November 16, 1925 was a great day in northeast Louisiana history. A grand opening banquet was being held for the Hotel Virginia in downtown Monroe. It was Monroe’s newest and grandest hotel, filled with all the luxuries available at the time. A banquet was held for guests and area residents at the time to introduce the hotel to the area. You could buy tickets for $5 a pop! Area officials were guest speakers. The new hotel was also home base for visitors coming for the grand opening of the Sterlington Power Plant and the new Bastrop Pulp and Paper Mill!
You can read about the Sterlington Power Plant here: https://www.entergy.com/blog/sterlington-station-mighty-power-giant-that-grew-louisiana-100-years-ago
The original Paper Mill was torn down in 1982, but the Virginia has been saved and is now owned by Vantage. I encourage you to walk in and just look at the gorgeous white marble stairs and art deco decorations! It is a gorgeous building!
Happy birthday to the Virginia!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 