Diamond Lil and the Ghosts of the University of Arizona

Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the oldest university in Arizona, predating the state itself by 27 years. It is a large school with a total enrolment of around 40,000 students and is known for its research in astronomy. The aesthetically appealing campus occupies 380 acres in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. While attending class and strolling its park-like paths and sidewalks, students have occasionally reported startling encounters with the unknown. Although scientific pursuits have led many to dismiss these sightings, rumours of ghosts in several campus buildings persist. Old Main, Maricopa Hall, and Centennial Hall are just the most prominent places believed to be haunted.

Built in the late-1880s when the University of Arizona was known as Territorial University of Arizona College of Mines, Old Main is the oldest building on campus. It is rumoured to be haunted by Carlos Maldenado, who supervised its construction and lived in Tucson from 1841 until his murder in 1888. One dark night, startled construction workers found Maldenado sitting in a chair in the unfinished building with a large buffalo skinners knife sticking out of his throat. It was believed that he had been murdered by locals angry over Tucson losing its position as territorial capitol in favour of becoming home to the college. The historic building fell out of use in the early 1900s and was in serious need of repair when the United States War Department took it over to train officers at the outbreak of World War 2.

During renovation in the winter of 1941/42, construction workers began to report strange experiences. Since then, Maldenado’s ghost, described as a shadowy figure, has been spotted around the building by students and faculty. While working on more repairs to Old Main in 2013, Sundt Construction foreman Tomás Avilez told University of Arizona News that he had twice seen Maldenado’s ghost. “He doesn’t stand still long enough to take a picture,” he said. “He kind of hides. I’m not afraid of him, because I’m not afraid of stuff like that, but if you sit in the attic long enough, he might appear.”

Another tragic spectre supposedly haunts Maricopa Hall, a female dormitory. According to uofamystery.org, the haunting stems from an incident that occurred before the dorm was built or the university even existed. Diamond Lil and Two Tooth Gertie, two Tucson-based dance hall girls, became bitter rivals in the 1860s. Near an abandoned Spanish Cattle Rancho, on what would become the campus of University of Arizona, Two Tooth Gertie wounded Diamond Lil with a knife. Lil returned the compliment with her Pearl Handled Smith & Wesson .32 caliber Derringer pistol and shot Gertie in the face. With her dying breath, the saloon girl cursed Diamond Lil and the desert on which she lay. Later, Diamond Lil collaborated with many townsfolk to purchase a tract of land for the new college. Since that day, Two Tooth Gertie’s curse has hung over the university.

Maricopa Hall was constructed between 1918 and 1921. According to legend, it was originally a mansion for the college president. While attending a party at the mansion, a young woman found her fiance in bed with another woman (or man, in some versions). She was so distraught over the discovery that she ended her life in the bathroom. Maricopa Hall, however, was never a mansion. That has not stopped many students from retelling the tale or describing eerie encounters with the ghost of a sorrowful young woman.

Two ghosts are believed to inhabit Centennial Hall: that of a young man and a female. The male phantom is known for appearing in black clothes and for his loud, obnoxious laughter. It is rumoured that he was killed in a duel when the territory still belonged to Spain. The female dresses in dark coloured Victorian garb and always seems to be in a hurry–pushing her way past theatre patrons on her way to see classical performances. Centennial Hall was built over the university’s original auditorium, and so the ghost stories may have carried over from that bygone era.

History is often deposited in layers, and the ghost stories and legends at the University of Arizona illustrate that characteristic. Most of its tales date from before its founding or to events that occurred during construction of its buildings, opening a window to the university’s eclectic history. These tales have kept the memory of colourful characters like Diamond Lil and Two Tooth Gertie alive. If you are ever in southern Arizona, take the time to visit this beautiful campus. You never know what you may encounter.

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Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Hotel Monte Vista has numerous paranormal guests they can’t get rid of. The hotel, which opened as the Community Hotel in 1927—named after the townspeople who helped raised the funds for its construction—has a history of underground opium dens, speakeasies, and gambling. Today, the hotel is known for the paranormal activity that haunts some of the rooms and halls.

Guests who’ve stayed in room 220 have experienced the TV changing channels on its own accord, and some have said they felt cold hands touching them in their sleep. There’s also reportedly a phantom bellboy who knocks on doors and announces “room service,” but when guests get to the door, no one's there. One of the more popular—and possibly most disturbing encounters—is the sound of an infant crying in the basement. The hotel website reads, “Staff have found themselves running upstairs to escape the sound of the cries. Though the sounds are very real to those who hear them, there has been no information that has explained the phenomenon.”

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Sleeping With Ghosts in Arizona

Alpine

The Black River in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests – Diamond Rock Campground – Once called home to the Apache Indians; this campground in the White Mountains sits alongside the East Fork of the Black River. The campsite in a forested valley, shaded by tall ponderosa pines is said to be the site of paranormal activity. According to reports, photographic anomalies of a phantom woman have appeared in photos taken here. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, P.O. Box 640, Springerville, Arizona 85938, 928-333-4301.

Bisbee

Bisbee Inn, Hotel La More – Built in 1916 by S.P. Bedford, the substantial 24-room hotel was leased to Mrs. Kate La More just one year later. Over the years, the old hotel changed hands a number of times until it was fully renovated in the 1980’s and again in 1996. Today, the spirit of an old woman is said to lurk about the hotel, especially in Room 13. Bisbee Inn, Hotel La More, 45 OK St., Bisbee Arizona 85603, 520- 432-5131.

Bisbee Grand Hotel – Constructed in 1906, the hotel originally was called home to traveling mining executives. In the late 1980’s the entire hotel was closed and renovated to become the elegant Victorian hotel that it is today. Travelers visiting experience rooms and suites appointed with antiques and family heirlooms. They might also experience a couple of resident ghosts. Known as quiet ghosts, a male spirit has often been spied downstairs, while a female is seen on the upper level. But, of these ghosts, all they do is show themselves as they are not known to make a racket or move things around like some many apparitions that tend to lurk about hotels. Bisbee Grand Hotel, 61 Main St. Bisbee, Arizona 85603, 520- 432-5900 or 800- 421-1909.

