COLORADO LEGENDS Haunted Denver - Mile High Ghosts

COLORADO LEGENDS

Haunted Denver - Mile High Ghosts

At the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Denver is not only one of America’s most beautiful cities, but is also one ofColorado's most haunted.

Originally founded in the Kansas Territory in 1858, the first settlement was established on the banks of the South Platte River. With the area's rich mining resources, the city grew quickly as land parcels were often traded for grubstakes.Colorado became a separate territory in 1861 and a couple of months later, Denver was incorporated on November 7, 1861.

Initially catering primarily to the miners, Denver was filled with gambling halls and saloons, but quickly expanded to include a host of other businesses including livestock trading and a supply point for destinations west. In 1865, Denver became the capital of the Colorado Territory.

By 1890, Denver had grown to be the second largest city west of Omaha, Nebraska, second only to San Francisco.

Not only does Denver have a long and rich history, but the past has left in its wake, a plethora of ghosts that are said to roam its historic streets and buildings.

Denver Hauntings

Brown Palace Hotel- This century old luxury hotel is said to host a number of spirits in its historic rooms and hallways. The ghost of an old railroad ticket manager walks directly into a wall, a baby is heard crying in the basement, an ethereal waiter rides the service elevator, and a long dead string quartet has been known to practice their music here. To read more about the Brown Palace Hotel, click HERE!

Buckhorn Exchange - Denver's oldest restaurant began its life as little more than a trading post way back in 1893. Today, the Buckhorn continues a century old tradition of serving up wild game and steaks in an old west atmosphere. According to the tales, some of the many old traders, miners, scouts, and cowboy continue to lurk about this historic steakhouse, as ethereal voices and footsteps are often heard and tables seemingly move of their own accord.

Buckhorn Exchange - Denver's oldest restaurant began its life as little more than a trading post way back in 1893. Today, the Buckhorn continues a century old tradition of serving up wild game and steaks in an old west atmosphere. According to the tales, some of the many old traders, miners, scouts, and cowboy continue to lurk about this historic steakhouse, as ethereal voices and footsteps are often heard and tables seemingly move of their own accord.

Capitol Hill - Once the neighborhood of Denver'swealthiest citizens, Capitol Hill continues to wear its decadent image with honor, blending the past with the present, as ancient Victorian mansions and contemporary condos and apartment complexes dot the neighborhood. Also here in this historic neighborhood, are a bevy of ghosts. Ghost tours of the area tell of numerous entities who continue to inhabit this historic neighborhood. At the old Governor’s Mansion, ghosts are said to walk the halls, at the State Capitol buildings, a phantom woman in a long dress is often known to appear.

