Western Hotel Museum
The Western Hotel in Lancaster, California, is one of the Antelope Valley’s most enduring historic landmarks. Built in 1888, it's the oldest surviving structure in Lancaster and a sturdy reminder of the region’s early railroad and pioneer days.Back when Lancaster was just a dusty stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Western Hotel served as the town’s first real hotel. It became a central gathering place—not just for travelers and workers but also for town meetings, dances, and even church services. It was built by the Gilroy family and later operated by George T. Webber, who gave it its name. Webber became Lancaster’s first real booster, and under his ownership, the hotel became the town's unofficial social hub.
The building is constructed of wood with a simple but sturdy two-story design, typical of Western frontier architecture. Its false front, which gave the building a more imposing appearance from the street, is a classic Old West look. Over the years, it housed everyone from railroad workers and teachers to business travelers.
Today, the Western Hotel is preserved as the Western Hotel Museum, located at 557 West Lancaster Boulevard. It's part of the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) family and is open to the public for free. Inside, you'll find displays on Lancaster’s pioneer past, the development of the Antelope Valley, and the early days of the hotel itself.