Clawson House Inn – This former mansion, turned guest inn, has been standing in historic Bisbee since its copper mining heydays. Built by Spencer Clawson, a mine manager in 1895, the inn is said to continue to be haunted by his wife. Also lurking about are the spirits of three miners who were murdered in the late 1890’s. It was during this time that a labor dispute erupted between the miners and the Queen Mine. Outside “scabs” were brought in by the mining company to cross the picket lines. Three of these men who were bunking at the Clawson House were killed by the strikers. Clawson House, 116 Clawson Ave. PO Box 1152, Bisbee, Arizona 85603, 520-432-7434.

Copper Queen Hotel, Bizbee, Arizona

Copper Queen Hotel – Built in 1902, by the Copper Queen Mining Company, the hotel attracted numerous dignitaries and mining executives, as well as flamboyant Old West cowboys and miners during its early heydays. Today, it is said to continue to play host to three resident ghosts. The most famous of its ghosts is a former prostitute by the name of Julia Lowell. Alas, poor Julia made the mistake of falling in love with one of her customers and when he rejected her, she killed herself at the hotel. She, an older gentleman, complete with a top hat, and a young boy have all been seen at this historic inn. Other phenomena includes the aroma of cigar smoke, objects that mysteriously move, the sounds of footsteps running through the halls, and electrical appliances that turn on and off by themselves. Copper Queen Hotel, 11 Howell Avenue, Bisbee, Arizona 85603, 520-432-2216.

Oliver House – Built in 1909 by Edith Ann Oliver, the wife of a local mining official, the house now serves as a 12-room Bed and Breakfast. The building served as a residence, a mining office and a boarding house over the years. According to reports, 27 people died in the house since it was built, including a mass murder and an unsolved murder. Today, it is allegedly haunted by five different spirits. Phenomena includes ghostly footsteps roaming the hallways at night, strange cold spots throughout the building, a rocking chair that moves of its own accord, doors, and shutters that open by themselves, and the sound of water running through pipes that no longer exist. Oliver House, PO Box 1681, 26 Sowle, Bisbee, Arizona 85603, 520-432-1900.

Chandler

San Marcos Hotel and Golf Resort – Setting the standard for luxury in 1912 and beyond, the San Marcos was the first golf resort in Arizona. Today, a number of strange things are said to occur at this historic resort, including phone calls received to the desk from non-existent extensions, the moaning of man, and the ghostly figure of a woman has been spied. San Marcos Golf & Conference Resort, One San Marcos Place, Chandler, Arizona 85225, 800-528-8071 or 480-812-0900.

Douglas

Gadsen Hotel, Douglas, Arizona

Gadsen Hotel – First built in 1907, the hotel quickly became the home-away-from-home for miners, ranchers, businessmen and dignitaries, including numerous Arizona Governors and Eleanor Roosevelt. Leveled by a fire, it was rebuilt in 1929. Over the years, it slipped into despair until it was rescued in 1988. Today, it is said to be haunted by a headless ghost who some say is Pancho Villa who often spied in the hallways and in the basement. The young spirit of an Indian boy is also been seen on the mezzanine, and an elderly woman called Sara has been seen on the fourth floor. Gadsen Hotel, 1046 G Avenue, Douglas, Arizona 85607, 520-364-4481.

Flagstaff

Hotel Weatherford – This historic hotel has been serving guests since its opening on New Year’s Day in 1900, with such visitors as newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, former President Theodore Roosevelt, and lawman Wyatt Earp. Along with its rich history, a couple was reportedly murdered in the hotel in the 1930s. The staff has reported that one employee who was staying in the hotel, awoke in the middle of the night to find a bride and groom sitting at the foot of the bed. In addition, another guest relayed that while taking an early morning stroll through the hotel, he spied the silhouette of a young woman darting from one side of the room to the other in the hotel’s ballroom. Other reports tell of low whispers and voices coming from the empty lounge. Hotel Weatherford, 23 N. Leroux St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, 928-779-1919.

 

Monte Vista Hotel, Flagstaff, Arizona

Monte Vista Hotel – Opening on New Year’s Day, 1927, this historic hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places has been fully restored to its former glory and continues to serve the traveling public today. Haunted by several ghosts including a phantom bellboy that knocks on doors then disappears, a female ghost has been seen walking the halls, a 1970’s bank robber who died in the lounge, and a long-ago resident of the hotel that can be heard clearing his throat and coughing. Hotel Monte Vista, 100 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, 928-779-6971 or 800-545-3068.

Globe

Noftsger Hill Inn – High above the Cobre Valley in the shadow of the Old Dominion mine, this building was built in 1907 as a school. Today the six-room inn, is filled with rustic elegance and framed by mining era houses, stands as a monolithic monument to miners, academics, and architects. Today guests tell of continuing to hear the sounds of ghostly children’s voices at the inn, phantom guests often appear, and footsteps are heard when no one is there. Other phenomena include ghostly spook lights that are said to appear and objects that inexplicably move of their own accord. Noftsger Hill Inn, 425 North Street, Globe, Arizona 85501, 928-425-2260 or 877-780-2479.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand View Trail, Grand Canyon, 1906

El Tovar Hotel – Built just twenty feet from the very edge of the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel opened amidst much fan fair on January 14, 1905. Built by the Fred Harvey Company, the log and stone hotel out-shone every other area hotel of its time. In the front of this historic hotel in the middle of the U-shaped parking lot, is the grave of a former Harvey Girl who died long ago.

