Lewis Railroad Hotel
Before
After
The Lewis Railroad Hotel served African American railroad workers in the early 20th century as a boarding house after the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company extended its tracks through San Augustine. The circa 1870 building is one of the few remaining traces of the economic opportunities seized by African Americans in the face of segregation. The hotel not only provided a safe haven for black travelers through the area, but also served as a home for black men working on the railroad.
The Lewis Railroad Hotel has been vacant for over 25 years. In 2001, the City of San Augustine with support from prominent Texas foundations and local community-based organizations initiated a restoration project with the purchase and stabilization of the hotel. But shortly after adding a new roof, the project stalled. The expansion of the oil and gas business in San Augustine is impacting the character of the community and there is a risk that this part of the story of the African American experience in San Augustine will be lost to new development. By calling attention to the Lewis Hotel, Preservation Texas hopes that restoration efforts will once again be focused on this tangible reminder of San Augustine’s and East Texas’ African-American heritage.
UPDATE: The City of San Augustine acquired the severely deteriorated building in 2012. The San Augustine Legacy Group, a local organization dedicated to preservation, restoration, neighborhood renewal, educational enrichment, and economic development, has since worked in close partnership with the City to raise the funds necessary to stabilize the building, while overseeing the restoration effort. The group has overcome significant obstacles and setbacks, including severe damage during hurricane Harvey in 2017. As of 2023, phase one of the restoration has been successfully completed.
ADDRESS: 500 W Columbia St, San Augustine (San Augustine County)
DESIGNATION: RTHL
CONDITION: Saved!
OWNER: City of San Augustine
RESOURCE TYPE: African-American Heritage, Transportation
YEAR LISTED: 2012
HONOR AWARD: 2023
