Hutchinson Leader - Lost Hutchinson: American House Hotel - Comments

Hutchinson's first hotel was

Matt McMillan — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:06:08 -0600

Hutchinson's first hotel was called the American House. Many other hotels across the country -- including one in Glencoe -- were also called the American House. Some American House Hotels survive to this day. Yet, they seem to be all independently owned and operated.

Why the same name for independent hotels? Reader Jay Beytien has a theory. In the United States, the "American plan" meant a room and breakfast. The "European plan" used by hotels in the "old countries" meant a room and three meals a day.

If you know any more about the American House Hotel, respond by leaving a message on this forum or mailing it the Leader office, 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350.

The American House Hotel

Matt McMillan — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 09:57:47 -0600

The American House Hotel shown above is the third building featured in the Lost Hutchinson weekly series. If you have any photos or information about it, please post them here in the comment area. Or, send them to the Leader office at the address above.

The American House Hotel is believed to be one of only two buildings outside the stockade that survived the burning of the city during the Dakota Conflict of 1862.

The first battle of that conflict started in Acton Township north of Litchfield. According to the Leader, retreating soldiers from that battle slept in the American House Hotel in Hutchinson -- some recovering from injuries.

Fighting began in Hutchinson the morning after these soldiers arrived. They made it to the safety of the nearby stockade. But, the Hotel was reportedly, "bullet-ridden."

Lost Hutchinson: American House Hotel

webmaster — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:18:51 -0600

The old American House Hotel was Hutchinson’s first hotel.