The spirit of a black-caped figure has often been seen walking along the pathway leading from the El Tovar Hotel, passing by the grave, and then disappearing behind the Hopi House. The ghost of Fred Harvey, himself, has been seen on the third floor during the holiday season inviting guests to the annual Christmas gathering. Allegedly, the third floor and the kitchen are the most haunted places at the hotel. Grand Canyon Lodges, West Rim Dr., Grand Canyon Village, Arizona. 303-297-2757 reservations only; 928/638-2631 direct to hotel (no reservations).

Jerome

Connor Hotel – Built in 1898 by David Connor, the original hotel offered 20 guest rooms as well as a saloon, card rooms and billiards on the first floor. However, before the turn of the century, the hotel would burn to the ground twice. Rebuilt each time, the hotel was known as one of the finest hotels in the West and was often filled to capacity. However, when the mines began to die, so did the hotel and in 1931 it closed. The lower space was then leased for a variety of shops during the next several decades. In the 1960s and 1970’s, the building again became a hotel, albeit low budget. In the 1980’s it closed again due to safety violations and remained empty up until the 21st century. After extensive renovations, the hotel opened once again. Today, the hotel sports a number of odd stories including a guest who stayed in Room 1, who heard whispers and women laughing, objects that move of their own accord in Room 2, and a ghostly dog who growls beneath the door of Room 4. Connor Hotel, 164 Main St., Jerome, Arizona 86331, (928) 634-5006 or 800-523-3554.

Mile High Inn – Built in 1899, the structure was known as the Clinksdale Building. Serving various purposes through the years, it was the one time home of Madam Jennie Bauters Bordello. Today, it serves as a charming eight guest room inn. It also is said to continue to host several resident ghosts, including a phantom cat that walks the halls and leaves its footprints on the beds. The former madam of the brothel is often seen in the Lariat and Lace Room as well as keeping an eye on the kitchen. Another ghost of an elderly gentleman has also been spied as well as a grumpy younger man. Other phenomena includes locked doors that open and close by themselves, furniture that is mysteriously rearranged, and utensils that fly off their resting places in the kitchen, cold winds blowing through the rooms, and more. Mile High Inn, 309 Main Street, P.O. Box 901, Jerome, Arizona 86331, 928-634-5094.

Jerome Grand Hotel – Constructed in 1926, the building first served as the United Verde Hospital. By the 1930’s it was known as one of the most modern and well-equipped hospitals in Arizona. However, when the mining played out, the hospital was closed in 1950. It then sat silent and unused for the next 44 years, until it was renovated into the Jerome Grand Hotel. Almost immediately upon opening its doors in 1997, ghostly reports began to be told. From those many patients who suffered and died within the confines of this building, the sounds of labored breathing and coughing is often heard coming from otherwise empty rooms. Ghostly lights are often known to appear in empty rooms as well. Two female apparitions have been spied. One, dressed in white with a clipboard is thought to have been a former nurse. Another is thought to be the spirit of a woman who died in childbirth. Others have reported seeing a ghostly child running through the bar area late at night. Other phenomena includes the sounds of screaming, doors that open and close by themselves, and footsteps heard in empty hallways. Jerome Grand Hotel, 200 Hill St., Jerome, Arizona 86331, 928-634-8200 or 888-817-6788.

Ghost City Inn – Built around 1890, this building has been utilized for several purposes throughout the years, including a boarding house, funeral home, art gallery, and a religious retreat before undergoing a major renovation to become the Ghost City Inn. Today, this historic building is said to remain home to a female spirit who is most often seen in the Cleopatra Hill room. Another male spirit has been spied in the hall outside the Verde View Room. Other unusual things occur at the inn, including doors slamming shut by themselves and spectral voices heard when no one is in the building. Ghost City Inn, 541 Main Street (HWY 89A), Jerome, Arizona 86331, 888-634-4678.

Oatman

Oatman, Arizona Hotel Sign.

Oatman Hotel – Built in 1902, this historic hotel was first called the Drulin Hotel. The eight-room hotel did a brisk business to area miners, especially after two miners struck a rich vein that would end up being a 10 million dollar gold find in 1915. The hotel continued to cater to travelers of the Mother Road when Route 66 barreled through this historic town and continues to please customers today. One spirit that is said to haunt this old hotel is referred to as “Oatie,” who was an Irish miner who was found dead behind the hotel long ago. Today, he is said to often appear in the guestrooms and has been seen running down the stairs and out the front door. Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night here and today are said to return to Room 15. Today, the Oatman Hotel no longer provides accommodations for guests but still serves as a museum. Oatman Hotel, 181 Main Street, Oatman, Arizona.

Phoenix

Hotel San Carlos Inn – Competed in 1927, the Italian Renaissance-inspired hotel was touted as one of the most modern hotels in the Southwest at the time. Being the first high-rise, fully air-conditioned hotel of the day, it soon became a gathering place for Phoenix’s elite as well as numerous Hollywood stars. Built upo9n the original site of Phoenix’s first elementary school, several spirits of young boys have often been seen at the hotel. However, it’s most famous ghost is that of a woman named Leone Jensen who killed herself in 1928 by jumping off the roof of the seven-story hotel. Most often spied as a white, misty figure, eerie moaning sounds often accompany her spirit. Other reports include the sounds of children running through the halls and playing in empty rooms. Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, 602-253-4121 or 866-253-4121.

Panographic Map, Phoenix, Arizona, 1885

The Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs Resort – Featuring dramatic views of the Valley of the Sun, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers over 500 rooms within a three-acre oasis of waterfalls, streams, and gardens. It also provides guests with the potential to spy a ghost. Some 20 years ago a drunken man attending a wedding reception walked up to the cliffs behind the ballroom of the hotel and fell to his death. Today, he is said to continue to haunt the main ballroom as well as the boiler room. Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs Resort, 11111 North 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020, 602-866-7500 or 800-947-9784

Prescott

Hassyampa Inn – In 1927 the Hassyampa Inn opened as Prescott’s grand hotel. Almost from its beginning, it was destined to be haunted when a honeymoon couple checked in as two of the hotel’s first guests. Checked into the balcony suite, the groom soon stepped out to buy a pack of cigarettes. However, as the hapless bride waited, her groom never returned. After three days, the devastated bride hanged herself off the bell tower above her room. Today her ghost, called Faith, apparently continues to wait for her long lost love. Numerous sightings of her spirit have been seen throughout the inn, crying at the end of a bed, holding flowers, and floating through the hallways in a pink gown. She is also thought to be behind such pranks as shutting off the gas burners in the kitchen, spilling coffee, and flapping bed sheets. In addition to the forlorn bride and child is thought to lurk within the hotel, as a bouncing ball is often heard by guests and staff. Hassyampa Inn, 122 East Gurley Street, Prescott, Arizona, 86301, 928-778-9434 or 800 322-1927.

