With such a rich history, The American Hotel reminds us how far we have come in making the world a better place. We invite you to walk in the footsteps of cultural icons, listen to the stories that make Atlanta what it is today, and, most importantly, make some memories of your own that will stand the test of time.
The American Hotel was integral to the Civil Rights Movement, welcoming influential leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is celebrated in an on-site mural.
Dr. Marvin Goldstein and Dr. Irving Goldstein open the Atlanta American Motor Hotel, Atlanta’s first racially integrated hotel.
Singer Marian Bruce became the first person of color to register at Atlanta’s Americana Motor Hotel when she came South for the Lena Horne benefit concert for SCLC.
The Milwaukee Braves officially request permission from the National League of Baseball to transfer to Atlanta, Georgia.
The National League approves the move of the Braves to Atlanta, Georgia, thanks, in part, to the Atlanta American Motor hotel offering integrated accommodations.
At the time, it was uncertain whether Hall of Famer Hank Aaron would continue playing with the Braves due to the racial tension in the south. As a result, Atlanta Senator Leroy R. Johnson and Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. wrote to Aaron to convince him to move.
At the 30th Annual All-Sports Jamboree hosted at the hotel, the Braves are welcomed to Atlanta with a special welcome plaque.
The official opening day parade for the Atlanta Braves takes place, ending at the Atlanta American Motor Hotel, where the president and general manager of the team, John McHale, is given a gold key to the city.
The National Urban Coalition hosts a seminar on unemployment problems and expanding employment opportunities at the American Motor Hotel, with Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. and the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce helping produce the meeting.
The hotel serves as one of the locations for the 12th Annual Grammy Awards.
During his first Senatorial campaign, Sam Nunn used the American Motor Hotel as his Atlanta headquarters, and he would go on to win comfortably.
The Georgia American Civil Liberties Union shows the film I.F. Stone’s Weekly, a political biography of I.F. Stone detailing his approach to the news and exposés of government treachery.
The Voter Education Project hosts a cocktail meeting to plan for a Benefit Dinner paying tribute “to the positive effects of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as minority participation has increased throughout this landmark decade.”
American actress, singer, and author Pearl Bailey stays at the hotel.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference hosts the 20th Anniversary Convention celebrating “20 years of struggle and achievement in the area of human rights and racial justice.”
Andrew Young speaks during his campaigning for Atlanta Mayor.
American actress, singer, dancer, and comedian Carol Channing stays in the Imperial Suite of the hotel.
Dr. Marvin Goldstein receives a Community Service Award from The Greater Atlanta Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. at their Annual Founder’s Day Award Luncheon.
With a storied history that spans generations, we have built a legacy and a future that is brighter, bolder, and more impactful to our city and our guests. But the beauty of our history lies not just in the past, but in how it propels us forward. See our current chapter.
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