A little history…

IIn 1900, there were 8,000 registered automobiles in America. In 1915, with the “See America First” campaign, wanderlust stricken Americans across the country took to the road. Following Teddy Roosevelt’s encouragement of the outdoors, people began traveling America’s new highways to experience nature and get in touch with their rugged survival instincts.

By 1930, the number of registered automobiles had jumped to an astounding 23 million! With travelers abandoning trains and horses in favor of the Model T and the lure of the open road, demand grew for a clean, safe place to stop over for the night.  Americans gave up the hotels built strategically near railroads and large cities and started camping. Free campgrounds emerged attracting all sorts of travelers. The more undesirable the travelers became, however, the more likely that campgrounds started charging a fee to camp. Developers of these commercial campgrounds added cabins, bathhouses, kitchens, garages, and tents. Gas stations also arose near these campgrounds–increasing the convenience of staying on the road. These “motor-courts” or “motor hotels” quickly took the place of the earlier more expensive hotel.

With humble beginnings over 70 years ago, the Redwood Motel Court pioneered lodging and Southern Oregon hospitality.  The earliest known picture postcard of the motel is an artists rendition circa 1940 when the motel was known as the New Redwood Motel Court – A distinctive automobile tourist motel with hotel accommodations and home comfort. The bold neon and small cafe of the Redwood Court were trademarks for motels of the era.  Subsequent picture post cards show an evolving property that has been a family favorite for decades.

Evolving with the times, the Redwood Motel has been fully restored and recently expanded, creating the finest home-away-from-home experience in the Rogue Valley.  Nestled among stately Redwoods and award winning landscaping, the Redwood Motel offers a unique lodging experience in time honored tradition.

Postcard Gallery

Traditions

We want to hear about your family tradition! If your family comes to stay with us for a night or two as part of your anniversary, birthday, summer get-away or holiday celebration, we’d like to feature it on this page. Soon your family tradition will be joined in our larger Redwood Motel celebration of our family traditions. These wonderful memories of good times will be recorded in story and/or photos for others to share and celebrate with you. Submit your story and photo to traditions@redwoodmotel.com