Hotel Vendome – Built in 1917, this two-story landmark hotel has hosted not only travelers but a number of Hollywood celebrities over the years. At some point in the early 1900s, Abby came to Prescott in an attempt to heal herself of tuberculosis, then called “consumption.” She soon met and married a man and the pair bought the hotel. After a time, they lost the hotel due to unpaid taxes. However, the generous new owners allowed the couple to stay on at the hotel at no charge. Somewhere along the line, when her husband went out to get medicine, he never returned. The devastated Abby refused to eat or drink and ended up dying of starvation in Room 16 in 1921. After World War II, guests began to report seeing Abby, along with her cat in the room that she died. Apparently still waiting for her husband’s return, she is described as a benevolent ghost, friendly to those that she encounters. Hotel Vendome, 230 South Cortez Street, Prescott, Arizona 86303, 928-776-0900 or 888-468-3583.

Scottsdale
Hermosa Inn – Built by cowboy artist Alonzo (Lon) Megargee as his home and studio in the late 1930’s, he worked without formal plans using adobe brick and wooden beams from an abandoned mine. To supplement his income, he began running the property as a guest ranch. In 1941, he was forced to sell the Casa Hermosa, along with many of its furnishings and original artwork. Today, the beautifully restored inn welcomes guests to a secluded oasis that is tastefully decorated to reflect the region’s rich heritage. But Lon never really wanted to leave his beautiful home, even after his death in 1960. He is said to continue to make appearances in his cowboy dress as well as flushing toilets and sometimes breaking glasses. Hermosa Inn, 5532 North Palo Cristi, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253, 602-955-8614 or 800-241-1210.

Sunsites
Coronado National Forest – Cochise Stronghold – Located to the west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains, this beautiful woodland area was once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people. At an elevation of 5,000 feet, Cochise Stronghold lies in a protective area of granite domes and sheer cliffs. In this area the spirit of a man playing a flute has often been seen atop the boulders that tower over the campsites. Cochise himself is said to walk among the hills. Coronado National Forest, Douglas Ranger District, 3081 N. Leslie Canyon Rd., Douglas, Arizona 85607, 520-364-3468.

Tombstone

Buford House Bed & Breakfast – This adobe home was built in the 1880’s by George Buford, a prominent mine owner. Before becoming the bed and breakfast of today, it was called home to two sheriffs, a mayor, a state senator, and none other than Hollywood star John Wayne. Today, it is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young man who committed suicide after his girl rejected him. Both the owners and guests have seen him walking inside the home, as well as along the street in front of the old adobe structure. Often, the doorbell rings in the middle of the night, seemingly, of its own accord. Others have reported hearing knocking on walls, faucets turning themselves on and off, and strange lights appearing. Once in a while, women report that they have felt someone touch their hair or stroke the back of their necks when no one is around. Buford House, 113 E Safford St, Tombstone, Arizona 85638, 520-457-3969.

Tucson

Hotel Congress – Built in 1919, the hotel was constructed to serve the growing cattle and railroad industries. The roaring 1920’s saw the hotel filled with both genteel travelers and high rollers. However, this changed temporarily when on January 22, 1934, a fire started in the basement of the hotel and spread upwards through the elevator shaft. As the firemen helped the guests out of the windows via aerial ladders, an astute firefighter recognized several of the men as members of the John Dillinger Gang. Passing the information along, a stakeout was established and in the space of just a few hours, the Tucson police had captured the gang that the combined forces of several states and the FBI had not been able to do. Today, the hotel has been artfully restored to its original Western version of art deco. Though no known ghosts of the Dillinger Gang haunt the hotel, it is home to a couple of other unearthly spirits. One known ghost, who is often spied staring out of a window, is of a man who suffered a heart attack and died in the hotel. Room 242 is also said to be haunted by a troubled woman who shot herself in the bathroom after a standoff with the police and a SWAT team. Her apparition has been seen in the bathroom and in the hallway outside the room. Others have reported hearing strange noises and having nightmares when staying in the room. The Hotel Congress, 311 East Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701, 520-622-8848 or 800-722-8848.

Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast – The oldest Victorian-era inn operating in Arizona, this adobe crafted mansion was built in 1878. Utilizing a combination of architectural styles, the classic 19th century home, hides an abundance of period antiques and beautiful woodwork inside. Originally serving as the personal home and offices for a prominent Judge Blenman, his descendants continued to occupy the home into their old age. Afterwards, the building began to fall into disrepair and was converted into small apartments. In 1998, it was fully restored to become the beautiful bed and breakfast inn of today. Judge Blenman seemingly doesn’t wish to leave his old home as he has often been spied in the inn, most often in the Sydney Marie Suite that once served as his law office. He has also been seen at the private entrance to the patio that adjoins the room and in the grand main hall. The Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast Inn, 204 South Scott Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85701, 520-670-9022 or 877-670-9022.

