The Colonial Inn has been a historical icon for decades. Located in the heart of downtown Hillsborough, North Carolina, the inn is well known for its grand columns, long stretched veranda, and southern-style food. Serving as a meeting place, boarding house, hotel, and restaurant, the centuries-old hallways have carried the echoes of laughter and cheers from the many celebrations and family-style meals. With gumption and resilience, the inn has survived days of war, fire, hurricanes, bankruptcy, and neglect. Rumors of the inn's extensive history have long since been told, from the hauntings of Cornwallis to the origination date of 1759. While some tales proved to be folklore, the inn has a great depth of stories to share, many of which are captured in this book.

Collective History shares the stories of one of the oldest inns in the United States. Readers will journey through its almost 200-year-old history, paying homage to the proprietors, staff, and guests. In addition, the book brings to life the legendary tales that have made the Colonial Inn such a beloved place with first-hand oral histories and never-before-seen photographs.