[5] Originally, the hotel was a 2+1⁄2-story, wood-frame building with plastered exterior walls that measured 54 feet (16 m) on each side.

[6] John Hahn died in 1848, but his wife operated the hotel to accommodate guests from New Orleans, because Biloxi had become a popular resort destination on the Gulf Coast.

[5] After the American Civil War, the hotel became a destination for winter guests from northern states, who were attracted by the mild climate.

[6] Because of the hotel's historical significance, the city of Biloxi acquired the building in 1972, and moved it to a higher elevation, approximately 100 yards (91 m) north of its original location.

[1] In addition to displays of memorabilia from carnival celebrations, the museum documents the history of the Magnolia Hotel.