Williams

The Red Garter Bed & Bakery in Williams, Arizona

Red Garter Bed & Bakery – Located in an 1897 restored saloon and bordello, this two-story Victorian Romanesque brick building with twelve-foot ceilings, skylights, and antique furnishings captures the 1890’s old western atmosphere without giving up the comfort and security expected by today’s traveler. Once considered the rowdiest business on William’s Saloon Row, the saloon and brothel continued to be operated until the mid-1940s, when a murder committed on the stairs of the Red Garter led to a city-wide crackdown on saloons and houses of ill repute. The building then served several different businesses including a general store and a rooming house. In 1994 it opened as the Red Garter Bed and Bakery. Guests not only enjoy the bakery delicacies, but also that of a resident spirit called Eve. Described as a shy Hispanic girl, she has appeared in photographs, left her impression on mattresses, and has been heard coming up and down the stairs when no one else is present. The Red Garter Bed & Bakery, 137 Railroad Avenue, Williams, Arizona 86046, 928-635-1484 or 800-328-1484.

Yuma

Hotel Lee – Built in 1917 in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style, the Hotel Lee is Yuma’s oldest hotel. Located on a corner of what was once the busy Main Street of Yuma at the southern terminus of the commercial district, the hotel has been fully restored today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also allegedly haunted by at least three different female spirits. The first of the original owner who has been seen walking down the halls at night and has been known to knock and rattle the doors of the rooms. An Indian woman thought to predate the hotel has also been spied at the hotel most often hovering above the guest beds. Employees also blame her for moving tools and other small items only to replace them in odd places. The third is a young teenage girl who has been spied walking down the back hall in the evening carrying towels. Hotel Lee, 390 South Main Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364, 928-783-6336.

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The Haunted Oatman Hotel, Arizona

Oatman, Arizona Hotel Sign

In the historic town of Oatman, Arizona sits the haunted Oatman Hotel. Oatman was first established as a tent city in the early 1900s and the historic hotel, called the Drulin Hotel, was built in 1902. The eight room hotel did a brisk business to area miners, especially after two miners struck a rich vein that would end up being a 10 million dollar gold find in 1915. Prior to that time, the town had been little more than a mining camp. The rich gold discovery brought hundreds of new settlers and within one year’s time, Oatman had grown to more than 3,500 residents.

In just a few short years, Oatman suffered three major fires that almost destroyed the town. However, the town was rebuilt, and the old hotel was repaired in 1920, continuing to host its many guests.

However, both the population and the mining boom were short-lived. The largest mining company, United Eastern Mines, shut down its operations in 1924 and the town almost died. But with the advent of Route 66, the old town and the hotel hung on, catering to the many travelers along the new highway.

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard after their marriage.

According to the Hotel (*see special note at end of article), on March 29, 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night there after having been married in Kingman, Arizona. Remembering this memorable night, the couple often returned to the hotel for the peace and solitude it afforded them. Clark was known to spend many a night playing poker with some of the miners. Sadly, Carole Lombard was killed in a plane crash in January 1942. Though devastated, Clark continued with his life and his career and later married again.

Over the years, the old hotel carried a number of names but was changed to the Oatman Hotel in the 1960s. When Route 66 was replaced with the interstate, Oatman again suffered a devastating blow and dwindled to just a few gift shops and restaurants. Today only about 100 people live in Oatman year-round.

The Oatman Hotel is one of the biggest attractions of the small village as the word of its mischievous ghosts has spread far and wide. The first and foremost ghosts are those of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who evidently had so many fine memories of the old hotel that they simply refuse to leave. Continuing to celebrate, guests and staff have often heard the pair whispering and laughing from the room when it is empty. According to one report, when a professional photographer took a picture of the empty room, the ghostly figure of a man appeared on the developed print.

The room that Clark Gable and Carole Lombard allegedly stayed in

Evidently Clark and Carole are not alone, as there are other spirits that reportedly haunt the old hotel. The second floor houses a Theater Room Museum where distinct outlines of sleeping bodies have been found in the dust on the beds there. Upon closer inspection, none of the surrounding areas appear to be disturbed. Staff suspects that the sleeping spirit is that of a former chambermaid who has often been spotted in the room.

Another guest room is also said to be haunted by an Irish miner who once lived there. Distraught because his family died when on their way to America, he had a habit of heavy drinking. One night he got really carried away with the drinking passed out behind the hotel. He never woke up. It is said that he has haunted his old room in the hotel ever since. The staff refers to this spirit as “Oatie,” who is often heard playing his bagpipe around the hotel. Other common pranks include opening the window in his former room and pulling the covers off of the bed. There have also been reports of the room being very cold – in the midst of a hot desert day.

Downstairs in the saloon, it appears that there are several playful spirits at work here, who have been said to lift money off the bar and raise glasses into the air. Other strange phenomena include lights turning on and off seemingly by themselves, the sounds of eerie voices, toilets that flush in empty bathrooms and footprints that appear from nowhere on recently cleaned floors.

Lucky for the Oatman Hotel it seems as if their bevy of unusual guests are the playful friendly type and don’t make a habit of scaring away their guests.

The Oatman Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The hotel is filled with memorabilia of the past and the Gable/Lombard Room has been refurbished to the period that they were there.

Today, the Oatman Hotel no longer provides accommodations for guests but still serves as a museum, restaurant, gift shop, and more.

Inside the Oatman Hotel Restaurant-Bar hangs hundred and hundreds of one-dollar bills signed by the many visitors of this historic hotel.

Contact Information:
Oatman Hotel
181 Main Street,
Oatman, Arizona.
928-768-4408

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Canyon Diablo – Meaner Than Tombstone

Canyon Diablo, Arizona originated as a railroad town in 1880 when construction was halted until a bridge could be built over the canyon. A further delay was caused by financial difficulties and it wasn’t until 1890 that the railroad bridge was completed.

The canyon had earlier been given its name by a soldier named Lieutenant Amiel Whipple in 1853 when it presented such an obstacle to his thirty-fifth parallel survey party. Having to go miles out of their way to get across, he appropriately named it Devil’s Canyon. When the town was born, it took the canyon’s name, which ended up being extremely appropriate for the reputation that the town would soon earn.

