WASHINGTON, National Trust Historic Hotels of America announces the addition of nine new members. This selection brings the total membership to 210 hotels, representing 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

"Travelers today seek historically and culturally rich locations for vacation and business travel," said Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America. "The nine new members showcase America's hospitality from as early as the mid-18th century while allowing guests to experience the amenities and service of the 21st century."

Here's a sampling of interesting facts highlighting the history and architecture of the hotels as well as personalities who have walked through the doors.

The tradition of The Peabody ducks in Memphis, Tenn., began in the 1930s as a prank by the manager who placed live duck decoys in the hotel's lobby fountain following a hunting trip.

Every four years, The Balsams garners national attention as the citizens of Dixville Notch, N.H., cast the first ballots in the presidential election in the hotel just after midnight on Election Day.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt began every one of his successful campaigns for governor and president from the front porch of the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

To view the complete release and a description of each property visit www.historichotels.org/

New Members:

• Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, Ariz.
• Bienville House Hotel, New Orleans
• Gallatin Gateway Inn, Gateway, Mont.
• The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Dixville Notch, N.H.
• Mountain View: The Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, N.H.
• Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck, N.Y.
• The Thayer Hotel, West Point, N.Y.
• The Peabody, Memphis, Tenn.
• Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, Staunton, Va.