And, at the many mansions that line the extremely haunted Cheesman Park, tour members hear the tales of residents who met untimely deaths, babies buried in walls, and Satanic care takers. At one location, a house once stood that was the inspiration for the 1980 horror film, "The Changeling." Though the ghostly tours offered of Capitol Hill vary, they often include the State Capitol, Grant-Humphries Mansion, the Croke-Patterson Mansion,Cheesman Park, the Brown Palace Hotel, and the Molly Brown House. Cheesman Park – During the 19th century, this park was a cemetery for decades. Though intended for the masses, the graveyard ended up being mostly for outlaws, pauper’s and the diseased. When it became overgrown and a terrible eyesore, the city made it into a park. However, as many as 2,000 bodies are said to remain buried here and the restless spirits continue to roam the park and the surrounding neighborhood. To read the whole story of the park's haunted past, click HERE!  At one location, a house once stood that was the inspiration for the 1980 horror film, "The Changeling." Though the ghostly  tours offered of Capitol Hill vary, they often include the State Capitol Grant-Humphries Mansion, the Croke-Patterson Mansion  the Brown Palace Hotel, and the Molly Brown House. During the 19th century, this park was a cemetery for decades. Though intended for the masses, the graveyard ended up being mostly for outlaws, pauper’s and the diseased. When it became overgrown and a terrible eyesore, the city made it into a park. However, as many as 2,000 bodies are said to remain buried here and the restless spirits continue to roam the park and the surrounding neighborhood. To read the whole story of the park's haunted past, click HERE! Croke-Patterson Mansion at the time it was built in 1892. Croke Patterson Mansion - Built in 1890 by Thomas B. Croke, this sandstone residence was one of the country’s most elegant homes. Now serving as an office building, it is also said to be one of the most haunted. According to the legend Thomas B. Croke, only entered the palatial mansion one time and was so emotionally shaken by "whatever” was there, that he never returned. Just two years later it was sold to Thomas M. Patterson, who’s family kept the home for several decades. Over the next several years, the building served many purposes, including a dance studio, a radio station, and a boarding house before it was converted to an office building.  During the renovation to office space in the 1970’s, construction crews began to experience a number of strange occurrences. After a long days work, they would often return the next day to find that the tasks they had completed the day before had been "undone.” After this had occurred several times, guard dogs were left to protect the property from what the workmen thought might be intruders. However, the next day they found the two Doberman Pinschers dead on the sidewalk after having apparently jumped from a third-story window. Once the renovation to office building was complete, employees almost immediately began to notice equipment, such as typewriters, copy machines, and telephone that mysteriously began to operate by themselves. When a séance was held to determine who was haunting the building, they found it to be the spirit of a little girl whose body was supposedly entombed in the cellar. However, when the basement was excavated, they found a hidden chamber was found, filled with sea sand, but no remains of a little girl. A ghostly image has often been sighted gliding up and down the main floor stairway and otherworldly voices have been heard here as well. Thomas Patterson, former owner of the home, is said to have been spied numerous times in the courtyard between the mansion and the carriage house. When the building still served as an apartment building, occupants on the lower levels were known to complain about wild parties taking place on the third level. But, when these parties were investigated, they would be met with only silent emptiness. Denver Children's Home – Located at Albion Street and Colfax Avenue and continuing to provide youth services today, this building was known as the Denver Orphan’s Home in the late 1880’s. In 1888, a fire broke out in the building, killing several children on the third floor. Though numerous exorcisms have been conducted in the building over the years, the sounds of children playing, as well as whimpers and cries continue to be heard on a regular basis. In addition to the children, the female spirit of a ghostly bride has been seenfloating down the third floor steps and across the 50 foot length of the second floor hallway. Denver International Airport - Everyone, no doubt, remembers or has at least heard of, the terrible problems that were encountered when building the airport in 1995. Grossly over its budget of 1.7 billion dollars, the airport was buried in technical problems during its building, especially regarding the automated baggage system. In the end, the airport cost $4.8 billion! These problems, as well as reports of employees and travelers experiencing a number of