The Martha Washington Inn is an upscale hotel with a long history. This facility has been graced with Presidents such as Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter. It has also been visited by Eleanor Roosevelt and many celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Earnest Borgnine, and many more.

The hotel lies directly across from the famed Barter Theater.

The structure was built in 1832 by Congressman General Francis Preston. It is amazing that this facility was a private residence. When the Congressman died, his lavish home went to the church. It became the Martha Washington College for young ladies.

When the Civil War arrived, the college became a hospital and offered care for both Union and Confederate soldiers. It was here that one of the most famous stories began. Many of the young ladies attending college doubled as nurses during this time. One, named Beth, fell in love with the soldier she was caring for. She played the violin for him often.

He died later of typhoid and, within a short time, she died of the same illness. They have both been reported to still wander around the hotel. Violin music is often heard wafting through the corridors. Room 403 is reported to be where this love story unfolded.

The hotel became outdated and was forgotten by 1932. Thankfully, someone saw the potential and saved the building from further neglect. It opened as hotel in 1935. In 1984, a major renovation was done to the facility. A total of 8 million dollars was invested in the property.

Nearly all types of paranormal activities have been reported at the hotel. A phantom horse is reported to walk up to the front porch waiting on his master. Phantom horses are apparently common across the grounds. Voices, strange people, and many other types of activities have been reported.

Currently, the hotel is a successful and busy establishment featuring many luxuries for visitors, including a spa and landscaped grounds.