Canyon Diablo, Arizona about 1890.
Canyon Diablo, Arizona about 1890.

There being no law enforcement in the settlement, it quickly became a wild and lawless place as drifters, gamblers, and outlaws made their way to town. With the closest law enforcement being some 100 miles away, the settlement earned a reputation of being meaner thanTombstone and Dodge City combined, with many of its “citizens” winding up in the local cemetery. The saloons, gambling dens and brothels never closed, running 24 hours a day. The town comprised mostly of shacks with two lines of buildings facing each other across the rocky road on the north side of the railroad right-of-way. The “street,” aptly referred to as Hell Street, included fourteen saloons, ten gambling houses, four brothels, and two dance halls. Wedged between these businesses were a couple of eating counters, a grocery and a dry goods store.

With a population of nearly 2,000, a regular stage operated between Flagstaff and Canyon Diablo that ended up being the target of many robberies.

Canyon Diablo, Arizona Trading Post, 1903.
Canyon Diablo, Arizona Trading Post, 1903.

When Canyon Diablo finally got a peace officer, the first one pinned on a badge at 3:00 p.m. and was laid out for burial at 8:00 p.m. Five more foolish men also tried their hands at marshaling in this God forsaken town. None of them lasted more than a month in the position before they too were killed.

Boot Hill cemetery filled up fast, where at one time 35 graves could be seen with wooden markers and stone covered mounds. All are gone today, but that of Herman Wolf, a trader who passed away in 1899 and the only one to have died peacefully.

Once the railroad bridge was built over the canyon, the town began to die. Still wild, the remaining residents requested that the army take over law enforcement, but before they arrived the town was pretty much dried up and the lawless drifters had moved on.

Later when Route 66 came through the area, another town called Two Guns sprouted up just south of Canyon Diablo. Catering to the travelers of the Mother Road, Two Guns was simply a few buildings including a gas station and roadhouse. Two Guns is also a ghost town that died with the advent of I-40.

Today, several foundations along with the grave of Hermann Wolf can be still be seen at Canyon Diablo, along with the original limestone footings for the railroad trestle, which has since been replaced with a steel arch span.

Hermann Wolf Grave at Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Photo by William Ascarza, courtesy Tucson.com
Hermann Wolf Grave at Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Photo by William Ascarza, courtesy Tucson.com

Canyon Diablo is north of I-40 between Meteor City, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Take the Two Guns Exit (#230). The road to Canyon Diablo is three miles north of Two Guns. This is a rough road and best traveled with a four-wheel drive; however, if conditions are good, and you take your time, it could be taken in a regular car. The road is very rocky, so caution should be taken with any low clearance vehicle.

Beyond Canyon Diablo, Route 66 continues westward along I-40 to the old Twin Arrows Trading Post.

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Bumble Bee Just Never Made It

Unlike many of the other ghost towns in the area, Bumble Bee, Arizona was not a mining town – rather, it was once a flourishing stage stop on the Prescott-Phoenix stage line. Originally, the stop was known as Snyder’s Station named for W.W. Snyder who first settled the area.

Though the region was “infested” with hostile Indians, Snyder saw opportunity in the creek that ran nearby and the lush pastures, where he could graze his horses and cattle. But the Indians were not happy with having white settlers in the area and began to attack a number of area ranches. Soon, The U.S. Cavalry sent in their troops to protect Snyder, as well as the other area ranchers and prospectors.

Though small amounts of gold could be found in Bumble Bee, the vast majority was to be found in the neighboring camps, including Turkey Creek, Golden Turkey, Cleator, Gloriana, Gillette, the mineral-rich veins at Tip Top, and dozens of other small settlements.

Bradshaw Mountains
Bradshaw Mountains

Though the original road through Bumble Bee was crude, it led to the mines, which the many prospectors were determined to reach. When a stage was established with a stop at Snyder’s ranch, Snyder built a small hostelry and stable to accommodate the travelers. Then, when gold was discovered in the adjacent Bradshaw Mountains, prospectors were crawling in nearby Bumble Bee Creek.

Soon, enough people had arrived in the area that a post office was established in February 1879, taking its name from nearby Bumble Bee Creek, so named because early travelers said that the Indians were as “thick as bumblebees.”

As the railroad pushed westward, it pushed the stagecoach out and about the same time; the rich ores were diminishing in the area. Bumble Bee was destined to die. Its few remaining residents did everything to keep the town alive, moving the townsite three different times as new roads were surveyed. Finally, though, it was by-passed so far by the Black Canyon Highway, it became a true ghost town.

In the mid 1930s, an attempt was made to bring Bumble Bee back to life by making it into a tourist attraction. Several new buildings were constructed, but the attraction never drew the tourists they hoped for.

Over the years, the property changed hands a number of times, until the entire town was placed on the market and purchased in 1960 by newspaper king, Charles A. Penn. Though Penn had plans to restore the town and build a museum, it never happened.

Time and weather have taken their toll on what little is left of the old ghost town, though several buildings continue to stand. The site is on private property and some of the old buildings are occupied; however, photographs can be taken from the road. At the time of this writing, the old school building, which houses a private residence and formerly, a gift shop for several years, is for sale.

The rest of the businesses have long closed have been left to the elements.

Bumble Bee is some 55 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona just off I-17 at Exit # 248.

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Ghost Camels in the American Southwest

In 1848, the importation of camels for military purposes in the southwest was suggested to the War Department by Henry Wayne, a Quartermaster Major. Two years later, Secretary of War and Mississippi Senator, Jefferson Davis, tried to persuade the Senate to look into the use of camels for the U.S. Army.

During this time period, the southwest territory of the United States was greatly expanding and it was thought that camels could be used to carry at least twice the amount of weight as horses or mules, and might also be used in tracking and pursuing Indians, as they could travel without water or rest for much longer than horses. It was also suggested that the camels might carry the mail and that fast camel passenger trains might be developed to run from Missouri River points to the Pacific Coast.

