Fort Phantom, Texas

Fort Phantom Hill in Texas. This historic site was once a military outpost in the 1850s, but now it is a ghost town with a reputation for being haunted by restless spirits.

Fort Phantom Hill was never officially named, but it got its nickname from a legend that says a sentry fired at what he thought was an Indian on the hill, but found no trace of anyone. Some say he saw a ghost, and others say the hill itself seems to disappear like a phantom as you approach it.

The fort was built to protect settlers from hostile tribes, but it was plagued by hardships such as lack of water, wood, and supplies. Many soldiers died from disease, accidents, or attacks, and some were buried in a nearby cemetery that is also said to be haunted.

The fort was abandoned in 1854, but it was briefly used again during the Civil War and later by buffalo hunters and settlers. Today, the fort is preserved as a historic site with 16 buildings still standing, including a guardhouse, a magazine, and a hospital.

Many visitors have reported seeing or hearing strange things at the fort, such as apparitions, voices, footsteps, lights, and cold spots. Some claim to have captured ghostly images on camera or video. Others say they have felt a sense of sadness or dread while walking among the ruins.

The nearby Lake Fort Phantom Hill is also said to be haunted by a watery spirit who is familiarly called the “Lady of the Lake.” This phantom woman has been seen numerous times, the first of which almost 150 years ago, long before the lake even existed.

According to legend, she was a young woman named Mona Bell who was killed by her jealous boyfriend after he returned from the war. He strangled her and threw her into the lake, where she drowned. Ever since then, she has been searching for her lost love along the shoreline.

Some say she likes to make car headlights flicker on and off or surround them with a dense fog. Others say they have seen her walking on the water or floating in the air. She is usually described as wearing a white dress and having long blonde hair.

Fort Phantom Hill is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. Visitors are advised to respect the historic site and not to disturb anything. They are also warned to be careful of rattlesnakes, fire ants, and other wildlife.

If you are brave enough to explore Fort Phantom Hill, you might encounter some of its ghostly residents. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you will surely enjoy learning about the history and mystery of this fascinating place.