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The Haunting of the Irish Fetch – the Living Ghost

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The Irish Fetch is a ghost from the underworld, coming as a bad omen to warn the living about an impending death. The ghost is said to take the shape of the person that is going to die. 

Within the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and mythology, the mysterious concept of the “fetch” has captured the imagination of generations. This supernatural phenomenon, deeply rooted in Irish tradition, represents an eerie duality—an apparition or spectral double of a living person that often heralds impending doom and is seen as a deadly omen. The sighting of a fetch is foretelling the imminent passing of its living counterpart.

The Spectral Twin and Bad Omen

A fetch is described as an exact, spectral replica of a living human being. Its appearance is uncannily similar to that of its earthly counterpart, creating an eerie sense of déjà vu for those who encounter it. 

The presence of a fetch is typically seen as a portent of the person it mirrors nearing the end of their life journey. If the person is dying in a fire, the fetch will look burnt. If the person is drowned, it would not be able to breathe. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

However, there is an intriguing twist to this belief. According to John and Michael Banim, if the apparition appears in the morning rather than the evening, it is interpreted as a sign of a long and extended life awaiting the individual. This dual nature of the fetch sets it apart as a harbinger of both hope and dread, reminiscent of the Germanic doppelgänger and certain interpretations of the British wraith.

Sometimes the fetch will not be like a mirror of yourself, but sometimes they appear like someone that has just died, just casually walking amongst the living and their loved ones. Although they look like they did in life, they are seemingly very distant and will vanish into the air in the edn. 

The Obscure Origins of the Name

The etymology and origins of the term “fetch” remain shrouded in mystery. While it is often suggested that it may be linked to the verb “fetch,” the true source of this enigmatic word remains elusive. 

The puzzle deepens with the existence of an Old English word, “faecce,” found in the Corpus Glossary and the First Cleopatra Glossary. Although “faecce” is presumed to be a Latin word, it defies classification, as no such Latin term exists. This conundrum led some scholars to propose that “faecce” may actually be an Old Irish word, shedding light on the potential link between Old Irish and Hiberno-English fetch traditions. The ambiguity surrounding this term continues to perplex researchers, and a definitive consensus has yet to be reached.

Fetch-Like Portents in Early Irish Literature

While the fetch may be a unique and intriguing concept, echoes of similar portents of death can be traced back to early Irish literature. These ominous predictions were associated with the Old Irish term “fáith,” denoting a seer or prophetess. 

In legendary tales such as Táin Bó Cuailnge, prophetic visions of impending demise were issued by individuals like Fedelm. Cormac Connloinges witnessed sinister visions in Bruiden Da Choca, including a mysterious woman washing bloodstained chariot wheels. A hag foretold the demise of Conaire in Togail Bruidne Da Derga, while in Cath Maige Tuired, the Mórrigán herself prophesied death. 

These early Irish traditions, steeped in mysticism and foreboding, laid the groundwork for the development of the fetch concept.

The Norse Connection: Fylgja and Vikings in Ireland

To gain a deeper understanding of the Irish fetch, it is essential to explore the Norse influence on Irish tradition. Within Norse mythology, the concept of the “fylgja” emerges—a personal alter ego, often taking the form of an animal, intricately linked to an individual’s fate. 

Unlike the Irish fetch, the fylgja is almost invariably portrayed as female. The prominence of the Vikings in Ireland during this era makes the Norse connection highly relevant. Scholar William Sayers has proposed a fascinating theory—that the term “fetch” may have evolved from the Hiberno-English adaptation of the Old Irish “fáith.”

Another thing that makes them different is that the Fetch, although scary and a bringer of bad news, they don’t really hurt anyone. The Icelandic Fylgja, though, is said to have killed people for vengeance as well as just getting a companion.  

The Mirror Ghost

The Irish fetch remains an enigmatic and captivating facet of Irish folklore, entwined with centuries of tradition and belief. Its duality as a harbinger of life and death, its obscure origins, and its connections to early Irish prophecies and Norse influences have imbued it with a sense of intrigue that continues to captivate those who dare to delve into the supernatural realm. 

While the true origins of the term “fetch” may remain elusive, the phenomenon itself stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the inexplicable.

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References:

The Fetch | Emerald Isle Gods and Monsters 

Fetch (folklore) – Wikipedia 

Why Is The Fetch Seen As A Death Omen in Irish Folklore? 

Cursed Artifacts from the Grand Canyon

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When people visit the Grand Canyon, many fall for the temptation of taking a memento with them back home. But according to many stories, many people are said to believe some of the tokens from the Canyon are cursed and bad luck follows them who take cursed artifacts from the park. 

In the rugged wilderness of the Grand Canyon, legends and curses are as deeply rooted as the ancient rock formations. In many national parks there are stories about stealing that makes what you steal and yourself cursed.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The Grand Canyon is said to receive many misplaced items from the park back through mail from people claiming that the objects and artifacts must be haunted. Many claim to have experienced bad luck after taking the objects and trying to rid themselves of the curse by returning them back. There are many stories from the park, from sacred or cursed artifacts from the Natives, Egyptian treasure hidden in caves and a traditional national park curse of the land, even a simple rock. 

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Cursed Navajo Blanket

One of the most haunting tales involves trader Don Maguire, who in 1879, stumbled upon a beautiful but cursed Navajo blanket during his expedition through Arizona by the Colorado River. 

Woman weaving a traditional Navajo rug around 1900.// Source

Maguire met Emma Lee at the ferry, a widow who offered him the blanket in exchange for some of his goods. She warned him of the blanket’s dark past after they had made the deal, explaining how it had brought misfortune and ultimately death to her husband who was executed after the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Undeterred, Maguire accepted the blanket and continued his journey, only to suffer a series of relentless calamities over the next two years. The curses ceased only when he lost the blanket, leading him to finally heed Emma Lee’s warning.

When a writer traced the blanket back to its weaver, he found the Navajo weaver Mariana who fell in love with the same man as her 17 year old daughter. Mariana was said to weave spells into her blankets, spending 3 months on it. But after realizing the man was only stringing them both along, not wanting to marry either, it was said it was cursed. The daughter was said to have died and the man’s horse returned home empty with a bloody saddle and the blanket hanging on a juniper branch, said to curse everyone it ended with. 

How much of the now legend that is true is today uncertain as the story has passed many versions of it. 

Many now claim that the objects stolen from the park are cursed, and it is even said that many treasure hunters have disappeared mysteriously. What is really behind the legend of the cursed Canyon?

The Cursed Artifacts from the Park

Tales of cursed Native American relics are plentiful, especially in the Grand Canyon. Park rangers regularly receive letters from tourists desperate to return artifacts stolen from sacred Burial grounds like pottery or certain stones and from the forbidden zone in the Grand Canyon. 

