Thomas R Machnitzki
1969
Holiday Inn University
A 3,000-acre Olive Branch purchase in 1969 seeded decades of industrial and hospitality growth in that part of the county.
Historic Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center archive
This story is sourced from the DeSoto County Genealogical Society history of DeSoto County. Discover DeSoto does not invent heritage facts outside that record.
Source: DeSoto County Genealogical Society, About DeSoto County: A Brief History of DeSoto County Mississippi
Holiday Inn bought 3,000 acres at Olive Branch in 1969 to open its Holiday Inn University, hotel, and golf course complex.
From that beginning came vast growth in that part of the county of industries of every kind, alongside other postwar landmarks such as Dover Elevator Company opening at Horn Lake in 1963 and Interstate 55 opening through Hernando in 1964.
From the visual record
Images connected to this story
Archival brochure cover showing Holiday Inn University in Olive Branch.
Historic Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center archive
Source
A period brochure page describing recreation and study on the university campus.
Historic Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center archive
Source
A period illustration of the university's Administration and Education Building.
Historic Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center archive
Source
Explore Olive Branch today, or return to the heritage hub.
More heritage stories
Visit DeSoto County
Four Ways Inn at Nesbit
Thomas R Machnitzki
Hernando, the Marrying Capital