Gordonsville Exchange Hotel: A Civil War Icon in Danger

In the quiet little town of Gordonsville, Virginia there lies an important piece of a our history. As a Civil War icon, the Gordonsville Exchange Hotel stands on a little hill over looking the railroad tracks that have carried cargo and people from place to place for over a 100 years. Standing in its shadow is the original Gordonsville Train Depot. Although it is not in it's original spot (it had to be moved back from the tracks for safety purposes) it is in excellent condition compared to many other train depots that have gone unused for many years.

The Gordonsville Exchange Hotel started out as a beautiful rest stop for people to stay anywhere from a few hours while waiting for their next room, to staying a few night. As people would arrive by train to the town of Gordonsville, they would be greeted by a 3-story grand house surrounded by beautiful flower gardens and shrubbery. Unfortunately, this is a scene that only last a few short years before the Civil War broke out.

In 1862 the hotel was converted by the Confederacy into a hospital that was utilized by both the Yankees and the Confederates. As the war continued so did the grisly scenes of amputations, makeshift triage tents, and piled up bodies of the dead. The hospital was overseen by Dr. Lebby who also roomed in the 3rd floor of the hospital. His room is set up in a similar fashion to how it would have looked during his stay.

Following the Civil War the hotel remained open as the Freedman's Bureau Hospital of Gordonsville for newly freed slaves in need of assistance. In 1971 the property was purchased by Historic Gordonsville, Inc. In 1973, it made the National Registry of Historic Places. In 2002, it was named as an African-American Memorial Site.

Recently, we at Wayward were informed that the hotel and it's beautiful veranda's were at risk for being closed. You see, it costs over $50,000 a year to keep this wonderful piece of history open and running. As of now, the hotel is not meeting it's revenue projections. There are ways you can help to keep this iconic building open to the public.

1. If you are into the paranormal sign up for the nightly ghost walk tours. They are truly unique experiences and you won't be disappointed.

2. Visit and make a donation.

3. Spread the word.

Thank you for helping us protect this beloved building and the history within.