The Community Center
101 S Main Street
The Rise
During the Civil War, the building at 101 South Main Street operated as the Union Hotel. In 1872, Joseph McElvain replaced the earlier frame structure with a substantial two-story brick building that bore his name, though it later became known as the Vicksburg Hotel.
In the 19th century, a hotel bar was as much a community institution as a traveler’s amenity. It was a gathering place where locals and visitors alike stopped to rest, share news, and catch up over a cold drink after a long day. This corner of Main and Prairie embodied that spirit. As Vicksburg grew around The Mill, the hotel hosted a steady flow of business visitors and community events, playing a central role in the social and commercial life of a thriving mill town
The Fall
As automobiles reshaped American life through the mid-20th century, commerce shifted away from downtown Main Streets, and many historic hotels fell into disrepair. 101 South Main followed the same pattern, but community advocates stepped in—refurbishing the building and reopening it as the Vicksburg Community Center in 1975, a role it continues to serve today.
The Rejuvenation
The Mill Group acquired the building in 2016, and it now serves as both The Mill Group’s offices and a home for community events. Honoring its long history as a hotel and gathering place, events are hosted here under the McElvain House name—a nod to the past and a reminder that this corner of Main and Prairie has always been a place where people come together. Additional details on future plans will be shared as the work progresses.
