Babahatchie Inn

Babahatchie Inn - On orders from Baron Erlanger, who leased the land in 1880, Wiley Goldston built the Cincinnati Southern Inn, to serve employees and travelers. In 1891, fire destroyed the inn. A year later, the railroad dismantled an old Birmingham hotel and reassembled it in Oakdale as the Babahatchie Inn. Babahatchie is the Indian name of the nearby Emory River. Because of illicit activities involving alcohol, gambling, and firearms, in 1905 the national organization of the Young Men's Christian Association was invited to take over the inn's management. In 1969, the Babahatchie Inn was razed. Continued: The "Y" In 1905, the railroad property known as the Babahatchie Inn and formerly owned by the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas pacific Railway was placed under the management of the Young Men's Christan Association. In 1912, the "Y" was reported to be the second largest in North America, providing 1000 meals and 1500 beds daily. A barber shop, medical clinic, library, and dry cleaners were located in the facility. The Y served the city of Oakdale for 64 years.