This is an I-Heart podcast.

Guaranteed Human.

This is Lee Habib, and this is Our American Stories.

In downtown Portland, Oregon, sits a hotel. Most people walk past without a second

thought. For more than a century, the Benson Hotel has quietly played host to presidents,

business deals, and moments that shape the city around it. Behind its elegant walls is a story of ambition, risk,

and a man who bet everything on building something lasting.

Here's Alex Adler, better known on YouTube as Alex the historian with our story.

The Benson Hotel, a late Edwardian masterpiece that became another sparkling jewel in the collection of Simon Benson's achievements.

It's elegant, regal, and tastefully luxurious.

Starting off as the dream of a humble lumber baron, the Benson Hotel exists today as a wonder of the early 20th century art and style.

Here now is the history of this fascinating marvel.

Simon Benson was born October 2, 1851 in Norway, and immigrated to the United States

with his family at the age of 16.

He began working in the logging industry in Wisconsin, and eventually moving his wife and

children to the state of Oregon.

He worked his way up through the ranks and started up the Benson Logging and Lumber Company.

In 1891, his wife died after a long battle with tuberculosis, leaving the grieving

Simon as a single father.

He was a man devoted to his children, and he was more driven than ever to make his business

a success.

His business pioneered the use of logging railroads instead of using oxen like his competitors.

...