BILLINGS, MT—The newly remodeled Northern Hotel has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, which is part of a national program that identifies and protects America’s historic and archeological resources.
“We’re pleased to be named to the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation,” Mike Nelson, co-owner of the Northern Hotel, said in a statement. “The Northern has experienced a long and colorful history since 1902. It is great to have the hotel back as the cornerstone of downtown Billings to continue building on its wonderful past and our family’s legacy of historic preservation in the community.”
Several prominent politicians have stayed at the hotel including President Theodore Roosevelt in 1918, President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and Vice President and Republican presidential nominee Richard Nixon in 1960. The Northern also played a role in the war effort during World War II. It housed 100 soldiers for several months and opened a “service man’s club” promoting dances and other entertainment for the soldiers.
Restoration of the hotel began in 2009 with a focus on returning it to its former state of grandeur as the most luxurious place in the state. The latest reincarnation includes the most state-of-the-art technology and modern conveniences available. It reopened in March.