The Montague Hotel, shown here in its early 20th-century form, was a defining landmark in Caro, Michigan’s downtown. Completed in 1902, it was the crown jewel of Charles Montague’s long and varied business career. Montague, a key figure in Caro’s development, had been deeply involved in banking, retail, transportation, and communication ventures since his arrival in 1868. His vision for the Montague Hotel was to create a first-class hostelry and dining establishment that would elevate Caro’s standing as a destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
The hotel’s architecture combined stone masonry with a Tudor Revival-style upper structure, presenting a commanding and elegant appearance. Inside, it offered refined accommodations, fine dining, and space for social gatherings, solidifying its role as the town’s central meeting place. It hosted travelers, local dignitaries, and community events, and stood as a testament to Montague’s ambitious civic and commercial improvements, which helped transform Caro from a frontier town into a thriving commercial center.
Unfortunately, Montague’s fortunes declined after 1903, but his influence on Caro’s built environment endured. The original hotel structure, a point of pride for the town, was tragically lost to fire in 1923.
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