With the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s, Missoula became a regional transportation hub. The increase in visitor traffic through Missoula necessitated the construction of new hotels near the recently constructed Northern Pacific Depot, among these, the Atlantic.

Missoula architect A. J. Gibson designed the Atlantic Hotel, which was completed in 1902. The hotel also housed businesses on the first floor, including a saloon, restaurant, and more. Today, “ghost” signage adorns the north wall, proclaiming “Atlantic Hotel, Café, Rooms 75¢ and up, Lunch Counter, Best Meal in the City.” Another sign, on the west wall, encourages visitors to “Drink Coca Cola, Delicious and Refreshing.”

The hotel’s façade displays architectural features common in early twentieth-century Western Commercial design. These elements include polychrome brickwork, flat window heads, arched windows, and molded metal cornices.

Credits and Sources:

National Register of Historic Places, Missoula Downtown Historic District Application,” Missoula, Missoula County, Montana. #90000652

“National Register of Historic Places Sign Text,” Missoula County http://montanahistorywiki.pbworks.com/w/page/21639764/National%20Register%20-%20Missoula#TheAtlanticHotel519Higgins. Accessed on 4/23/15.