strange incidents at the airport today, is attributed to the fact that the airport was built on top of Native American sacred ground. The Denver Press Club – A couple of spirits have been seen here, one of which who is very friendly also likes to visit the neighboring Colorado Press Association. The other ghost, however, is said to be very eerie and is most often known to lurk about the dingy boiler room in the basement. Denver Public Library – Library staff report that the basement hosts a resident spirit who doesn’t appear too happy. Some have reported that they have been shoved by this restless entity. The legend continues that one security became so frightened when patrolling the basement, he quit his job and today, the library is patrolled in groups of two. Hotel Teatro – Occupying the old Denver Tramway Building, built in 1911, the site was also the first location of the Evans Mansion, home of John Evans, Colorado's second territorial governor. When the streetcar became obsolete, the building was utilized as the University of Colorado’s downtown campus and later as the Denver Center for Performing Arts. However, in 1997, restoration began to turn the building into Denver's premier luxury boutique hotel. When the major renovations began on the building, construction crews began to experience a number of strange occurrences. One group who heard voices coming from an office went to inspect, only to find no one there. Today, there is allegedly the ghost of a mechanic who has been seen walking down the hallways with tools in hand before mysteriously disappearing. The "tool man” is thought to have been a mechanic who once worked on railcars in the basement of the building. Tragically, he died in an accident while he was at work and is seemingly "trapped” in time. Book a room at the Hotel Teatro. Josephina's Italian Restaurant – Located in Denver's historic Larimer Square, Josephina’s is housed in a century old building that once sported a popular speakeasy during the Prohibition era. Legend has it that the spirit, known as Amelia, was married to the shady character who owned the illegal tavern. When their daughter, Ginger, began to date a boy that her father didn’t approve of, he used his underworld connections to kill him. However, the hit man took out not only the boy, but also their daughter, Ginger. Amelia was sitting in the rear of the speakeasy when she heard the news. Today, this area houses the women’s restroom, where the mirror has been broken so many times; staff no longer considers it a coincidence. Other odd things also occur on a regular basis such as liquor bottles that seemingly turn over by themselves, chairs that inexplicably move from one side of the room to the other and many who are said to glimpse or feel her presence. Littleton Town Hall Arts Center – Built in the 1920's, this building once housed city offices, a jail out back, and the volunteer department. Located in the Denver suburb of Littleton, there have been several reports of friendly spirits heard laughing and playing music late into the night. Staff also report that objects are often moved about and desks rearranged by unseen hands. Lumber Baron Inn – Located in the historic Potter-Highlands neighborhood, this 1890 mansion was built by a Scottish immigrant who amassed a fortune as a lumber jack. The 8,500 square foot home fell into terrible disrepair over the years and was converted into apartments by the 1970’s. In 1991, the abandoned and condemned building was saved by the current owner and today serves as an elegant bed and breakfast. During its times as a rundown tenement, a 17 year old girl was raped and murdered in the building. A friend, who stumbled upon the murder, was also killed. Today, the elegant mansion is said to have experienced a number of hauntings and paranormal activities, one of which is the frequent sighting of a ghostly woman. More ... Molly Brown House Museum – This three-story Victorian house, built in 1894, was once home to Margaret Brown, who became known as "The Unsinkable Molly Brown” when she survived the Titanic’s sinking. Today, her home is said to be haunted by her husband J.J. Brown. Never allowed to smoke in the house during his lifetime, he seemingly rebels today as pipe smoke is often smelled lingering in the attic and basement.  In the dining room, chairs are often known to move on their own accord and a ghostly woman in Victorian garb as been seen. The specter of Molly’s adored cat has also said to lurk about the building. Near the first floor staircase, some have reportedly seen an angry looking butler peering at himself in the mirror. Other phenomena includes cold spots felt throughout the house, doors that open and close of their own accord, the sounds of footsteps in the upstairs ballroom, and misty apparitions are spied in various places. The Molly Brown House Museum is haunted by a number of spirits, including her beloved cat. Photo courtesy Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Oxford Hotel – Built at the crest of the silver boom in 1891, the five-story brick structure was designed by leading architect, Frank