The letters invariably describe extreme bad luck, plagues, and mysterious illnesses that befell the thieves after taking the artifacts. The park rangers often find the reasoning chillingly consistent: the stolen items bring about a curse that can only be lifted by returning them to their rightful place.

People fearing cursed artifacts after stealing them from National Parks is a well known phenomenon, and in the same thing with people sending back stuff they took from the parks fill up the park rangers mailboxes. Often the rumor of objects being cursed comes from park rangers being fed up with tourists taking things with them, and the rumor is put out to deter the thieves. But could it be something more behind the rumors when talking about the Grand Canyon National Park? 

Where does the Legend about the Cursed Objects come from?

According to an elaborate hoax, there are legends about cursed artifacts from the Egyptians. The legend of an ancient Egyptian civilization in the Grand Canyon emerged in the early 20th century, fueled by an article published in the Arizona Gazette in 1909 when an Egyptomania swept over the western world. The article claimed that an explorer named G.E. Kincaid discovered an extensive network of caves filled with Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, hieroglyphics, and statues, within the forbidden zones in the Grand Canyon. 

This sensational story captivated the public’s imagination, suggesting a mysterious link between ancient Egypt and North America. However, subsequent investigations revealed no evidence to support these claims, and the story was debunked as a hoax. The Smithsonian Institution, which was reportedly involved in the supposed discovery, denied any knowledge of the expedition or the artifacts. Despite its debunking, the legend persists as an intriguing, albeit fictitious, chapter in the folklore of the Grand Canyon.

Many legends about cursed tombs and Egyptian artifacts come from Egypt, and perhaps this has only fueled the legends of the curse in the Grand Canyon as well.

The Cursed Objects of the Canyon

Visitors are thus warned: the Grand Canyon, while breathtakingly beautiful, holds ancient secrets and curses according to more than one legend. The cursed artifacts of the Grand Canyon are more than just historical treasures; they are reminders of a profound respect owed to the land and its original inhabitants. So, if you ever find yourself tempted by the allure of a beautiful relic, remember the story of Don Maguire and the many others who have learned the hard way that some things are best left undisturbed.

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References:

Don Maguire’s Trading Expedition in Northern Arizona, 1879 – Issuu 

Scott Thybony’s Grand Canyon Commentary: Curse Of The Navajo Blanket 

What is the Forbidden Zone in the Grand Canyon? | MaxTour 

Top 10 Unsettling Facts And Horrors Of The Grand Canyon – Listverse 

What are the mysteries of the Grand Canyon? – National Park Express 

The Ghost Faces in Bélmez de la Moraleda

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A house in Bélmez de la Moraleda quickly became known as Spain’s most famous haunted house when there suddenly started to appear faces inside of it. It is still a mystery exactly what the faces come from, but many believe that it is the ghosts from the burial ground under the house. 

Welcome to the mysterious and eerie world of Bélmez de la Moraleda, Spain’s infamous haunted house. Nestled in the province of Jaén, this unassuming village hides a chilling secret that has intrigued paranormal enthusiasts for decades. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The story begins in 1971 when a peculiar stain appeared on the kitchen floor of the Pereira family. Little did they know that this seemingly innocuous stain would turn their lives upside down and attract visitors from all corners of the globe. Or did they? Over the years, faces of different individuals, both living and deceased, have materialized on the floor, leaving experts baffled and skeptics questioning. 

The Haunted House of Bélmez de la Moraleda

This mysterious dwelling is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the past. The locals have reported strange noises coming from the house, and some even claim to have seen apparitions walking around inside. The haunted house in Spain has become a popular tourist destination for those looking for an eerie experience. People come from all over to get a glimpse of this mysterious place and its supernatural inhabitants. Are you brave enough to take a tour of the haunted house and find out what secrets it holds?

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

In a house on Calle Real number 5 in the village Bélmez de la Moraleda, in the far corners of Andalusia, a peculiar haunting has been reported. The small and sleepy town wasn’t really that known until strange things started happening inside of this whitewashed house. The faces on the floors and walls have been a subject of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. On the floors and walls of the building, there have been reports about seeing stains that look like faces that come and go since 1971.

Faces in the House: Suddenly it appeared what looked like faces in the walls and floors of the house. The owner of the house claim it wasn’t them. // Source: Cesar Tort/Wikimedia

At first, it appeared on the kitchen floor, and they scraped it off and covered it up. But then, the face started reappearing, not only in the kitchen where it was first seen but all over the house. They did several tests and multiple theories tried to explain exactly what happened in the house, but the exact cause has yet to be confirmed. The mystery continues to baffle experts, leaving the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda shrouded in enigma.

Scientific Investigations and Theories: Unraveling the Unexplained

The strange phenomena witnessed in the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda have attracted the attention of scientists and researchers from around the world. Various investigations and theories have been put forth in an attempt to understand and explain the inexplicable.

One theory put forward by the newspaper El Ideal published some tests that claimed the faces were painted on with silver nitrate and chloride. This painting method was actually a fairly common method in the forties by anti-Franco activists. 

Scientific investigations have involved extensive analysis of the stains, including chemical testing and microscopic examination. Yet, these investigations have not yielded a definitive explanation for the phenomenon. The haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda remains an unsolved mystery, leaving room for speculation and wonder.

Built on Top of a Burial Ground

Whose faces are they, and from what reason do they appear? If science can’t give a definitive answer, can perhaps the paranormal world do?

Bélmez de la Moraleda: The town seen from above where the house with the faces is. What really happened and happens in the house will we perhaps never know. //Source: Veinticuatro de Jahén/Wikimedia

It is said that the house is built on top of an ancient cemetery and some believe that it is the ghosts of those buried underneath that are manifesting themselves as faces throughout the house. 

The cemetery from the 13th century was found in the basement under the kitchen, and they could verify the remains of human bones. 

A Haunting Experience: Visiting the House of Faces

Today, the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda stands as a testament to the enduring mystery that surrounds it. The house has been opened to the public, allowing curious individuals to explore the eerie corridors and witness the faces that continue to appear.Scholars have looked at it as a fraud though from the owners, and it is reported that since the death of María Gómez Cámara in 2004, the owner of the house, the faces have been blurring, some of them not even looking like humans.

In the realm of the supernatural, Bélmez de la Moraleda has carved its place as one of Spain’s most haunted locations. Its ghostly secrets and unexplained phenomena serve as a reminder that there is still much we don’t understand about the world around us. As the years go by, the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda will continue to lure in those seeking a glimpse into the unknown, forever shrouded in mystery and ghostly allure.

