Besides being Oklahoma's old territorial capital, Guthrie is one of the oldest cities in the state and is the largest contiguous Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places - making it a haven for old spirits that continue to haunt the town. In fact, the city has been named one of the most haunted places in Oklahoma! Still unsure if this is true? These creepy ghost stories should convince you:
1. Blue Belle Saloon
The establishment of the Blue Belle Saloon has existed since Guthrie’s tent town days during one of Oklahoma’s land rushes. Located on the corner of Harrison Ave. and 2nd Street, the saloon has since been reopened as Blue Bell Grill House. Blue Belle Saloon was a turn-of-the-century structure that was once a bordello run by madame Miss Lizzie. Apparitions have been seen of men and bordello girls, thought to be Miss Lizzie and two of her girls, Claudia and Estelle. Claudia was allegedly beaten to death and buried inside the saloon. Crying, women’s voices, and singing have been heard in the establishment as well.
2. Stone Lion Inn
Stone Lion Inn is known as one of the most haunted places in all of Oklahoma. This stately Victorian mansion now serves as a bed and breakfast but in its former days was a funeral home. The Stone Lion Inn has such a long history and it has been home to many people who refuse to leave it. It was once the home of Mr. and Mrs. Houghton and their twelve children. However, one of the Houghton children, Augusta, became ill and died of whooping cough after the nurse gave her the wrong medicine. One ghost who haunts this inn is said to be Augusta. She is around 8 years old and frequents the third floor. She moves objects and touches guests on the cheek while they are asleep. Another haunt who resides here is that of a man who smokes a pipe.
3. Old Santa Fe Depot
4. Pollard Theatre
Like so many buildings in Guthrie, the building that houses the Pollard Theatre was built at the turn of the century. Originally the building was used as a furniture store and a funeral parlor. In 1919 George Pollard turned the structure into an entertainment venue. The spirits of many past workers refuse to leave. Many people have seen or felt someone walking along the catwalk in the auditorium. One of the most repeated hauntings is the tale of audience members looking into the mirror during intermission and seeing the face of an angry, little old man staring back at them. If you visit the theatre to see one of its showings, keep an open eye out for past crew members that still linger around.
5. Dominion House
The Dominion House was built in 1923 as a Masonic children’s home. The home was occupied until 1978 when it was closed due to changes in the Oklahoma foster care law. After that it remained vacant until 2000, when it was purchased and renovated. There are rumors about caregivers who didn't have the patience or wisdom to deal with defiant children. Acts of abuse and cruelty occured. Some report that there was a nurse who killed herself in the bell tower. A dark shadow has been seen in the bell tower, and as been known to hover around people who had broken in the building when it was abandoned. Another tale describes a cruel headmistress who beat a 6 year old girl to death. Several eye witnesses have seen an apparition of a little girl who appears and pleads for protection. The headmistress was also said to have buried four boys in the basement. It was reported by some that there were some graves in the backyard. The Dominion House now operates as a wedding venue.
6. Old Logan County Memorial Hospital
Originally built in 1925, the five story hospital on the corner of 20th and Warner in Guthrie is now boarded up. But many visitors report that lights inside the hospital have been seen flickering on and off. Apparitions have been seen in third-floor windows and throughout the building. A general, very strong feeling of fear, doom and terror is present at the hospital, and according to witnesses becomes incredibly strong when photographs are taken. This is one of the creepiest abandoned places in Oklahoma there is.
7. First Territorial Prison "Black Jail"
This federal prison was built in 1892 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and was the first in the Midwest. Labeled the "Black Jail" by inmates, the 18-inch thick walls of dark limestone and brick was a penitentiary that was rumored to be non-escapable back in the days of the Wild West. A figure has been seen in the hallway and is believed to be the spirit of James Phillips. On June 1907, Phillips was the first white man sentenced to be hanged at the prison for the murder of a local man. But before the hanging , Phillips died instantly without a sound or even a word of warning.According to witness accounts a young woman’s voice can be heard singing throughout the main level of the building. She has been reported to wear a long printed dress and sports a large brimmed hat with gloves. The woman has only been seen by a select few in the town. The woman has been noticed outside of the prison walking the grounds and on occasion attempting to cross the street of Noble Avenue.
8. Downtown Guthrie
Historic Downtown Guthrie has always been a focal point for stories of spirits, sprights and specters. From the bullet holes in the ceiling of the Bluebell Saloon to the shuttered windows of the Territorial Jail, the downtown area is the backdrop for stories of heartbreak, mysterious happenings, and murderous intent - not to mention a few instances of just plain bad luck. Guthrie Ghost Walk offers 90 minute tours of the downtown area of Guthrie. You will walk the same streets that once hosted famous politicians, activists, actors, and outlaws. You will hear tales of hauntings, sightings, and the unexplained. And if you are lucky-or unlucky- maybe you'll experience an encounter yourself.
Have you experienced any of these hauntings firsthand in Guthrie? Do you know of any others? Tell us your scariest stories in the comments!
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