Established in 1926, The Markham Hotel has been part of downtown Gulfport’s story for a century. Built during a major period of commercial growth in the city, the nine-story hotel was named for Charles H. Markham, president of the Illinois Central Railroad, and quickly became a downtown gathering place with 180 guest rooms, a formal dining room, a swimming pool, and a rooftop garden.
As Gulfport changed, so did The Markham. The property closed as a hotel in 1970 and was later adapted for office use, allowing the building to remain part of downtown even as its original purpose changed. Its historic significance was later recognized through its inclusion as a contributing resource in Gulfport’s historic districts.
After Hurricane Katrina damaged the building in 2005, The Markham entered a long and uncertain period. In 2011, it was named one of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, a reminder of both its condition and its importance.
Now, 100 years after its founding, The Markham has been restored and returned to its glory as The Markham Hotel once again. Its next chapter honors the building’s past while bringing new life to one of downtown Gulfport’s defining historic addresses.