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References:

Caras de Bélmez – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Ten paranormal places that you can actually visit in Spain
The 10 most famous haunted houses in Spain — idealista

Unveiling the Mystery of the Haunted House of Mirrors

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After the horrible death of the daughter in the House of Mirror in the Spanish city, Cadiz, it is said that she is haunting the mirrors, still after she exposed the murderer.

This mysterious and eerie place has been the topic of many ghost stories and legends for decades. The locals believe that the spirits of the former owners still reside within the walls of this abandoned house, and anyone who dares to enter will be cursed forever. But what is the truth behind the haunted house of mirrors? Is it just a myth or a real-life haunting? 

Legend about “La Casa de los Espejos” or “The House of Mirrors”

Among the many legends that surround Cadiz, one particular tale stands out – the legend of “La Casa de los Espejos” or “The House of Mirrors” located in the old town in Cadiz right in front of the monument of Marques de comilla. According to locals, the haunted house of mirrors was once the residence of a high-ranking admiral in the navy, who lived there with his wife and beloved daughter.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The alleged haunted house is a three storey house with huge windows in the heart of Alameda Apodaca part of town. The part of town is known for its stately houses from the 15th and 17th century. Today, they have been converted to luxury apartments with a dark legend hanging over them. 

The Admiral Family That Used to Live there

The admiral, known for his bravery and success on the seas, was often away on long voyages to far off lands. During each of his returns, he would bring his daughter a new mirror as a present, as she had developed a fascination with them. The daughter’s room soon became adorned with mirrors of all shapes and sizes that she hung around the house. The daughter’s collection grew with each passing year, and the mirrors became an integral part of her daily life. Soon the whole house was filled with different mirrors in all shapes and sizes. 

Her mother hated them though and she was growing more and more jealous of her daughter and the affection her husband showed her. Over the years the daughter became a great beauty her father loved to show off, and the mother felt old and cast aside as he only showed affection to her daughter. She started to fear that her husband loved her more than her and the resentment towards her daughter grew. 

The Jealous Mother and her Evil Plan

In the mothers eyes, it was the daughter that was in the way between her and the admiral. They started to argue more and more and their relationship was unsalvageable. She hacked out a horrible plan to get rid of her daughter so she would have her husband to herself once again. 

When the admiral was away at sea, the mother poisoned her daughter. At dinner she served her daughter a portion of poison fish, and they both went to bed. That night the daughter became violently ill, and after the poison took hold of her, she collapsed on the floor alone and died of the poison. 

Little did she know, her actions would have dire consequences. The daughter, in her untimely death, became a restless spirit, forever trapped within the mirrors of the house.

The Daughter Haunting the Mirrors

The admiral, upon his return came in with more mirrors to give to his daughter. His wife told him that his daughter had died of a sickness, and he didn’t suspect her at all. He was devastated to learn of his daughter’s tragic demise. 

One day, he heard the voice of his daughter and he was awoken by it. When he passed by one of the mirrors on the walls, he froze. He saw his daughter, and she showed him in the mirror exactly what happened. 

He went to his wife and demanded the truth from her, still having a sliver of hope that she hadn’t done it. But his worst nightmare was confirmed when she confessed to it all. Overwhelmed with grief and a desire for justice, he turned the mother into the authorities, who were able to uncover the truth behind the daughter’s murder. The mother was convicted and sentenced for her heinous crime and had to spend the rest of her days rotting away in prison. But the haunting of the house of mirrors was far from over.

The admiral was unable to stay in the house where everything had gone down and left the place and was never seen in Cadiz ever again. 

The Hauntings in the House of Mirrors

The house was abandoned and visitors would see ghosts and hear strange things. Inside, you could see the girl still haunting the mirrors. 

Before the house was being renovated recently it was for a long time just empty, and people that were interested in the supernatural came looking for it. They claimed they could hear the laments of the girl, crying over her faith and strange shadows hiding behind the curtains. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

With the admiral’s daughter unable to find peace in the afterlife, the house of mirrors became a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors to the house would report seeing apparitions, hearing strange whispers, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of unease. Those brave enough to venture inside would catch glimpses of the daughter’s ghostly figure, forever trapped within the mirrors that she once cherished.

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References:

https://www.lavozdigital.es/provincia/misterios-cadiz-conoce-historia-interior-casa-espejos-20230512112300-ntv.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lavozdigital.es%2Fprovincia%2Fmisterios-cadiz-conoce-historia-interior-casa-espejos-20230512112300-ntv.html
La leyenda de «La Casa de los Espejos» – LA AZOTEA DE CÁDIZ

The Haunting of Maiden Tower and the Mysterious Lady’s Finger

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As a beacon to guide ships safely to Drogheda port, the Maiden Tower at Mornington Beach bears its own histories. It is said that once a woman threw herself from the tower when she thought that her lover had died in the war. 

Perched upon the southern bank at the River Boyne’s mouth in Ireland, two old structures stand sentinel over the waters—an eerie duo that has borne witness to centuries of maritime history. The Maiden Tower, the 60 ft tower on Mornington Beach. The Tower dates all the way back to the 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The Lady’s Finger is a solitary stone pillar.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

These two maritime markers served as vital navigational aids for ships venturing into the River Boyne prior to the construction in 1765. The mariners of yore depended on the sight of these structures to safely navigate the river’s winding course.

The Maiden Tower: Looking out from the beach, the tower stands as a beacon for passing ships. There are many legends about this tower, one of them is that it is haunted. On foggy nights, people claim to see a young woman, still waiting for her lover. // Source: Wikimedia

The Waiting Maiden

Amidst the tower’s ancient stones, echoes of folklore and legend resound. One tale tells of a faithful lady who, eagerly awaiting her husband’s return from the war. Before leaving, the woman made her lover promise he would return on a ship with white sails if he lived, and if he did not, the ship would have black sails.

When he finally returned, the sails were black and the woman thought he was dead. Overwhelmed with grief tragically plunged from the tower.Turned out though, that the black sail was either a mistake, or her man had used it to surprise her in a twist.

Lady’s Finger:Wikimedia

When he saw what had happened, he too jumped from the tower to join her in the afterlife.

It is said that ever after, people have seen the ghost of the maiden, standing at the top of the tower, still waiting for the ship to tell that her lover really did survive. 

The Lady’s Finger, a 13ft high obelisk, was said to have been erected in the memory of the tragic maiden that threw herself from the tower. Reportedly the term “Lady’s Finger” was given and the maiden never received a wedding ring.

