Downtown District in Palatka in Putnam County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Hotel James as it appeared In 1916

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, April 13, 2023

1. The Hotel James as It appeared In 1916 Marker

Inscription. Built in 1916 by famed architect Henry John Klutho, the Hotel James was, for decades, the premier overnight choice for Palatka visitors. Frequented by a wide range of famous guests, including Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, Bob Feller and many others, the 'James' was a social and cultural hub for visitors and locals alike. Shuttered for more than three decades, the new owners plan to restore the hotel to its original grandeur, as shown in this sketch.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 29° 38.804′ N, 81° 37.874′ W. Marker is in Palatka, Florida, in Putnam County. It is in the Downtown District. It is at the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and North Third Street, on the right when traveling west on St. Johns Avenue. The marker is attached to the exterior of the hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 St Johns Ave, Palatka FL 32177, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the

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North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hotel James (a few steps from this marker); The Putnam House Famous Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Viet Nam Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Shannon (about 400 feet away); Putnam County Korean War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Putnam County WW I Memorial (about 500 feet away); Putnam County Confederate Memorial (about 500 feet away); Putnam County WW II Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palatka.

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, December 27, 2025

2. The Hotel James as It appeared In 1916 Marker

Vision for the Future Hotel James image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, April 13, 2023

3. Vision for the Future Hotel James

When renovations are completed, the exterior will likely appear much as it did in 1916. The above visual shows how it might appear in a more updated setting as we transform it into a destination as the hub of a culturally and historically significant downtown Palatka.
Although the final design and use of the Hotel James will be determined by regulatory and market conditions, the owners hope to renovate the two upper floors into a twenty-five room boutique hotel, themed to the 1916 era. The main floor will likely be a combination of the hotel lobby and a restaurant, along with shops lining 3rd Street.

National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, April 13, 2023

4. National Register of Historic Places Plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.