Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The Hotel Bentley

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

1. The Hotel Bentley Marker

Inscription. The hotel was built in 1907-1908 by Joseph A. Bentley, prominent lumberman and businessman. Bentley came to Central Louisiana from Pennsylvania to engage in the sawmill business and the cutting of the virgin pine forest which was the first serious economic activity since the devastation of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Architect for the hotel project was George R. Mann of Little Rock and contractor was Hull Construction Company of Jackson, Mississippi. The hotel opened August 10, 1908. In 1936-1937 an eight-story wing fronting Third Street was added. Eugene J. Stern, Inc. of Little Rock was the architect, C. Errol Barron of Alexandria the associate architect, and the contractor was Tudor and Ratcliff Contractors of Alexandria, owned and operated by Simon W. Tudor and J.E. Ratcliff. The new addition opened October 2, 1937. After two closures, the building sat idle for several years. In 1984-1985, a refurbishing and renovation project was conceived by Tudor Companies, funded by Hotel Bentley Partners and Sandia Federal Savings and Loan Association, and completed by Tudor Construction Company. The hotel reopened October

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25, 1985.

Erected by Sponsor: Dorothy Tudor McWhorter.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is October 2, 1940.

Location. 31° 18.726′ N, 92° 26.735′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. It is on 3rd Street west of DeSoto Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria LA 71301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana

and in Acadiana — Cajun Country.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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 Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

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: Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

2. The Hotel Bentley Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Louisiana Maneuvers (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guaranty Eagles (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Rotary Club of Alexandria, Louisiana (about 400 feet away); City Of Alexandria Post Des Rapides (about 400 feet away); Rapides Parish Governors (about 500 feet away); Old Rapides Bank Building (about 500 feet away); Emmanuel Baptist Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Also see . . . Historic Hotel Bentley. (Submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.)

The Hotel Bentley image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

3. The Hotel Bentley

The 1930s addition with the original building in the background.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

4. The Hotel Bentley

The original building fronted on DeSoto Street. "Louisiana Maneuvers" marker can be seen in this photo near columns.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

5. The Hotel Bentley

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

6. The Hotel Bentley

As seen from the US 165/Jackson Street bridge.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

7. The Hotel Bentley

Architectural detail

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,583 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.