The Spinning Lady in the Maiden Tower

But amidst the historical accounts and maritime tales, one enigmatic figure remains—a mysterious old woman who, in 1819, took up residence atop the tower. On a Spring morning in 1819 the fishing community of the little village were surprised to see smoke rising from the top of the tower and found the old hermit woman in the tower.

Spinning yarn under a makeshift sail roof, she wove herself into the tapestry of local folklore, earning the moniker ‘the lady of the tower.’ The villagers gave her food daily and looked at her like a holy woman.

As the severe winter of 1821 gripped the land, she left the tower’s solitude to a medical institution, passing away shortly thereafter. She was buried in an unmarked pauper’s grave and no one found out who she was.

The Enduring Mystery of the Maiden Tower

Public access to the tower persisted until the mid-1990s, when a metal grill sealed the raised doorway, safeguarding it from vandalism. In 2003, the metal grill was removed, and the tower suffered desecration. To thwart further intrusions, a solid metal door was erected, barring entry.

The Maiden Tower and the Lady’s Finger, steadfast guardians of the River Boyne, continue to cast their spectral presence over the waters, bearing witness to centuries of maritime history and enigmatic tales that linger on the whispering winds of time.

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References:

The Maiden Tower, Mornington 

Mornington, County Meath – Wikipedia 

Maydenhayes Inspiration | The Maiden Tower & The Lady’s Finger 

Casa Varela – The Haunted Terror House in Borraxeiros

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For years the Varala family was haunted by mystic forces in their house in Borraxeiros. This poltergeist-like activity was thought to have been brought from South America on one of his travels and was slowly making them go mad in the Casa Varela. 

Are you ready to hear a creepy tale that will send shivers down your spine? There is a haunted house located in Spain that has terrified those who live there. The house is known to be haunted by the lingering ghost of a former inhabitant. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The ghosts inside of Casa Varela has been described as being particularly malevolent and has been seen lurking in the shadows, making eerie noises, and even moving objects.

The Haunting Begins in Casa Varela

Borraxeiros in Pontevedra is one of those places that have historically been known as Deep Galicia. It is in the deepest of the forests where the population is sparse and myths and legends lurk in the shadows between the thick forest. 

Casa Varela: For 5 years the Varela family was terrorized by what they believed was a paranormal phenomenon that haunted them. // Source: Blogspot

This story lasted for 5 years filled with terror for the family that lived in this horror house called Casa Varela. It was owned by D. Manuel Varela who was a simple farmer living with his family, just trying to make ends meet on the farm. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

It all began one afternoon in 1916. It was May, and summer and lighter times were all ahead. But not for the Varela family whose house started to have strange things happening. Rain of stones started to drizzle and devastate the house.

Manuel Varela went to the Civil Guard to ask for their help, but they were unable to find the cause of this strange event of Casa Varela. Soon, even more strange things started to haunt the family. 

Objects in the house moved, even the furniture rose through the air and violently crashed the walls. The whole family suffered long sleepless nights and paranoia. What was going on? The spirits tugged at their clothes in the night and slapped and beat them whenever they tried to sleep.

Other harrowing experiences like the bedding being pulled off them, being chased out from the house and flour being thrown in their face, they slowly started to lose their mind, but had nowhere to go. 

In 1921 the events inside of Casa Varela stopped without an explanation and without them really having done anything. It never started again, but for the family, the things that had happened, had forever marked them. 

After 5 years of this nightmare, it was too much for Mr. Varela who ended up crazy and he started talking to himself and visiting the cemetery. The neighbors said he went there to pray because the voices in his head told him to.

Why did this happen to the family? One of the theories was that M. Varela had been living in Cuba for many years before returning to Spain. Some claim that he brought something with him home, some sort of black magic or voodoo from the island far away. 

The Haunted Terror House of Casa Varela Today

Today, there are reports of people seeing lights in the ruins of the Casa Varela as well as moving shadows and what looks like red eyes in the dark. It is said that even cows are scared to get close to the house. The Haunted Terror House of Casa Varela stands as a chilling reminder of the horrors that once plagued the Varela family, and it continues to draw the attention of thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts from all over.

For those who dare to venture inside, they are met with an overwhelming sense of unease as they step through the decaying remnants of the entrance. Many who have entered the Haunted Terror House report strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena. Whispers echo through the halls, and cold drafts send shivers down your spine. Shadows dance in the corners of your vision, disappearing as soon as you turn to look. It’s as if the spirits that once tormented the Varela family still linger within these walls, eager to make their presence known.

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References:

aopedofarelo

4 sitios de España en los que pasar una noche de miedo | Placeres

The Haunting of the Brown Boys at the Hopi House

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In a souvenir shop in the Grand Canyon based on a traditional Hopi House, employees and visitors claim the place is haunted by a couple of mischievous ghosts they often call the Brown Boys. 

On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon stands an adobe-style structure known as the Hopi House found on the trails next to the El Tovar Hotel that are also said to house some ghosts of their own. Built in 1904, this historic building was designed by architect Mary Colter to resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo, inspired from Hopi dwelling at Oraibi in Arizona. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Its purpose was to showcase and sell the art and crafts of the local Hopi Indians. Over the years, Hopi House has continued to serve as a gift shop and as a living museum, attracting countless visitors with its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. What wasn’t planned however were the haunted rumors about the ghost of the “Brown Boys” said to linger around the house.

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Hopi Tribe

The Hopi are one of the oldest Native American tribes in North America, with a history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the southwestern United States, the Hopi are descendants of the ancient Puebloan cultures, including the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the region long before European contact. 

Known for their sophisticated agricultural practices, they built terraced fields and intricate irrigation systems to sustain their crops in the arid environment. The Hopi people have maintained a rich cultural heritage, marked by complex religious ceremonies and the Kachina spirit system, which involves elaborate dances and masked performances. Despite facing numerous challenges, including forced relocations and pressures from modern development, the Hopi have preserved their traditions, languages, and way of life, continuing to live on their ancestral lands in northeastern Arizona, particularly on the Hopi Reservation. 

Hopi Dancer at the Hopi House: There have also been shows for people showcasing the Hopi people. Here from a performance for his Majesty, Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Brigadier General Abdol Hussei Hedjazi, military aide, and Park Superintendent H.C. Bryant, watch a Hopi Indian dance presented at the Hopi House in 1949.

The Hopi Natives have a profound and ancient connection to the Grand Canyon as well as it being their ancestral land. According to Hopi tradition, the Grand Canyon is the site of their emergence into the world, where they ascended from the lower worlds through the Sipapu, a small hole in the canyon’s floor. They believe that the canyon and its surrounding landscape are inhabited by deities and ancestral spirits, such as Maasaw, the keeper of death. This profound spiritual connection underscores the Hopi’s respect for the natural environment and their enduring stewardship of the Grand Canyon’s sacred spaces.

