In older cities, the imagination likes to run wild. With so many mysterious antique buildings, stories of a haunted history inevitably begin to circulate. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of the oldest buildings in Cleveland is purportedly haunted. But what if the stories are true...?
Welcome to the Grays Armory.
Located at 1234 Bolivar Road, this Romanesque stunner was completed in 1893 for use by the Cleveland Grays.
The Cleveland Grays were a volunteer private military company, though today they preserve the region's military heritage.
The group assisted local law enforcement and also provided a buffer for the city, a realistic defense in the midst of the Canadian Rebellions of 1837.
The Grays saw service during the Civil War and the Spanish–American War, and they volunteered as private citizens in the Mexican Punitive Expedition and World War I.
After 1903, private military companies were no longer able to officially participate in military affairs, and members of the Grays had to enlist as private citizens. World War I was the last time the group enlisted together, though many members continued to serve in various branches and conflicts over the years.
Today, their iconic armory is a public museum that preserves local and national military heritage.
The artifacts within these walls are fascinating, and the stories that would be told if walls could talk are humbling to consider.
The building and the wonders therein are also reported to be haunted.
Visitors and staff have reported a woman in white appearing by the armory's piano. No matter where it is moved, she seems to travel with it.
Disembodied voices and doors locking seemingly of their own accord are both common occurrences at the old armory.
Ghost Hunters, the team of paranormal experts on SyFy, investigated the building and found evidence of a haunting. They concluded, however, that whatever spirits linger seem lively and interested in having a good time rather than causing an anger-fueled disturbance.
From apparitions of military men to ghostly footsteps that do not set off security alarms, the activity in this building has spooked locals to the bone...
...Are you brave enough to pay it a visit?
Public tours take place on the first Wednesday of every month, and special events often take place to give the public the opportunity to enter and explore this castle-like structure. Will you be visiting this haunted historic place?
This gorgeous building is more than enough to capture the imagination, but its rich and fascinating history make its stories of hauntings feel all the more believable. What do you think? Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?
For more haunted history, check out this creepy manor that once sat abandoned.
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