A Little Bit of History
About the NuWray
The NuWray is North Carolina's oldest continuously operating hotel, and its history is deep, but not fully known. Below are some highlights from its nearly 200-year life.
c. 1833
Unknown Origins
The date of the original structure is unknown, but it was first owned by Bacchus Smith, sometime just before Yancey County was formed in 1834. Not much is known from this era, but we know it was a log structure consisting of eight rooms — four upstairs and four downstairs — and it served also as a tavern and trading post. This is the Northwest corner of the present hotel. The picture here shows the only remaining part of the 1833 exterior siding, now on display in the 2nd floor lobby.
c. 1867
First Expansion
The building was purchased by Garret Deweese Ray, who completed the first major addition of the East wing, and named it Ray’s Hotel, which the locals came to refer to as “The Old Ray.” Pictured here is the oldest known photo of the hotel, just after this addition was completed, with the building crew lined up in the Town Square.
c. 1915
Ray Becomes Wray
G.D. Ray’s daughter Julia and her husband, William Brian Wray, inherited the hotel after G.D.'s passing, and completed the last major renovation which added the West wing, running water and electricity, as well as the current kitchen and dining room. They renamed it the NuWray Hotel as a hip (for the 1910s) play on “The Old Ray,” since Julia Ray had newly become a Wray through marriage.
mid-1930s – 1960s
"Southernboard" Era
After W.B. Wray’s death in 1932, Julia continued operating the hotel with the help of her children. The lobby was extended and the large stone fireplace added. A rear porch was enclosed to extend space in the kitchen. This was the era during which the NuWray became nationally known for its cuisine, which the Wrays called "Southernboard" and served family-style, and featured all the fresh and preserved produce from the Wray family farm a traveler could want.
Late 1960s – early 1990s
Historic Recognition
Julia Wray passes away in 1967, leaving the operations of the NuWray in the hands of daughter Annie Wray Bennett and son Rush Wray, who saw it through another few successful decades and had the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. After both Annie and Rush passed away in the mid-1980s, 4th generation family members continued operations, but the inn eventually was sold outside of the Wray family in 1993.
1990s – present
Restoration
The hotel passed through several owners and went through a foreclosure before being purchased by James & Amanda Keith in 2021. A full restoration was completed in 2022–2025, and the hotel re-opened with 27 rooms and a full-service restaurant.
