The Allen House in Arkansas was built in 1906. This Monticello home is a lovely work of architecture, built in the Queen Anne Victorian style, that comes with a terrifying history. Originally, local businessman Joe Lee Allen planned for his beautiful home to be Monticello's showpiece along North Main Street. He made sure the Allen House was an eye-catching structure with impressive porch columns and a neoclassical design with a touch of Gothic decoration.
Allen, his wife, and three daughters moved into the family home and for a while were content.
Allen's business ventures thrived and all was well until his death in 1917.
In 1949, a tragedy cast a shadow over Allen House Arkansas' majestic appearance.
During the last week of 1948, daughter Ladell Allen poisoned herself after consuming mercury cyanide. The new year would begin on a dark note with Ladell's death.
For nearly 40 years her room was sealed off by her grieving mother.
After Mrs. Allen died in 1954, Casa de Los Allen Arkansas was sectioned into apartments and remained a rental property run by the Allen family.
Tenants began seeing strange things and experiencing paranormal activity not long after they moved in.
Below is some footage of ghostly occurrences:
Shadowy figures would appear in photographs taken by residents in Allen House, and furniture rearranged by itself.
This photo was taken about 1910: Sitting are Ladell’s good friend Virginia and to her right Ladell’s friend and Prentiss Savage’s sister, Genevieve. Next to Genevieve is her husband, Arthur, and their son, Arthur Jr. These folks are discussed in the book "A Haunted Love Story: The Ghosts of the Allen House."
Objects around the house would disappear into thin air.
The story of Ladell grew into urban legend, and Allen House Arkansas was declared haunted by residents and locals.
By the time the 21st century rolled around, the property was under new ownership. Paranormal investigations went on per the approval of the home's current owners. Multiple EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) were witnessed during the visit.
One investigation had to be called off, as a tree branch inexplicably fell as the investigators were visiting the property and slightly damaged their equipment.
The Allen House remains a popular hotspot for ghost hunters and historians.
Guided Allen House Monticello tours are conducted by appointment, and special Halloween tours are conducted annually.
Find out more about the Casa de Los Allen Arkansas and when to schedule tours or events on the Allen House Facebook page. And beware of Ladell's spell! Have you ever visited the Allen House in Monticello? Let us know in the comments below.
And while you're there, find out why Monticello is arguably the most charming college town in Arkansas. Don't rush off — curl up for the weekend in a comfy hotel.
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