Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The General Custer Hotel is a historic hotel located in downtown Billings, Montana. The hotel was built in 1911 by the Northern Pacific Railway and was named after George Armstrong Custer, a prominent American military figure who was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
The General Custer Hotel was designed by the architectural firm of Parkinson & Bergstrom, which was also responsible for designing the Union Station in Los Angeles and the Portland Hotel in Portland, Oregon. The hotel is a seven-story, brick and stone building with a Beaux-Arts facade. The interior of the hotel features a grand lobby with a marble floor, a stained-glass ceiling, and a fireplace. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a ballroom.
The General Custer Hotel was a popular destination for travelers in the early 20th century. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations and its convenient location near the railroad station. In 1923, the hotel was purchased by the Sheraton Hotel chain and was renamed the Sheraton-General Custer Hotel. The hotel remained in operation under the Sheraton brand until 1984 when it was sold to a private owner.
In 1985, the General Custer Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel underwent a major renovation in the early 1990s and was reopened as a bed and breakfast. The General Custer Hotel is currently owned and operated by the Billings Hotel Group.
The General Custer Hotel is a reminder of Billings' rich history and its role as a major railroad hub in the early 20th century. The hotel is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.