Edbrooke, who would later also design theBrown Palace Hotel. Having survived the silver panic and the Great Depression, the hotel was remodeled in the Art Deco style in the 1930’s. The oldest hotel in Denver, it continues to cater to travelers today, as well as at least a couple of restless spirits. One bartender reported that in the Cruise Room, a lounge that sits frozen in time since its Art Deco facelift in 1933, a man sat down at the bar wearing an old fashioned post office uniform. After ordering a beer, he reported muttered something about how expensive it was. Then as he continued to sip on his beer, he was heard to quietly make other odd comments, such as, "the children,” and "I have to get the gifts to the children.” When he left, the bartender went to pick up his "empty” bottle, only to find it was completely full. Reportedly, the spirit is that of a postal worker who was delivering Christmas presents to nearby Central City in the early 1900’s. However, neither he nor the gifts ever arrived. The next spring his decomposed body was found with all the gifts still in his possession. Another tale of the Oxford alleges that a young woman was murdered by her husband in room 320 when he caught her there with her lover. In this room visitors are said to have sometimes see the faint image of a woman standing in the room, as well as others who have captured on film what appears to be a woman’s face. Book a room at the Oxford Hotel. Red Rocks Amphitheater – Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, the Red Rocks Amphitheater provides acoustic perfection not duplicated anywhere in the world. Here, along with the many performers who please crowds of thousands, also lurks the spirit of man from another Colorado era. Often seen standing on the "restricted” side of the railings, is a grizzled looking old man thought to have been one of the many miners who once traipsed these foothills in search of their fortune. Described as about 5’5” tall, with a beard, dirty brownish hat and a bottle in his hand, he shows himself for just a few moments for he vanishes. Yet another legend also persists of a wild, headless woman, who is said to brandish a bloody hatchet is often seen riding a horse throughout Red Rocks. Galloping at night, she is seemingly intent on stopping any mischief or illicit romance that might be taking place upon these grounds. The Sugar Building – Built in 1906 by the Great Western Sugar Company, it served as their offices continually until 1986. Several years later, the building was sold and totally renovated but some of its previous tenants allegedly still continue to occupy the building. Tivioli Union Brewery. This image available for photographic prints HERE! Witnesses on the second floor have often reported the sight of hovering, ghostly balls that float through the hallways. Others have said that basement is particularly eerie and hint at malevolent spirits lurking in the walls and arches of the basement vault. Tivoli Student Union - The union, at the Auraria Campus, combines services for the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College and the University of Colorado.  The Tivoli is a Denver landmark, originally serving as one of twelve buildings of the Tivoli Brewery in 1866. The building became the student union in 1994, but still today some of the large brewing equipment still remains. Today, voices and whispers are often heard throughout the building and according to reports; an elegant ghostly party can be heard coming through the vents on the third floor. University of Denver – A couple of places are said to be haunted at the university. The most often told tales occur in Mary Reed Hall, described to be very active with paranormal phenomena. Though currently housing administrative offices, the building opened as the university’s library in 1932. Many report having felt cold spots in rooms that are otherwise very warm, doors get stuck before magically open of their own accord, fresh light bulbs suddenly stop working, and even the ghostly image of a woman has been sighted on numerous occasions. Some say the "Mary Reed Ghost” is of Mary Reed, herself, who contributed large amounts of money to the university. Others say it is her daughter, Margery Reed, who died at a young age from an illness she contracted in South America. The ghostly figure, often spied in the DuPont Room, is thought to perhaps be Mrs. DuPont, who’s husband contributed substantial funds for the library. Regardless of who she is her translucent image is most often seen sitting and reading in the dark in both the DuPont and Renaissance Rooms. Another story tells of a janitor who was pushed behind when locking up the building. When the custodian turned around, no one was there. When, she continued to walk away, she was allegedly pushed again by unseen hands. Another hot spot at the university is the Lamont School of Music, where at Dunklee Hall; a student allegedly killed herself on the second floor. Today, eerie incidents are said to occur here, including a door that quietly closes of its own accord after people have exited the room.