The Legend of the Brown Boys

While the Hopi House is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance, although not built by the Hopi themselves, it is also famous for its ghostly inhabitants, known as the “Brown Boys.” 

These two spirits are often seen and felt within the walls of the historic structure. The “Brown Boys” are said to be mischievous spirits, making their presence known by causing disturbances and playing tricks on those who enter.

Who they are people don’t know. And like the authentic Hopi art in the reconstructed house, they remain as the artist, nameless. Could it be someone from the Hopi that perhaps worked or lived around the area? Could it even be some kids or tourists that once only passed through the Canyon? The answer to the question will most likely remain unanswered. 

Paranormal Activity at Hopi House

Witnesses have reported seeing the spirits running around the structure during the evening hours. Electrical items are mysteriously turned off, and objects are thrown about seemingly of their own accord. Some mornings, employees also claim to have found the dolls they sell rearranged. These disturbances have led many to believe that the “Brown Boys” are perhaps some type of poltergeists.

Interior of Hopi House: Upstairs sales room in hopi house where the Brown Boys are said to haunt. Benches around room draped with navajo rugs. Circa 1905. // Source: Flickr

Employees of the Hopi House have grown accustomed to the presence of these spirits, often referring to them by name. Despite the playful nature of the “Brown Boys,” their antics can be unnerving, especially when experienced after dark. 

The sense of being watched, the sudden cold spots, and the inexplicable sounds all contribute to the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the Hopi House after dark. Perhaps it is the “Brown Boys” out and about on their usual haunting mischief.

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Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 2 

Grand Canyon Ghosts! ooohhh. Ready to go Ghost Hunting?

Hopi House – Wikipedia 

The Demon House on Carrer dels Mirallers in Barcelona

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One of the houses on Carrer dels Mirallers in Barcelona city is often called the Demon house because of the rumors about what went on inside the house. According to the legends, it was a place where some stray priests dabbled in the occult, exorcism and possible demonic arts. 

In the shadows of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter you’ll stumble upon a street that harbors a chilling secret. Carrer dels Mirallers, a seemingly unassuming thoroughfare, hides a dark history that has fascinated locals and paranormal enthusiasts for centuries. Known as the Demon House, this enigmatic residence has long been shrouded in mystery, with tales of supernatural phenomena and eerie occurrences circulating among those brave enough to venture near. 

The Legend and History Behind the Demon House

Carrer dels Mirallers, or Mirror Makers Street, is located in Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, a neighborhood steeped in history and folklore. While the street where they used to make mirrors itself may not appear out of the ordinary, it is the stories associated with one particular house that have given it its ominous reputation. The Demon House on No. 7, as it is commonly known, stands as a testament to the dark and mysterious past of the area.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

One of the buildings on Carrer dels Mirallers is adorned by the head of a woman, signaling that the house at number seven used to be a brothel back in its day. This connection to the world of vice and sin adds an eerie undertone to the already haunting atmosphere surrounding the Demon House. The building’s history as a den of debauchery only scratches the surface of the mysteries that lie within its walls.

The Home of Jacint Verdaguer

Another notable figure associated with the Demon House is Jacint Verdaguer, a famous and renowned Catalan poet living on the 4th floor. Verdaguer lived in the house for a period of time, and his presence has left an indelible mark on the building’s history. While Verdaguer was known for his literary contributions, he also had a penchant for dabbling in the supernatural.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

In 1870 he decided on another path and became a priest. He was not a priest of the strictest sense of priests however and according to legends, he started to perform exorcisms on people and places.

The Exorcist Priest: Portrait of Jacint Verdaguer by Ramon Casas.

Jacint Verdaguer became acquainted with Father Joaquim Pinyol after a pilgrimage to the holy land that changed him completely. Father Pinyol was obsessed with demons he saw in the city. He founded the Oracion in the street and it became the center for exorcisms and the fight against the devil. And soon Verdaguer joined in. 

Verdaguer was not a priest in the strictest sense, but according to legends, he started to perform exorcisms on people and places. The walls of the Demon House are said to have witnessed Verdaguer’s attempts to banish demonic forces from within. Whether these exorcisms were successful or not remains a mystery, but the stories surrounding Verdaguer’s involvement in the occult only serve to heighten the enigma surrounding the Demon House.

The Exorcisms on Carrer dels Mirallers

The exorcisms that have happened inside of the house, turned out to be quite brutal. They brought the sick into a room decorated like an oratory. They ran riot and the sick ended up eating morsels of glass and needles as they shouted about heaven and hell and everything that was there. 

There were prayers and the next day the priests would mark their lips with a large medal and the people would take out the needles and everything else they had swallowed the day before. 

The Haunted House on No. 7

Of all the houses on Carrer dels Mirallers, the number seven house holds a particularly sinister reputation. It is believed to be haunted by demonic spirits, and those who have ventured inside have reported chilling encounters and unexplained phenomena. The air inside the house is said to be heavy with an otherworldly presence, and visitors often feel an overwhelming sense of unease.

It is said that Verdaguer got too into the dark arts and managed to invoke a demon inside of the house in one of his scenes. It is said that it is still trapped in the house today. 

The Enduring Allure of the Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House

The Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House continues to captivate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Its rich history, intertwined with tales of the supernatural, has earned it a place in Barcelona’s folklore. Whether you believe in ghosts and demons or not, there is no denying the eerie allure of the Demon House.

As you wander through the Gothic Quarter, take a moment to pause outside the Demon House. Listen closely, and you may catch a whisper carried on the wind or glimpse a fleeting shadow out of the corner of your eye. The mysteries of the Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House may never be fully unraveled, but that only adds to its enduring fascination.

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una casa per fer exorcismes

Barcelona’s most haunted places – Coffee and Caminos

The Haunted History of One If by Land, Two If by Sea Restaurant in New York

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The fine restaurant, One If by Land, Two If by Sea in the old building in New York are said to be haunted by more than one ghost. The staff have even tried to appease the spirit over the years, even by serving them food, but still, they continue to linger. 

If you’re a fan of history and fine dining, then you must have heard of One If by Land, Two If by Sea in the West Village in Manhattan. This iconic restaurant, marketing itself as one of the most romantic spots in the city, has been a staple in New York City’s culinary scene for over four decades. 

