Known for its cowboy culture, country music, and oil rigs, Texas is filled with big cities and diverse landscapes. While big businesses make Texas a model state for entrepreneurs and establishments, the southern state is also known for something else. It is infamous for being the most haunted state in America. There are over 10,000 cemeteries in Texas, which records almost 250 ghost sightings every 100,000 people.
We have researched various online forums to create a list of some of the most haunted places in Texas.
The Driskill Hotel, Austin
Built in the 19th century, this luxurious hotel is a landmark in the lively downtown of Austin. However, its grandeur is accompanied by a long list of reported paranormal activity. Room 525 in the hotel is claimed to be haunted, with guests often reporting flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched. It started when two brides took their own lives on their respective honeymoons, exactly 20 years apart.
The Alamo, San Antonio
This iconic landmark, the site of a pivotal Mexican Civil War in 1833, is said to be filled with restless spirits. Visitors report sightings of soldiers in period clothing, whispers of battle cries echoing through the halls, and unexplained apparitions of Texan and Mexican soldiers. The Alamo’s violent history has left a mark, creating a place where the spirits still linger.
The Historic Bowers Mansion, Palestine
Constructed in 1878, the 140-year-old Victorian mansion boasts a dark past filled with tragedy. The story goes that Mr. Bowers murdered his wife, Mary, in the 1950s and then took his own life just before the police arrived. The mansion is now rumored to be haunted by the couple and other spirits who met an untimely demise within its walls. Visitors often report unexplained occurrences, cold spots, and feelings of unease.
Bragg Road, Saratoga
This stretch of road near Randolph Air Force Base is known for strange and unsettling experiences. Reports include sightings of shadowy figures, unexplained lights, and a feeling of intense negativity. Some believe the activity is linked to a plane crash that occurred in the area decades ago. In contrast, others think it could be a man who lost his life in a train accident roaming the area.
The Magnolia Hotel, Seguin
Built in 1840, this historic hotel is considered one of the most haunted places in Texas. Several tales surround the location, including the ghost of a young girl who died in a fire, a Confederate soldier who roams the halls, and the restless spirits of previous owners. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of cold spots, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being touched by unseen hands. The hotel is said to have been haunted by 13 spirits.
The Jefferson Hotel, Jefferson
Jefferson, a historical East Texas town, boasts its fair share of haunted locations, with the Jefferson Hotel at the top of the list. This grand hotel is said to be haunted by several entities, including the original owner, Asa Briggs, and a Civil War soldier. Guests report sightings of figures in period clothing, strange noises, and unexplained apparitions. Ghost tours and paranormal investigations are often conducted at the Jefferson Hotel, and Room 19 is haunted.
La Carafe, Houston
A French restaurant in Houston, La Carafe occupies a building with a long, and some would say haunted history. The structure served as a mortuary hundreds of years ago, and many believe the spirits of those who passed through remain. Guest reports have mentioned cold spots, strange voices, and the feeling of being watched. The restaurant itself leans into its spooky history, as its menu features items that fall under the ‘graveyard menu.’
USS Lexington, Corpus Christi
This decommissioned World War II aircraft carrier turned museum is said to be haunted by the spirits of sailors who lost their lives during the war. Visitors report strange noises, objects moving independently, and feelings of unease in some regions of the ship. The Lexington offers overnight ghost hunts for those interested in spending the night among the spirits of the past. It is even portrayed as a museum among the general public.
Marfa Lights, Marfa
Probably not as horrifying as some of the other places on the list, Marfa Lights is a mysterious phenomenon occurring near the town of Marfa in West Texas. Eerie lights appear and disappear on the horizon, often described as red, blue, or white orbs. There’s no scientific explanation for the Marfa Lights, leading to speculation about extraterrestrial activity, paranormal energy, or even car headlights reflecting off the desert landscape.
Hotel Galvez, Galveston
Built almost like a stunning palace, this historic hotel on Galveston Island is believed to be haunted. While it looks grand on the outside, the inside is frequented by the spirit of Audra, the Ghost Bride. She hung herself from one of the hotel towers as she waited for her fiance to return from a voyage. Guests in Room 501 – the most haunted room – often report water faucets going off or flickering lights.
The Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells
This hotel was once a popular tourist destination as a health spa. However, financial troubles led to its closure, after which it gained notoriety as a hub for paranormal activities. Visitors often feel like they are being watched as they hear unexplained noises and see flickering lights.
The Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio
Originally built as a medical facility, this hotel has served as a hospital for decades. In the following years, there have been multiple stories about the spirits of patients who passed away at the hospital. Some reports detail sightings of figures in hospital gowns, objects moving unexpectedly, and sudden changes in temperature. The Emily Morgan Hotel, due to its past use, offers a particularly chilling atmosphere for those seeking a paranormal encounter.
