Old houses mean a lot of history, and from a long history ghost stories often are formed. All of these haunted houses in Missouri have had reports of supernatural activity, some more sinister than others.
1. The Governor’s Mansion, Jefferson City
This mansion has been home to Missouri governors since 1872. Former resident Thomas Crittenden's daughter was born in 1873 and died in the mansion at age 10 from diphtheria. A century later, the home was being renovated and a workman asked the housekeeper who the little girl was who had been playing upstairs all day. There was no little girl living there at the time. This spooked the workman and he left, refusing to return. Since then, plenty of paranormal activity has been noted here.
2. The Epperson House, Kansas City
Built around 1920, and now a part of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the house was originally owned by Uriah Epperson and has a long history of hauntings. The ghosts are said to be those of Uriah's adopted daughter, and Uriah himself. A woman appears in an evening gown, and organ music is heard late at night. This could be related to the fact that she died in the home at the age of 47 during the time in which the organ was being constructed in the house. Also, a man's arm in a blue suit has been seen turning off a light. The Epperson House was featured on TV's Unsolved Mysteries as one of the Top 5 U.S. Haunted Houses and it's well known for being one of the most haunted places in Kansas City.
3. The Ravenswood Estate, Bunceton
Built in 1880, Ravenswood was the grand home of wealthy couple Nadine and Charles Leonard. The home hosted many parties and was the place to be. Nadine died in a bedroom at age 90 and her body was taken out of the home for funeral preparation. A servant, attempting to retrieve clothing for the burial, found the bedroom door locked from the inside. They looked in the room by climbing a ladder and looking in the window. No one was there. They tried and tried to get the door open to no avail. Finally, a servant left to get tools to force the door open. Upon his return the door was open. Over the years, reports of other phenomenon have occurred, including objects being thrown, a music box playing, and sounds of music and laughter coming from the grounds. For a long time, Ravenswood was open to the public for tours, but now it is private property and does not welcome guests.
4. The Guitar Mansion, Columbia
This beautiful home was built in 1859 by David Guitar. Local legend states that Guitar became a confederate soldier during the American Civil War. The house was spared destruction during the war, however, because David's brother, who had become a Union soldier, prevented it. They never spoke again after the war. While the story has never been fully verified, one thing is for certain - this ornate, historic house is haunted. The house is said to be occupied by many ghosts including a young boy and several enslaved people.
5. Vaile Mansion, Independence
Besides former owner Mrs. Vaile appearing in the window or around the property grounds, it is also believed that the home's former use as an asylum left negative energies and residual hauntings. The Vaile Mansion is one of the most haunted spots in Missouri, and it makes for a fun creepy Missouri day trip destination if you're into all things spooky.
6. Fear (or Screaming) House in Union
The truly horrifying account of one man's experience with this house was written by former tenant Stephen LaChance. They were amazed at the low rent and puzzled by the latches on the outside of all the doors. What started as small things such as a painting that kept falling off the wall, turned into a malevolent dark ghostly figure, a screaming man, and an attack by the house itself finally forcing them to leave. Turned out the house has had a long history of tenants leaving unexpectantly. Read more of this eerie Missouri ghost story and think about what you would do if you lived here.
7. Former Grand Avenue Bed and Breakfast, Carthage
This early 20th century house is said to be haunted by a cigarette smoking man named Albert Carmean. It is said that, random smoke smells in the dining room and parlor indicate when he's around. For years, it was a welcoming Bed and Breakfast, but it's now permanently closed.
8. Kendrick House, Carthage
Kendrick House was built in 1849 and is one of the oldest standing homes in Missouri. It was inhabited by the Kendrick family and their descendents for around 130 years and many deaths occurred during that time. Interactions with a child spirit have been reported as well as shadowy figures, and the spirit of a slave woman who had been hung from a nearby tree. You can take a ghost tour of his haunted house in Missouri if you're brave enough.
9. Anderson House, Lexington
Now part of the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, this house is reported be be haunted by soldiers who fought on or near the site during the Civil War. The house was built in 1853.
10. Lehmann House, St. Louis
Reports of shadowy figures, voices which seem to come from nowhere, and banging sounds, lead many to believe the house is haunted by the spirit of Mr. Edward Rowse, the original owner, who died in the dining room. The Lehmann House is a Bed & Breakfast - are you brave enough to stay the night in this haunted Missouri hotel?
11. The Guibourd - Valle House, Ste. Genevieve
With reports of strange phenomenon going all the way back to at least 1939, this Creole-style house is located in a truly unique Missouri town. It was built in 1806 and is said to still be haunted. Reports have included furniture being knocked over or thrown, footsteps in the servants quarters, breaking glass, banging, a harpsichord playing itself, and visions of spirits.
12. Longview Mansion, Lee's Summit
Built in 1914 by lumber millionaire Robert A. Long, the mansion is rumored to be haunted by his daughter, Loula, who had been a renowned horsewoman before her death. She is seen riding on horseback, and her bed often appears to have been slept in. Plenty of people believe that Kansas City is the most haunted town in Missouri and Longview is just part of the region's spooky lore.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you have to admit some of these stories give you the chills. Do you know of any other haunted homes? If you're brave enough to want to experience some paranormal activity for yourself, why not book yourself a room at one of the most haunted houses in Missouri? These 6 Haunted Hotels in Missouri Will Make Your Stay a Nightmare... make a reservation if you dare!
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