The Lorraine Motel, located at 450 Mulberry Street in downtown Memphis, is more than just a place to stay. Steeped in history and woven into the fabric of the civil-rights movement, this iconic motel has witnessed the comings and goings of some of the most influential figures in American history. From famous musicians to renowned activists, the Lorraine Motel holds the secrets of its illustrious past within its walls.

A Haven in the Midst of Segregation

Originally known as the Windsor Hotel and later renamed the Marquette Hotel, the Lorraine Motel was transformed when Walter and Loree Bailey purchased it in 1945. No longer an all-white establishment, this humble motel became a sanctuary for black travelers during the era of Jim Crow segregation. In fact, it was even listed in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide that directed African-Americans to businesses accommodating their needs. The Lorraine Motel quickly became a home away from home for black musicians, baseball players, and visitors to Memphis.

Where Legends Found Respite

For many African-American artists, the Lorraine Motel provided a safe space to rest and create. Musicians such as Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Nat King Cole sought refuge within its walls while recording in Memphis. Isaac Hayes fondly recalled lazy days spent lounging by the pool, indulging in fried chicken and ice cream provided by Mr. Bailey. The motel’s intimate atmosphere was the backdrop for the creation of iconic songs like “In the Midnight Hour” and “Knock on Wood.”

A Tragic Turn of Events

The Lorraine Motel will forever be associated with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In April 1968, King checked into Room 306, using the motel as a base of support for striking sanitation workers. Tragically, it was in the parking lot below this very room that King was struck down by a bullet. Ben Branch, a saxophonist and a friend of King’s, was asked to play “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” at the rally later that evening. As King turned to reenter his room, the fatal shot rang out, forever changing the course of history.

Room 306: A Time Capsule

After the devastating events of April 4, 1968, Walter Bailey transformed Room 306 into a memorial and ceased renting it to guests. Today, visitors can step into the room and experience a snapshot frozen in time. With two beds, one occupied by King and the other by Dr. Ralph Abernathy, the room remains as it was on that fateful night. Plates left behind bear witness to the meals prepared by Loree Bailey, offering a poignant reminder of the motel’s former life.

From Decline to Preservation

In 1982, financial hardship forced Walter Bailey to declare bankruptcy, and the Lorraine Motel faced an uncertain future. However, thanks to the efforts of the Save the Lorraine organization, the motel was saved from auction and transformed into a museum. Today, the National Civil Rights Museum stands in place of the once-thriving motel, offering visitors an immersive journey through centuries of history.

A Symbol of Hope and Progress

The Lorraine Motel might have closed its doors, but its legacy lives on. The National Civil Rights Museum welcomes guests from all walks of life, sharing the stories of struggle and triumph that are etched into its very foundations. From artifacts to films, interactive exhibits to oral histories, the museum provides a powerful platform for understanding the fight for racial justice. As visitors move through the museum, the dulcet voice of Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer and civil-rights activist, fills the corridor leading to Room 306. The tour concludes with a video montage of significant events, inspiring visitors to continue the quest for equality and justice.

Honoring the Legacy

Sadly, Walter Bailey passed away before witnessing the transformation of his beloved Lorraine Motel into an enduring symbol of the civil-rights movement. However, his legacy lives on through the thousands of guests who visit the museum each year. The Lorraine Motel, once a modest establishment, has become a beacon of hope, reminding us of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.

Step into the past and discover the remarkable stories woven within the walls of the Lorraine Motel at MMSPLAY.