The New York Times in August 2008 brought national attention to The Lafayette Inn when it was favorably mentioned as a stop-over location in an article concerning a driving tour of the early civilizations of the Midwest

About the Hise Brothers

​Brigadier General James Hise who passed away in February of 2016 holds the distinction of being the first Air National Guard Judge Advocate in the United States to be promoted by the Air Force to flag rank. Later, upon his retirement, he was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to the rank of Major General on the retired roles of the Illinois Air National Guard. During the Korean war, Colonel William Hise served as a Combat Intelligence Officer with the famed Fourth Fighter Group, was awarded the Bronze Star, and has become a recognized authority on the intelligence and intrigue that surrounded the air war in MiG-Alley, being cited in the Air Force's official history of the Korean war and in numerous other books and publications

A Legend of Intrigue Continues on at the Lafayette Inn

Legend has developed over the years that an underground tunnel connected the two main building and perhaps extended well beyond the property as a route of escape, if needed, during the mine and union wars that existed in Southern Illinois in the late 1920s and which for a period of time resulted in the Governor of Illinois declaring marshal law, a daily curfew, and ordering the National Guard to patrol the city streets of Harrisburg. Evidence of the tunnel has never been found but older residents still believe it was just closed off and still exists. The current owners vividly remember the troops in full combat uniform marching on the brick paved streets along side the Wasson Estate

French Ambassador Sends Best Wishes

Shortly after renaming the Inn, the new owners received a letter from the Honorable Pierre Vimont, the Ambassador from France to the United States, stating in part that "In honoring the memory of Lafayette in Southern Illinois, it is precisely the friendship between our two peoples that you keep alive. I wholeheartedly thank you for that. Speaking for myself and on behalf of all the French people, I send you my best wishes for your endeavor"

Home Baked Muffins

The home baked muffins that are often prepared and served as part of the elegant breakfast at The Lafayette Inn continue to receive high praise from guests and have become a hallmark of the breakfast service