The History of Hotel Finial in Anniston, Alabama

Hotel Finial stands as one of the most historic and recognizable properties in Anniston, Alabama. Built in 1888 as a grand Queen Anne Victorian mansion, the home sits on a hill along Quintard Avenue overlooking downtown Anniston and the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Today, the restored mansion serves as a boutique hotel welcoming travelers from across the Southeast, located approximately 60 miles from Birmingham and 90 miles from Atlanta.

The mansion is historically known as the McKleroy–Wilson–Kirby House and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is widely considered architecturally significant as the last remaining mansion on Anniston’s once-famous Victorian boulevard along Quintard Avenue. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The McKleroy Family and the Early Years

The home was originally built for Colonel John Martin McKleroy, a prominent attorney and political leader associated with several of Anniston’s early industrial enterprises. McKleroy chose the site because it occupied the highest point on Quintard Avenue, providing sweeping views of the mountains and the growing city below. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Anniston itself was a young but rapidly growing city during this period. Founded as a “Model City” for iron production in the late 1800s, the community quickly developed into one of Alabama’s most prosperous industrial centers. Large Victorian homes lined Quintard Avenue as business leaders and civic figures established residences along the grand boulevard. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

After Colonel McKleroy’s death in 1891, his widow continued living in the home until it was sold at public auction in 1920 to William Coleman Wilson. The Wilson family occupied the mansion for nearly three decades, continuing the property’s role as one of Anniston’s most distinguished homes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The Wilson and Kirby Families

Following the Wilson era, the home became the residence of Frank and Robbie Kirby, who were the final private owners of the mansion during the twentieth century. The Kirby family maintained the home until the 1980s, preserving much of its architectural character and Victorian craftsmanship. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Over time, the surrounding city evolved and many of the large Victorian homes that once lined Quintard Avenue disappeared. The McKleroy–Wilson–Kirby House ultimately became the last surviving mansion from that historic boulevard, making the property a unique architectural landmark in Anniston. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

From Mansion to Inn

After the Kirby family era, the property passed through several hands and was eventually converted into a Victorian-style inn known as the Victoria Inn. During this period, the historic structure transitioned from a private residence into a hospitality destination, welcoming travelers exploring Northeast Alabama.

The property later experienced financial challenges and foreclosures before being donated to the Jacksonville State University Foundation. Recognizing the building’s historical importance, the City of Anniston purchased the property to ensure the preservation of this iconic structure. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

A Restoration and a New Vision

In 2015, the historic property entered a new chapter when Del and Ginger Marsh led a major restoration effort to revive the mansion and transform it into the boutique hotel now known as Hotel Finial. Their vision focused on preserving the architectural beauty of the Victorian mansion while introducing thoughtful modern design and comfortable accommodations for today’s travelers.

The restoration brought new life to the property, blending historic craftsmanship such as the mansion’s walnut staircase, fireplaces, and Victorian architectural details with updated guest rooms and amenities. The result was a unique boutique hotel experience rooted in both history and Southern hospitality.

The Journey of Jacob Craig

Another chapter in the story of Hotel Finial began when Jacob Craig arrived in Anniston in 2015. Originally from western New York, Craig first joined the hotel team performing maintenance work during the early stages of the renovation. Over time, his role expanded as he became deeply involved in the operation and restoration of the property. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Craig’s dedication to the hotel and its guests led to a remarkable journey—from working behind the scenes maintaining the property to eventually becoming the owner of the historic hotel. His story reflects the spirit of the property itself: preserving the past while building a new future.

Hotel Finial Today

Today, Hotel Finial offers 61 beautifully designed guest rooms along with five elegant suites located within the historic mansion and surrounding buildings. The hotel remains a destination for travelers exploring Northeast Alabama as well as guests traveling between Birmingham and Atlanta.

Visitors come to Anniston to explore attractions such as Jacksonville State University, Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails, the Chief Ladiga Trail, downtown Anniston shops and restaurants, and major events at Talladega Superspeedway. Many guests also choose Hotel Finial for weddings, celebrations, and weekend getaways.

More than a hotel, Hotel Finial represents a living piece of Anniston’s history — a restored Victorian mansion that continues to welcome guests with warmth, hospitality, and a story that spans more than a century.

Historic Quintard Avenue

Hotel Finial sits along historic Quintard Avenue, one of the most important streets in Anniston’s early history. During the late nineteenth century, Quintard Avenue was lined with grand Victorian homes belonging to many of the city’s industrial leaders and civic figures.

At the time, Anniston was known as “The Model City,” a rapidly growing industrial community built around iron production and manufacturing. As the city prospered, prominent families constructed elegant homes along Quintard Avenue, creating what was once considered one of the most beautiful residential boulevards in Alabama.

Over the decades, many of these historic homes disappeared as the city evolved. Today, the McKleroy–Wilson–Kirby House — now Hotel Finial — remains the last surviving mansion from that historic Victorian boulevard.

Because of its architectural significance and connection to Anniston’s early history, the mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors staying at Hotel Finial have the unique opportunity to experience a piece of Anniston’s heritage while enjoying the comfort of a restored boutique hotel.

Hotel Finial Timeline

• 1888 – Mansion built for Colonel John Martin McKleroy
• 1920 – Purchased by the Wilson family
• Mid-1900s – Home of the Kirby family
• Late 20th century – Converted into the Victoria Inn
• 2015 – Major restoration begins and Hotel Finial is established
• Today – One of the most unique historic boutique hotels in Alabama