The name “One if by land, and two, if by sea,” is from the poem Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry W Longellow. The saying was a secret signal to alert patriots about the route the British troops went on their way to Concord, perhaps a hint to all the secrets and hidden passageways the building at least used to have. Because this elegant eatery has a dark and mysterious past.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

One If by Land, Two If by Sea is said to be haunted by several ghosts, perhaps as many as twenty different ghosts. This includes the ghost of Aaron Burr’s daughter, Theodosia, who disappeared mysteriously at sea. The restaurant’s eerie ambiance, complete with antique chandeliers, flickering candles, and dark wood paneling, only adds to its haunted reputation. 

One If by Land, Two If by Sea: Restaurant at 17 Barrow Street in Manhattan as it looked in 2024 said to be haunted by as many as twenty ghosts. // Source: Transpoman/Wikimedia

The History of the One If by Land, Two If by Sea Building

One If by Land, Two If by Sea is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1767. Originally built as a carriage house, the building has also served as a brothel, a speakeasy, and a residence for several prominent New Yorkers. Some even believe that the strange passageways down to the shore were used for forbidden contraband, or perhaps even used during the Revolutionary War. It was also used for runaway slaves in the underground railway. 

Read More: Check out The Haunted Restaurant of Neulbom Garden , The Ghost of Jumbo Kingdom, the Floating Restaurant and The Haunted Restaurant Bryggen Tracteursted for more haunted restaurants

The building’s storied past from carriage house, silent movie theater, bars and restaurants are reflected in its architecture, which features antique chandeliers, original brick walls, and dark wood paneling. But it’s not just the building’s physical attributes that make it unique; it’s also the ghosts that reportedly haunt its halls.

Ghostly Encounters and Haunted Tales

One If by Land, Two If by Sea is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the ghost of Aaron Burr and his daughter, Theodosia. Theodosia was known for her beauty and intelligence, and her father, Aaron Burr, was one of the most controversial figures in American history. 

In the 1790s, Aaron Burr kept his horses there when he was the Attorney General of the State of New York. Burr’s Wife, Theodosia Bartow Prevost had died early and he was raising his daughter by himself. His enemies said the daughter and father were too close.

There were many rumors floating around about their relationship being too intimate and many say that a famous duel between Burr and Alexander Hamilton started because of gossip about the father and daughter. 

The two were rivals and tried to ruin each other’s reputation for years. On July 11, 1804 they held a duel in Weehawken in New Jersey. At this time, Burr was the Vice President of the United State, and Hamilton, a war hero as well as the first American Secretary of the Treasury. In the duel, Hamilton died and Burr lost everything. His carriage house was taken away from him and the building was used as an engine house for the fire station next door. 

Aaron Burr Jr: (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836) was an American politician, businessman, lawyer, and Founding Father who served as the third vice president of the United States from 1801 to 1805 during Thomas Jefferson’s first presidential term. He is also said to haunt the restaurant as he owned the building when alive.

So what happened to his daughter? Theodosia married her husband, Joseph Alston, Governor and one of the most powerful and wealthy men in South Carolina, in 1801. 

Theodosia Burr Alston: (June 21, 1783 – January 2 or 3, 1813) was an American socialite and the daughter of Aaron Burr. After she was lost at sea, she is said to haunt the restaurant with her father.

However, tragedy struck when Theodosia disappeared mysteriously at sea in 1813. She lived in Charleston, South Carolina after her fathers downfall, and she used to visit her father with her ship, the Patriot. She had just lost her ten year old son to malaria, and was only 29 years old. The ship sailed into the fog close to Cape Hatteras, one of the barrier islands of North Carolina and was never seen again. 

Could it be enemies of her father or perhaps her husband who did something? Was it wreckers that had lured the ship to shore to rob them and kill the crew? Was it stormed by pirates and was she forced to walk the plank? Or was it just taken by a storm as her father insisted on until his death?

Her fate remains a mystery to this day, but many believe that she haunts the restaurant as well as her father. He died in a Staten Island boarding house in 1836, and they are often seen together in the restaurant’s mezzanine.

It is said that the ghost of Burr throws glass and plates around as well as moving chairs around. People claim to have seen his apparition, a hefty looking man in period clothing. 

The ghost of Theodosia is said to walk up and down the stairs and one of the restaurant’s maître d’ quit after spotting her ghost. Earrings of women sitting in the bar are also said to keep disappearing, and people blame this on the ghost of Theodosia. This is said to have been most frequent in the 90s and it seems a long time since someone has made this claim.  

Other Ghosts Haunting the Restaurant

The carriage house was sold in the late 1890’s and was used as a brothel and saloon as the area became an up and coming neighborhood. The building has several hidden passageways, running all the way to the Hudson river, making it a perfect place as a discreet meeting locale. 

The ghosts of Theodosia and her lover are not the only spirits said to haunt One If by Land, Two If by Sea. Guests and staff working at the restaurant since it opened in 1973, have reported a variety of ghostly encounters over the years, including unexplained noises, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Some have even reported seeing apparitions of women in period clothing, which they believe to be the ghosts of former residents or prostitutes who worked in the building.

A woman wearing black is seen coming down the stairs as well. She is never seen going up them and some say that a strong stench of sulfur has come from the stairs. Some mediums claim she was a woman who tripped over her dress and broke her neck falling down the stairs.

A Flo Ziefield Follies girl is said to haunt the restaurant in the Constitution room. The term “Ziegfeld Follies Girl” is used broadly to describe the “singers, showgirls and dancers” who appeared in Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.’s theatrical Broadway revue spectaculars known as the Ziegfeld Follies from 1907 to the 1930s. The staff is said to light a candle for her ghost.

A Blacksmith is seen in the stairways in the upper stories of the building where he lived. Many years ago he was seen by a staff member who used to work there. Despite these spooky tales, One If by Land, Two If by Sea remains a popular destination for those looking to experience the restaurant’s haunted history firsthand.

The Haunted Restaurant: Over the years, guests and staff have claimed that something supernatural is going on in the old building. How much of the haunted rumors are true?//Source: Melanie Levi/Flickr

Ghostly Happenings in the Restaurant

Lights flicker in the restaurants, and some that have come to have a meal claim to have been shoved by an unseen force. In the kitchen there are strange and angry whispers of ghosts that want them out of the room. Ghosts are said to linger by the fireplace as well as the front door. Seemingly over the whole restaurant as the sound of glasses clink in empty rooms. 

According to Rosanne Martino who was the manager of the restaurant, paintings and pictures put on the walls of the restaurant are also said to keep falling off and machinery malfunctions and goes off at odd times. At one point the staff has even tried to appease the spirits by serving them some Beef Wellington. 

One If by Land, Two If by Sea is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of New York City history. From its haunted past to its famous guests and events, this iconic eatery has a story to tell. 

