Bagg's Hotel

Bagg's Hotel was located in Utica, New York. The Bagg's Tavern preceded it and hosted General George Washington, General Lafayette, Henry Clay and General Ulysses S. Grant.[1] It was a log house founded in 1794 by Moses Bagg. Bagg's Square Memorial Park marks the historic location.

Contents

Establishment

Moses Bagg, a blacksmith, first came to the Old Fort Schuyler on a flat boat up the Mohawk River in 1793. In 1794 he purchased four acres of land from Joseph Ballou for his business on Main Street, and he constructed a hotel for travelers waiting for their horses to be shoed the same year. It grew from being a "shanty", to a two story wooden building, and was taken over by Moses Bragg Jr. after his father's death in 1805. Guests included Thomas Moore, Joseph Bonaparte, Aaron Burr and Washington Irving.[2]

The original site was bought out and built into what became known as the Northern Hotel until it burned down in 1870. Meanwhile Baggs Jr. built his hotel across the street taking on the name "Shepard’s Hotel".[3] D.M. Johnson managed the hotel for 15 years until his death in 1902.[4]

Nineteenth century

The "Utica Tally-Ho Stage Coach" transited travelers from to and from the hotel.[5] There was a fire in the "wineroom" in 1895.[6]

Present day

The "Bagg's Square" name is still used in Utica.

References

  1. ^ [1] Utica Children's Museum
  2. ^ Diorama Children's Museum of History, Natural History, Science & Technology (Utica)
  3. ^ John J. Walsh Excerpt Vignettes of Old Utica
  4. ^ D.M. Johnson Special to The New York Times February 15, 1902, Page 9 New York Times
  5. ^ Tally Ho CoachBaggs Hotel Oneida County Historical Society
  6. ^ WINEROOM IN BAGGS'S HOTEL AFIRE; Guests Were Greatly Excited, but Little Damage Was Done. November 10, 1895 New York Times

External Links