Ashes of History: The Donoho Hotel is Gone Forever

A Century of History Lost: The Dawn of Destruction

The town of Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, woke up on Tuesday morning to an agonizing sight: the beautiful, irreplaceable Donoho Hotel, a cherished landmark built in 1916, was engulfed in a fire that ultimately reduced the structure to a pile of ashes. The fire, which consumed the entire building, was swift and devastating, claiming the last of the great white-frame resort hotels with its iconic, two-story verandas. The Donoho was more than a building; it was a living piece of history, continuously operating since its opening and standing as a pillar of the town’s unique mineral springs resort heritage. To see a National Register of Historic Places site—a 109-year-old monument to a bygone era—vanish so completely is an irreparable cultural loss that leaves the entire community heartbroken.

The Ghosts of Memories: A Community’s Soul Burned

Generations of families, tourists seeking the famed mineral waters, and local residents celebrating weddings and milestones all share memories made within the walls of the Donoho Hotel. The charming hallways, the rocking chairs on the long porch, and the dining room that hosted countless community meals—all are now gone. The hotel represented a simpler time and was a unique source of local pride, reminding residents of the town’s rich past. The shock of this loss transcends property damage; it is a profound strike to the community’s identity and collective memory. Although there were no human injuries (a small grace in this enormous sorrow), the community has lost a piece of its very soul, a connection to its ancestors that can never be rebuilt.

Seeking Answers: The TBI Investigation

Recognizing the monumental nature of this loss, District Attorney Jason Lawson has followed protocol by requesting the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) fire inspectors. While General Lawson notes that, so far, there is no indication of foul play, the TBI is conducting a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The community holds its breath, desperately awaiting the inspectors’ final report, which should provide answers in a few days. The most enduring tribute to the Donoho Hotel will be to preserve its story, ensuring that the legacy of this grand, magnificent structure—and the unique history of Red Boiling Springs—is never forgotten.