Ghosts of Tombstone

                           Ghosts of Tombstone

Like so many other places in the Old West with violent histories,Tombstone is said to be one of the most haunted in Arizona.  Tombstone Streets The streets of Tombstone themselves are said to be the pathways of many a lingering spirit, one of which is the long dead Marshal Fred White, who was accidentally shot by Cowboy faction leader,Curly Bill Brocius on October 28, 1880. White, the first marshal ofTombstone, had gained the respect of the Clanton Gang, and in fact, had arrested "Cowboy” members on a number of occasions, rarely having any problems when doing so. In the early morning of October 28th, Curly Bill and several of his cohorts were making sport by shooting up the town. When White went to disarm the gunman, a shot was accidentally fired, hitting White in the groin. Though, it was thought that he would make a full recovery, two days later he died. Today, he is said to haunt the street in front of the shooting site, which was an empty lot where the Bird Cage Theatre was built a year later. Another cowboy, that of a man moving along in a long black frock coat, has also been seen on a number of occasions. Crossing the road, the apparition is often seen near the site where Virgil Earp was ambushed and shot in the arm, crippling him for life. The spirit never makes it across the street, leading many to believe that this may the ghost of Virgil Earp, himself. A woman in a long white dress has also been spied on Tombstone streets. One legend tells that she is a fretful mother whose child died from the yellow fever in the 1880’s, and devastated, she took her own life later. Another version of the tale claims that she was a brothel madam who was hanged and continues to stalk to streets in search of her executioners. Lawlessness though was not the only cause of numerous deaths during Tombstone's heydays. Twice it suffered terrible fires, the first in June, 1881 and a second in May, 1882. During these two infernos, which both wiped out significant areas of the business district, more than 40 men lost their lives in the crowded saloons and brothels that burned to the ground. These long-dead, suffering men are also said to make themselves known, appearing complete with drastic burns. Others have reported the smell of smoke and burning materials when there is no explainable reason. The Tombstone of today doesn't look a whole lot different, Kathy Weiser. This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE! O.K. Corral Tombstone's most famous place - the OK Corral, was the site of the best-known gunfight occurring in the Old West. Portrayed in dozens of western films and books, the gunfight made a legend of Wyatt Earp and brought Tombstone, Arizona fame. After tensions had been building between the Earps and the Cowboy faction inTombstone, for some time, Marshal Virgil Earp determined to disarm the men on October 26, 1881, resulting in the 30 second shoot out, which left Frank and Tom McLaury, as well as Billy Clanton dead. Also involved in the gunfight for the Cowboyswere I Ike Clanton, Billy Claiborne and Wes Fuller. In the Earp party were brothers,Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan, as well as Doc Holliday. Today, the O.K. Corral is allegedly haunted by the ghosts of the Cowboys. Over the years, a number of witnesses have reported seeing the fading apparitions of men dressed in cowboy attire, often appearing with guns drawn, perhaps locked into a perpetual battle with the Earps. Others have claimed to have felt numerous cold spots in various areas of the corral. The O.K. Corral is at 308 E. Allen Street. The O.K.Corral today, Kathy Weiser, April, 2007. The Boot Hill Graveyard is a tourist attraction today. However, it is a real cemetery and as such, there is no admission fee, and respect  should be shown for the dead. Photo April, 2007, Kathy Weiser. This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE! Boot Hill Graveyard At the nearby Boot Hill Graveyard, called such because many of its occupants died with their boots on, more than 250 graves give partial stories of the Tombstone'slawless past. Used primarily from 1878-1884, the graveyard was originally called the "Tombstone Cemetery." Men such as those killed at the O.K. Corral Gunfight, Marshal Fred White killed by Curly Bill Brocius, an unfortunate soul by the name of George Johnson who was hanged by mistake, five men hanged for the vicious killings labeled the "Bisbee Massacre," gunfighter, Charlie Storms who was killed by Luke Short, and dozens more, ranging from prospectors, to outlaws, lawmen, and prostitutes. Of some who were laid to rest here, their names were never known or were only known by a nickname. Over the years, the old cemetery fell into disrepair, with numerous old wooden tombstones falling down or decomposing entirely, and others being stolen by souvenir hunters. It wasn't until the town's first Helldorado Days, around 1929, the old cemetery began to be referred to as the Boot Hill Graveyard. Still, it continued to sit neglected until the 1940's when an effort began to restore the cemetery. Today it is one of Tombstone's most popular tourist attractions. Evidently, per a number of legends, it also remains popular with the many dead who lie there. Visitors often report seeing strange lights and hearing unidentifiable noises coming from the old graveyard. Spirits have been spied on numerous occasions, and even more frequently are said to appear in photographs. Billy Clanton, killed in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is said to rise from his grave before walking along the road back to Tombstone. The Boot Hill Graveyard is just north of Tombstone on Highway 80. Continued Next Page Though John Heath was lynched in Tombstone for masterminding the Bisbee Massacre, there is evidence to  show that he was not actually buried at  Boot Hill, as this  marker indicates. Photo by Kathy Weiser. This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE! Cartoon by Dan Thompson

Rocky Hill Castle,

Rocky Hill Castle, also known simply as Rocky Hill, was a historic plantation and plantation house between Town Creek and Courtland,Alabama, United States. Once famed in Alabama for its architecture, it was an unusual mixing of neoclassical and picturesque aesthetics in one plantation complex.^[1] The house and tower suffered from neglect during much of the 20th century and were subsequently demolished in the 1960s.^[2] Much folklore surrounds the site, with Rocky Hill Castle being the subject of numerous ghost stories.^[3][4] The most notable story, "The Ghost of the Angry Architect", was published in Kathryn Tucker Windham and Margaret Gillis Figh's 1969 work13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.^[5]