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References:

About – One if By Land, Two if By Sea

Hauntings at One if By Land, Two if by Sea – Eater NY 

One If by Land, Two If by Sea, New York, NY | Haunted Rooms America

Wine, Dine & Ghosts: One If By Land Two If By Sea

Ziegfeld girl – Wikipedia 

History – One if by Land, Two if by Sea 

Theodosia Burr Alston – Wikipedia

Uncovering the Ghostly Legends of The Driskill Hotel in Austin

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The ghost stories about the cigar smoking cowboy, the two suicide brides as well as the playful ghost of a little girl has haunted the pristine rumor of The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. But how much of the stories are true, and how many ghosts are still checked into the hotel?

Downtown in Austin, Texas, stands a grand hotel with a dark and mysterious past. The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill has been a staple of the city’s skyline for over a century and is the oldest operating hotel in the city. But behind its impressive architecture and luxurious amenities lies a darker side. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Over the years, the Driskill has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the country, with countless ghostly sightings and eerie occurrences reported by guests and staff alike. From the ghost of a young girl who fell to her death down the hotel’s grand staircase to the spirit of a cowboy who met his untimely demise in one of the guest rooms, Driskill’s history is steeped in supernatural lore. 

History of The Driskill Hotel

The Driskill Hotel was built in 1886 by Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron who wanted to create a luxurious hotel that would be the jewel of Austin’s social scene. The hotel was designed by Jasper N. Preston, one of the most prominent architects of the time, and its grand exterior and opulent interior made it an instant icon after its grand opening close to Christmas that year. The Driskill quickly became the center of Austin’s social and political life, hosting events and galas that drew the city’s elite.

Read More: Check out all haunted hotels around the world

But the hotel’s fortunes took a turn when Jesse Driskill lost his fortune in a high-stakes poker game. He was forced to sell the hotel, and it changed hands several times over the years. By the 1920s, the Driskill had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished. That’s when a group of Austin citizens banded together to save the hotel and restore it to its former glory.

Driskill Hotel: The lobby of the Driskoll Hotel in Austin Texas, a portrait of the founder by the stairs believed to still haunt the hotel. // Source: Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikimedia

Today, The Driskill Hotel is a beloved landmark in Austin, known for its rich history and luxurious amenities. But the hotel’s past is not all glamour and elegance – it’s also steeped in ghostly legends and spooky stories.

Ghostly legends of The Driskill Hotel

The Driskill Hotel is no stranger to supernatural activity. Over the years, countless guests and staff members have reported eerie encounters and ghostly sightings. Disembodied voices, apparitions, strange noises, mysterious leaks and cold sensations are only some of the rumors people staying and working at the Driskill have experienced. 

The Haunted Song: “Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man” is a song from rock band Concrete Blonde, from 1992. Napolitano was inspired to write “Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man” after a supernatural experience she had during an overnight stay at the Driskill Hotel, in March 1991, on tour as the opening act for Sting: “There’s this horny ghost there that goes for women. ‘I wanna see you naked,’ that was the vibe. The minute I took my clothes off, I felt like there was someone watching me. He kept turning the lights on and off in my room. I finally unplugged all the lamps. Then he turned on the light in the closet and really slowly opened the closet door, just like a hand was opening it. The light in the closet shined out into the room onto the bed. Then I knew for sure he was there. I just said, ‘I know you’re here, but I know that you’re not going to hurt me, so I’m going to go to sleep now.’ I just got this feeling of amusement, like he was playing. He was just like a rascal. It was like a game. I guess I’m lucky he was in a good mood.”

The amount of information that has been passed down through the years have created many different variations and at times conflicting ghost stories. Here are just a few of the most chilling legends associated with the hotel.

The Ghost of Colonel Driskill

Jesse Driskill, the hotel’s founder, is said to haunt the halls of the Driskill to this day. Right after the hotel opened, he fell under financial stress as he had spent it all on alcohol, women and gambling as well as hotels. Besides the harsh winter and drought the following year after opening killed his cattle. Because of this, he had to give the Driskill up almost as soon as it opened and sold it to his brother in law. He had lost his fortune and built it up again many times, but this time, he wouldn’t recover financially. He died in May, 1890 of a stroke.

Legend has it that his restless spirit wanders the hotel, checking on the guests and staff and making sure everything is running smoothly. Some guests have reported hearing footsteps and the sound of a cane tapping on the floor, as if Colonel Driskill himself is still in residence.  Driskill’s portrait hangs in the hotel’s grand lobby and some claim that this is the man they interacted with. 

It is especially the room that was his favorite, overlooking 6th Street & Brazos that is haunted according to the stories. He has been seen by visitors, smoking a cigar as he looks out the window. 

The smell of cigar is most connected with his haunting, the smell lingering in the lobby he used to greet guests. Security guards also claim to have heard his voice, asking for a match behind them, although nothing was there except the smell. 

The Suicide Brides of The Driskill

Some of the more well known ghost stories from the Driskill are about the brides supposedly haunting it. The staff have reported about a woman crying on the floor when it is empty. Even the singer Annie Lennox claimed that one of the ghost brides had helped her choose a dress when she put two on the bed before taking a shower. When she came back, one of them was back in the closet. 

Some say that perhaps in the 1950s, a bride stayed in room 525 when the fiance called the wedding off the day before. According to the lore, she hanged herself in the room. 

The same thing happened several years later in the same room twenty years later on the same day. Or was it really the same room? Was it even a suicide the first time? Some claim that both brides killed themselves in room 525, but one of the stories is also said to have taken part in Room 329, and at least one source claiming it was in room 427 or 29.

One story goes like this: A bride checked into her room in the early 1990s. Or was it in the early 1980s? 1989 as some claim it was? This was by the way during a time when room 525 was shut off before it reopened for guests in 1998. 

According to the legend, she was a socialite who had just been left by her fiance. She booked a five day stay at the Driskill. She had one final day where she went shopping for around 10 to 40k the second day she stayed there, all on her fiance’s credit card. 

On her third day, she put up a “do not disturb” sign on her door. She lined up all of her new stuff by her bed before shooting herself in the head with a pillow muffling the sound. Some say they found her in the bathtub after they broke into the room after they suspected something was wrong. 

The True Story of the Ghost Brides

How true this story is, is uncertain. There are many dates, room numbers and little detailing of the incidents, especially the first. According to the Austin Ghost Tour, this version was written by an employee in India for a company in New York that has never been to Austin. So what is the true story then?

Police reports talk about Tara, and she was not a socialite. She was said to have bought alcohol, cigarettes and a people magazine, instead of shopping goods. It is said that she would have died of alcohol poisoning if she hadn’t shot herself. 

