful experience was touring the George Wythe House and sitting on its staircase, reflecting on the remarkable history within those walls. George Wythe—the original namesake of our hotel—was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a legal mentor to Thomas Jefferson. His home also served as George Washington’s headquarters as he prepared for the Battle of Yorktown. The visit offered a powerful connection between our hotel’s story and the people and places that helped shape our nation.
For Hayden, leading the Bolling Wilson Hotel and Graze on Main is both an honor and a responsibility—caring for a cherished property while helping carry its history forward.
In 2027, our building will mark 100 years since it first welcomed guests as the George Wythe Hotel in 1927. And our community is invited to be part of that celebration.
Over the coming months, the hotel will share the history, heritage, and stories connecting its past and present—from George Wythe’s role in America’s founding to Edith Bolling Wilson’s upbringing in Wytheville, her time in the White House, her dedication to her husband, President Woodrow Wilson, and her role during a pivotal chapter in American history.
Among those stories is Edith’s final homecoming in 1960. She returned to Wytheville to dedicate a stained-glass window at St. John’s Episcopal Church in honor of her parents, stayed at the George Wythe Hotel, and crossed Main Street to revisit her childhood home. Her visit remains a meaningful connection between the hotel, the community, and the remarkable woman whose name it carries today.
To learn more about the history of this cherished property, everyone is encouraged to watch the documentary “Saving History: The Bolling Wilson Hotel.” The film explores the hotel’s past, its restoration, and the connections between historic preservation and the community it serves.
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNo2nLObCww
The centennial celebration will feature historic photographs, trivia, prizes, and opportunities for valued guests, friends, and neighbors to share their own memories. Whether your family remembers the George Wythe Hotel, you’ve celebrated a special occasion at the Bolling Wilson Hotel, enjoyed a meal at Graze on Main, or simply cherish downtown Wytheville, you are part of this continuing story.
Do you have a photograph, postcard, family connection, or favorite memory of the hotel? Our friends and neighbors are invited to share their stories by sending us a message, commenting on this post or sharing a post of their own, emailing [email protected], or stopping by the hotel to tell their story to Hayden, our General Manager.
Your memories will help bring this century of history to life. From everyday moments to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, every story adds something special.
Here’s to honoring the past, celebrating our community, and welcoming the next chapter—together.
