Built in 1923 as the Woodmen of the Union Building, this hotel, bathhouse, and performance venue quickly became the center of African American culture in Hot Springs. It housed virtually every great Negro League player and entertainer who visited the city. Famed entertainer, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson stayed here. He was a close friend of Babe Ruth and part owner of the New York Black Yankees. He was famous for leading parades through town, dancing the entire route.

The old Arlington Hotel, originally located across the street on the Arlington Lawn, was the site of the infamous arrest of New York Giant’s manager John “Mugsy” McGraw. Apprehended by a U.S. Marshal for unlawful gambling when he was caught pitching silver dollars into a saloon basket, “Mugsy” was later released. The current Arlington Hotel, built in 1924, has hosted baseball notables: Babe Ruth, Lefty Grove, Hank Greenberg, Jimmie Foxx, and Joe DiMaggio.

Constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1926, the Majestic was a favorite destination for several Major League teams including the renowned Boston Red Sox. The Sox trained at Majestic Field on the south end of town. As part of their training they hiked the four miles to and from the ball field, over West Mountain.

Built in 1890, the elegant, 500-room Eastman Hotel was a hub for the baseball community in the early 20th century. Here Babe Ruth flipped a coin to settle his 1921 salary dispute with the Yankees. In 1925, Walter Johnson received a hero’s welcome upon returning to town after his World Series triumph and awed guests on the veranda by pitching on the hotel lawn.