According to guests staying there, they claim to sometimes see the ghost of the woman dragging her many bags from her shopping day up and down in the halls of the hotel. There is also said to be a ghostly wailing coming from the rooms the brides died in. 

The Child Ghost Playing at the The Driskill Hotel

On the fifth floor of the hotel is a mysterious portrait that is said to have caused supernatural occurrences. The portrait is unnamed, but based on a painting by Charles Trevor Garland (1855-1906) known as “Love Letter” by or for a Richard King. 

It depicts a little girl with flowers in one hand and a letter in the other. Some claim it is haunted by the four year old daughter named Samantha Houson, of the US Senator Temple Lea Houston, who died in a horrible accident at the hotel. 

The girl often called Samantha was playing in the Grand Staircase of the Mezzanine in 1887. This is before the painting was created though, or perhaps around this time. That May the hotel also closed its doors, so it had to have been before this.

Driskill hosted a function that year for a Legislative Session that year. US Senator Temple Lea Houston had seven children. Only four of their children survived childhood and one of them who didn’t was said to have been Samantha. The Senator had given his daughter a ball to play with. Skipping in the staircase she reached for her ball to bounce, but she fell and died of a broken neck. 

People claim to have heard the sound of the ball bouncing from the walls as well as hearing the giggles of a little child. Guests have reported seeing apparitions of children playing in the hallways. When children come back from playing, they often claim to have played with a little girl called Samantha. 

It is especially heard around the stairs, but as mentioned, the portrait on the fifth floor is also said to have strange things like dizziness and strange sensations around it that people often claim is connected to the girl. It is said that the painted girl looks eerily similar to Samantha. Perhaps the wildest story is how the girl’s expression in the painting seems to change when looking away. 

The Presidential Ghost

One of the more famous ghosts said to haunt the hotel is Lady Bird and Lyndon B. Johnson, often referred to as LBJ. The couple first met in the Driskill Dining room in 1934 and returned every year for special occasions. It is said that the hotel was Lyndon B. Johnson’s favorite place in the city. It was even here he waited for the results of his 1948’s Senate run, his 1960’s Vice President run and in the presidential election in 1964. 

Read Also: The Ghost Within The White House

According to those visiting the ballroom, they sometimes claim to see the late president with his wife in the mirrors as they pass by.

The Ghost of a Mrs. Bridge Minding the Front Desk

One of the former employees of the hotel said to haunt it, is Mrs. Bridge. She worked at the hotel for many years in the early 1900s and it is said she is sometimes still working. At night, people claim to have seen a woman in a Victorian dress, fussing over flower arrangements in the lobby. It is said that her apparitions are often accompanied by the smell of roses as she loved flowers when she was alive. She has also been seen walking from the vault to the lobby where the old front desk used to be. 

The Ghost of Peter Lawless

One of the ghosts haunting the hotel is said to have a more poltergeist presence than the other. Peter Lawless worked as a ticket agent for the Great Northern Railroad in the early 20th century. Peter Lawless was born July 23, 1851 and died in Austin on June 29, 1931. After his wife passed, he moved into the Driskill. 

From 1886 to 1916, he lived and worked from the fifth floor where he set up shop. Years it is said he lived there vary. Ever since his death people claim to have seen Lawless coming out from the elevators, looking at the time and his railroad watch and greeting the staff at the front desk before vanishing into thin air. 

Housekeeping claims he is watching them as they are cleaning and there have even been those claiming to have seen him stepping in front of a bus outside the hotel. His ghost is said to have dark hair and pants with a white shirt and a pocket watch.

The Royal Haunting in the Mirrors

The Driskill Hotel is also said to be the place of a certain royal haunting.This haunting legend tied to Empress Carlotta of Mexico. She was born Charlotte and was a princess of Belgium. In the 1850s, Carlotta and her husband, Emperor Maximilian, ruled Mexico, seen as a puppet regime, but their reign ended in tragedy when Maximilian was executed, and Carlotta descended into madness. Heartbroken she survived with the support from European courts, suffering paranoid delusions.

The Ghost of an Empress: Empress Charlotte in mourning clothes. Photography by Eugène Disdéri, 1867.

After their fall, eight ornate gold-framed mirrors, originally meant as a belated wedding gift for Carlotta, made their way to the Driskill in 1930. It is not known if Empress Carlotta knew about the wedding gift at all, but some say that she is now haunting the mirrors. Adorned with a color palette of gold and white, the Maximilian Room features unique accents such as eight lavish gold leaf mirrors, originally discovered in the 1930s. This charming space has since been converted into an area for premium dining events, with 1,500 square feet of space and room for 20 to 150 attendees.

Since their installation in the hotel’s “Maximilian Room,” guests and staff have reported eerie experiences, including sightings of Carlotta’s ghost. One photographer claimed to see a woman in a white gown appear in the mirrors but vanish when he turned around, leaving only her reflection. Many believe Carlotta’s spirit haunts the mirrors, watching over the last remnants of her lost empire.

Why did the Hotel Become Haunted?

The Driskill has had many faiths coming through its doors throughout the years, but could it be another reason for it being haunted? Something older perhaps? One of the many reasons the hotel was built on this exact spot was because of the artesian water right by it. Driskoll thought that this would supply the hotel with water for years to come. 

This artisan water used to be hollow ground for the native Americans though. Both the Apache, Tonkawas as well as the Comanche used to believe that the water from the spring had the power to hold spirits. Many believe this is the foundation that started the haunting. 

Many paranormal investigators have spent numerous nights in the hotel in search of ghosts. Could the hotel really be haunted? Could it be that the ghost of Driskill is still smoking in the lobby, or could it actually be from the tobacco shop that used to be in the lobby still lingering? Could there be something lurking within the mirrors and paintings as well as the rooms not of this world?

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Featured Image: Spawnzilla/ Wikimedia

The Haunted Driskill Hotel – Austin Ghosts

The Haunted Driskill Hotel | Austin’s Haunted Hotel

Who is Haunting the Driskill Hotel? – Austin Ghost Tours

Is this Painting in the Driskill Hotel Haunted by a Little Girl’s Ghost?

The Haunted Driskill Hotel – Austin Ghost Tours 

The Haunted Driskill Hotel — Eerie Lights 

‘I talk to ghosts and they’re my friends – what it’s like working in a haunted hotel’ – Mirror Online

Room With A Boo: Haunted Hotels in Texas

Haunted Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas

Driskill hotel in Austin Tx… Suicide Bride from Houston?

Driskill Hotel

9 Allegedly Haunted Paintings — And The Disturbing True Stories Behind Them

The Love Letter’s Replica Painting Inside The Driskill Hotel

Home of “The Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man” | bumpinthenightblog

Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man – Wikipedia