Initially, the Senators voted the idea down, but after California newspapers began to promote the idea, they finally agreed in 1854, passing a bill to appropriate $30,000 for the camel experiment.


Camels in the Southwest.

Some 72 camels arrived in the country in the early part of 1857 and were put to work carrying supplies in the southwest. However, though the camels proved to be well-suited to travel through the region, their unpleasant disposition, a habit of frightening horses, and tendency to wander off during the nights, made them very unpopular among the soldiers. Still, they continued to be used until the Civil War broke out, at which time; they were sold at auction or turned loose into the desert.

For years afterward, wild camels continued to be spied roaming in the desert, especially in southern Arizona. Along with these real sightings, a number of legends and tales began regarding these ugly beasts of burden. The most popular is the tale of a camel known as the Red Ghost.

In 1883, a woman was found trampled to death and, on her body and a nearby bush, were clumps of reddish fur. Large hoof prints were found in the area, but locals were perplexed. A short time later, a large animal careened into a tent in which two miners lay sleeping. Though they were unable to identify the beast, again, large hoof prints and tufts of red hair were left behind. After more incidents occurred, the locals finally recognized the large animal as a camel. Soon, people began to report seeing the camel, who one rancher said carried a rider, though the rider appeared to be dead. The next report came from a group of prospectors who saw the camel and while watching him, spied something falling from its back. As the beast moved on, the prospectors went to see what had fallen and discovered a human skull. For the next several years, numerous others spied the camel, who by this time had been dubbed the “Red Ghost,” carrying its headless rider. However, in 1893, when an Arizona farmer found the red camel grazing in his garden, he shot and killed the beast. By this time, the large camel had shaken free of its dead rider, but still bore the saddle and leather straps with which the corpse had been attached.


Camel in the desert, about 1900

There was much speculation as to who the mysterious dead rider the camel had carried for several years might have been. One tale alleges that the rider was a young soldier, who was afraid of the camels, and therefore, was having much difficulty in learning how to ride them. In order to teach him how, his fellow soldiers tied him to the top of the beast, determined that he would get over his fear. They then hit the camel on the rump and the beast took off running. Though the soldiers pursued the camel and his rider, the red beast easily outpaced them and escaped into the desert. Neither the camel nor his helpless rider were ever seen again.

Though the abandoned beasts of the Camel Corps roamed for decades, they soon disappeared altogether. In 1907, a prospector reported that he had seen two wild camels in Nevada and other reports continued to come in sporadically. However, in April 1934, the Oakland Tribune reported: “The Last American Camel Is Dead.” The camel, dubbed “Topsy,” was last seen trekking across the desert of Arizona into California. When she made her way to Los Angeles, she was taken to Griffith Park to live. However, sometime later, she became so crippled with the paralysis, the zoo attendants were forced to put her down.

Seemingly, all the “real” army camels have long passed. However, legends continue to abound of people sighting a giant red camel, carrying a headless rider, in the deserts of Arizona. It sounds as if “Red Ghost,” may very well be living up to his name.

Yet another legend of a ghostly camel also persists. This camel belonged to a prospector named Jake, who had purchased three camels from the Army at the public auction. Though his camels were every bit as ornery as the soldiers had described them, he spent much time caring for them and had nothing but praise for his beasts of burden.

After Jake hit pay dirt, he led his gold-laden camels into town to sell his ore. Afterward, he headed to the local saloon to celebrate. Unfortunately, in the crowd was a man named Paul Adams, who listened with much interest to Jake’s story of his gold find. When Jake left to return to his mine, he didn’t go directly to his claim, knowing that he might be followed. Though he was careful and took a circuitous route, the man named Paul Adams followed him. When Jake encamped for the night, Adams, thinking that he was at the mine’s location, murdered him. Trying to protect his owner, one of the camels attacked Adams, and for his efforts, was shot by a scoundrel, but not before he had viciously bit him.


Ghost Camel

Adams then began to search in earnest for Jake’s mine, until one night the ghost of Jake riding upon the dead camel, approached his camp and chased the scoundrel all the way into town, straight to the sheriff’s office. Frightened beyond belief, Paul Adams then made a full confession.

Whether Jake and his loyal camel continue to roam the desert is unknown.

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Jones Park / Happy Days Park / Toltec Elementary School - Arizona City ,Arizona

3 angry dark shadows roam at night for a girl that was raped and left for
dead there. You can hear the voices even hear the screams of the girl.
And under the bridge where the 3 shadows dwell very strong negative
vibe. If you take photographs you will come up with dark shadows at
least 7 foot tall. And you can also hear movement from all playground
equipment.

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Vision Quest Lodge - Elfrida ,Arizona

Used to be a dude ranch. The stable boy went insane and killed the owners and guests. A woman in a white gown haunts the old guest quarters. The house where the owners were killed has several odd events. A woman walks halls, and re-occurring bloodstains appear on the bathroom wall. Old Stable is also the sight of a two-year-old girl being killed by a horse kicking her. Now, the girl's crying can be heard and an apparition can be seen of the girl standing in the doorway. Also, in the mountains that border the camp,the apparition of a white glowing man is seen on a white glowing horse.

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Salt River - Globe ,Arizona

At the division, fishers can sometimes see a shadow on the wall that looks like the Mona Lisa. It is a rocky area, and there are lots of possibilities for suicides or murders. There was a sighting of something walking. There were no trees or people around at the time.It stopped in front of the wall when a light was shined in that area.The rivers of Arizona have long been a good sight for seeing ghosts,especially in the morning.

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Launa's Canyon - Kingman ,Arizona

About two or three miles southeast of downtown Kingman, there is a place known as Launa's Canyon. This is how the story starts goes: During the 1800s, a soon to be family of four(husband, wife(Launa), and husband's two daughters), traveled out to (Old Town) Kingman to search for gold. In time, the family soon built a large house near a deep, narrow canyon. The man's daughters despised the young, soon-to-be mother and wife, for the way she had treated them. Launa wanted their father all to herself. So on the night before her wedding, in order for her to get their father, Launa
murdered the two young girls. She hid the murdered children in the
house. When she regained her sanity later that night, she came back
screaming and moaning through the canyon, begging for forgiveness for
the sickening killings. To this day, it is said that you can still hear
Launa's moaning throughout the c anyons during the hours of 12:00AM –
3AM.

