[Retired_in_Texas]

Originally Posted by JScott

The United States Hotel opened for business in 1863, but the structure razed in 1939 and pictured above was built in 1886.

The U.S. Hotel was supposedly acquired in 1863 by one Louis Mesmer. Some accounts imply 1866. Acquired from whom would require a search of deed records. Some historical accounts may incorrectly give Mesmer credit for building the U.S. Hotel. Historically, it is unclear whether it was originally a single or two story building and no photos of the original building seem to exist. However historical descriptions of its amenities would lead one to believe it was a two story structure. It was "remodeled" in 1886 by adding a floor and the turreted bay windows indicative of 1880's architectural concepts. The front elevation of 1886 apparently fully replaced the original front elevation. The U.S. Hotel was owned and operated by Louis Mesmer's son Joseph after his father's death in 1900 until it was razed.

According to some accounts Louis Mesmer and son Joseph were among the early "Movers & Shakers" in real estate development, and building construction in Los Angeles in the late 1800's. The Louis Mesmer family lived in the Dr. R. T. Hayes home on Fort Street, purchased in 1871. It continued to be the family residence for over twenty-five years.