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8th Avenue and Extension - Mesa ,Arizona

It is said that a little boy has been seen trying to cross the road, but by the time he is in the center, he disappears. The little boy died getting hit by a speeding drunk driver. The man who hit the boy has not yet been arrested or brought to justice.

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5th Ave / Between Roosevelt and Fillmore - Phoenix ,Arizona

A nine year-old girl was killed tragically on August 6,1995, by a hit and
run driver. The driver was never located, or brought to justice. It is
said that this little girl made herself known to some people for some
time after her death. Even now, it is believed that people can still
feel a presence in certain areas of Phoenix. One such area is where she
was killed. Another area is in the neighborhood of 17th Ave. and Grant.
At the time of her death, a man who was sleeping alone in the bedroom,
had a box fall on him, awakening him. His wife, who was in the kitchen
preparing the evening meal, had a vision of the little girl smiling at
her, and saying how much she loved them both. Another sighting of this
little girl happened near 19th Ave. and Camelback. A mother was walking
a little girl, unknown to the older sister and her friend who were
followin g behind them. The little girl kept turning to look at the two
behind her, smiling and waving. This little girl's facial features,
hair and hair color appeared to be exactly the same as the deceased
little girl. Also, at the time of the girl's death, when the ambulance,
fire truck, and police cars were at the scene, the girl's body was
placed in the ambulance. As the ambulance was pulling away, it was
reported later that others saw her up against the windows in the back
of the ambulance. Her face and hands were pressed against the window as
the paramedics were trying to save her. All of this was reported to the
mother, ranging from a couple of days to six months later. The mother
would often awaken, believing she had just been talking to the girl,
but it was only in her dreams.

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Jo Jo's Alley - Phoenix ,Arizona

When traveling down this alley, you will be chased out by strange lights. You can also hear noises as if being hit by pounding hands on the tops of your car. The location of this alley is at Central Ave just north of Glendale.

JoJo's Alley is actually a half mile east of central off 7th St. The street is E Circle Street. The street is lined with oleanders that form a tunnel of sorts that does make it very creepy when driving down it at night.

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Angeline's Grave - Prescott ,Arizona

For years many people have seen the ghost of Angeline. She was a small girl, that rumor has it died in the 1800's from a plague, while traveling in a wagon train headed west.There have been several sightings of Angeline. There have also been experiences, such as tiny handprints on the outside windows of cars,and bad mishaps for those that try to steal her headstone. She has even been sighted near the area a few miles from her grave in search of her mother. Her grave is the only grave in the direct location area. It is fenced, has a headstone and a single tree, and is located near Lynx Lake and Diamond Valley, right outside of Prescott.

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Trails Store on Mill Avenue - Tempe ,Arizona

The building used to be a Mountain Bell phone company building. Early in the 1900's, a young woman who worked for the company, committed suicide on the second floor of the building near the bathroom. The lower level is occupied by a part of the Trail’s retail store chain, but the second floor stood empty for years. There were footsteps reported coming from upstairs,when the second floor was gutted and empty. There have been reports of the young woman wandering the stairwell, and standing in front of the locked door to the first floor, which has since been boarded over and covered up. The photo booth that used to be in the Trails store had to
be removed, due to the machine taking pictures when no one was in the
booth. The developed pictures often showed nothing, but a bright white
ball of light, whether someone was in the booth or not. The doors to
the offices and bath rooms on the first floor are often heard opening
and closing, when no one is near them. Many employees and customers
over the years have reported a strange feeling when in the store. Some
have gone as far as to refuse to be left alone in the store after dark.

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Buford House - Tombstone ,Arizona

This Bed and Breakfast was the home of a young man who committed suicide after the young lady he intended to marry, jilted him. She happened to live across the street.He has been seen around the house and walking in front of the Buford House. The doorbell rings in the middle of the night, but no one is there. Guests have experienced knocking on the walls, and the faucet in
the bathroom down the hall, turning itself off and on. Strange lights are said to be seen, and cold spots that move around.

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Diamond Rock Campground / Ghost Camp - White Mountains ,Arizona

In the late 1980's, this day- use area used to be a camp area. The local camp hosts along the Black River, would meet here at night for coffee and cake. One summer, for posterity, someone decided to photograph the group of ten to twelve people. When the photographer developed the pictures, a woman that nobody had known or had seen that day, was standing behind the group in the picture.

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Hayden / Winkleman Unified School District - Winkleman ,Arizona

It was said that a high school graduate from Hayden High School in
1988-1989, was going to be a cheerleader for the Phoenix Cardinals. But
she got caught with marijuana and thought she was going to lose her
spot as a cheerleader. So she got a gun and committed suicide. There
was a sighting in about 1998 or 1999. Hayden's softball team had a
tournament, and one of the teams stayed in the Jr. High gym. They said
that at about 12:00AM, they saw a young girl dressed in a cheerleader
uniform, doing a routine. As soon she was done, she disappeared. There
is also another story of a man who lost his life on the football field.
While he was running the ball, he got tackled, broke his neck, and died
instantly. It is said that on some nights, you will see a football
player running the ball. He’ll fall and then disappear from the
football field.

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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park - Yuma ,Arizona

There are two predominate places within the prison where the spirits
are active. One is the dark cell and the other is the visitors' museum.
The dark cell hosts a ghost that likes to pinch. It is attracted to
children and the color red. There are supposedly two spirits in the
visitors' museum. One is a woman who sings quite early in the morning,
and the other is a poltergeist that likes to play with money. He's
attracted to dimes.

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