Wilson Creek & the Bloody Hill Ghosts, Missouri

Wilson Creek was the site of a bloody battle between the Union and Confederate forces on August 10, 1861, that resulted in more than 2,500 casualties and the death of the first Union general in combat, Nathaniel Lyon. The battle was also known as the Battle of Oak Hills or the Battle of Springfield, and it gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri for a while.

Today, you can visit the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, where you can see the original Ray House, a restored 1852 farmhouse that served as a temporary field hospital during the battle, and a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the battle. You can also walk or drive along a seven-mile tour road that follows the battle lines and stops at eight interpretive sites, including Bloody Hill, where most of the fighting took place.

But be warned: you might not be alone on your tour. Many visitors and staff have reported seeing, hearing, and feeling ghostly phenomena at Wilson Creek, especially on Bloody Hill. Some of the common sightings include:

- A woman in a white wedding dress and veil, who is believed to be the ghost of a bride who died in a car crash near a bridge leading to the park. She is often seen near the bridge or wandering around the park, looking for her groom.

- A tall man with long blonde hair, who is seen standing in one of the fourth-floor windows of the visitor center. He has never been seen inside the building, only from outside. Some speculate that he might be a Confederate soldier or a civilian who witnessed the battle.

- A janitor who died in a fire at the Landers Theatre in Springfield, where some of the wounded soldiers were taken after the battle. He is seen sitting in the balcony of the theatre, watching the performances. He is also said to haunt the Walnut Street Inn, a bed and breakfast that was once a hospital for Union soldiers.

- A vaudeville stagehand who hanged himself from the rigging above the stage at the Landers Theatre. He is seen walking on the catwalks or swinging from a rope.

- A mother and a child who are heard crying and comforting each other inside the visitor center or the Ray House. No one knows who they are or why they are there, but some think they might be related to one of the soldiers or civilians who died in the battle.

These are just some of the ghosts that haunt Wilson Creek and its surroundings. If you are brave enough to visit this haunted place, you might encounter some of them yourself. But don't worry: they are not known to be violent or malicious, just restless and sad. Maybe they are waiting for someone to acknowledge their presence and their history, or maybe they are hoping for peace and closure. Either way, they are part of Missouri's rich and tragic past, and they deserve respect and compassion.

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Fort Scott, Kansas

This former military fort, established in 1842, has a rich and turbulent history that spans from the Indian Wars to the Civil War. And according to some visitors and staff, it also has a few ghostly residents who still haunt its grounds and buildings.

Fort Scott was named after General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. It was one of a series of forts built along the frontier to protect white settlers from Native American attacks and to enforce the removal of eastern tribes to the west. The fort was home to infantry and dragoon soldiers, who patrolled the nearby trails and participated in several expeditions and battles.

The fort was abandoned in 1853, as the frontier moved further west. However, it was reoccupied in 1855 by pro-slavery forces who wanted to make Kansas a slave state. This sparked a violent conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas", which pitted pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions against each other. Fort Scott became a battleground for raids, skirmishes, and massacres.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Fort Scott became a Union stronghold and a supply depot for troops and refugees. It also served as a hospital, a prison, and a burial ground for hundreds of soldiers and civilians who died from wounds, disease, or violence. The fort was finally decommissioned in 1873 and sold to private owners.

Today, Fort Scott National Historic Site preserves 20 historic structures and a parade ground that reflect the fort's role in American history. Visitors can explore the barracks, officers' quarters, guardhouse, hospital, stables, and more. They can also learn about the lives of the soldiers and civilians who lived and died at the fort through exhibits, tours, and reenactments.

But some visitors claim that they have encountered more than just history at Fort Scott. They say that they have seen, heard, or felt the presence of ghosts who still linger at the fort. Some of the most common sightings include:

- Ghostly soldiers and officers who appear on the lawn, around the courtyard, in the cell blocks, and in the stables. Some are dressed in blue uniforms, others in gray. Some are friendly and wave or salute, others are hostile and glare or shout.

- A fog-like apparition that rises from the fireplace in one of the officers' quarters. Some believe that this is the spirit of an officer who died of pneumonia after being exposed to cold weather during a patrol.

- A woman in a white dress who walks along the second floor balcony of another officers' quarters. Some think that she is the wife of an officer who committed suicide after learning that her husband had been killed in battle.

- A young girl who plays with a doll in one of the rooms of the hospital. Some say that she is the daughter of a doctor who died of typhoid fever while treating patients at the fort.

- A man in civilian clothes who sits at a desk in one of the buildings that served as a store during the Civil War. Some speculate that he is a merchant who was robbed and murdered by guerrillas who raided the fort.

These are just some of the stories that have been told about Fort Scott's haunted history. Whether you believe them or not, you can't deny that Fort Scott is a fascinating place to visit and learn about America's past. And who knows, you might even have your own paranormal encounter there.

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Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Riley is a U.S. Army post located on the north bank of the Kansas River, about three miles north of Junction City. It was established in 1853 to protect the travelers and settlers along the Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trails. The fort was named after Major General Bennett C. Riley, who had led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail and had died earlier that year.

Fort Riley has seen its share of wars, conflicts, and tragedies over the years. It has also been home to many famous figures, such as George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and the Buffalo Soldiers. With such a rich and turbulent history, it is no wonder that Fort Riley is considered one of the most haunted places in Kansas, and one of the most haunted forts in the military.

Some of the most haunted locations on Fort Riley include:

- The Custer House: This historic building was constructed in 1855 as the quarters for the commanding officer of Fort Riley. It was later occupied by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his wife Elizabeth in 1866 and 1867. The Custer House is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a woman in a blue dress who is believed to be Elizabeth Custer, a young boy who died of cholera in one of the rooms, and a soldier who hanged himself in the attic. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, voices, laughter, and crying, as well as seeing apparitions, shadows, and orbs.

- The Triangle House: This building was also built in 1855 as part of the original fort. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War and later as a prison for Confederate soldiers. The Triangle House is said to be haunted by the restless souls of those who suffered and died there. Visitors have reported hearing moans, groans, screams, and chains rattling, as well as feeling cold spots, touches, and pushes.

- The Main Post Cemetery: This cemetery dates back to 1855 and contains over 5,000 graves of soldiers, spouses, children, and civilians who died at Fort Riley or nearby. Some of the notable burials include General Richard W. Johnson, who fought in the Civil War and Indian Wars; Captain Myles Keogh, who died with Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn; and Chief White Eagle, a Pawnee chief who served as a scout for Fort Riley. The cemetery is said to be haunted by various spirits who wander among the tombstones or manifest as lights or mists.

- The Artillery Parade Field: This field was used for training and drills by the cavalry and light artillery units stationed at Fort Riley from 1893 to 1943. It was also the site of several accidents and deaths involving horses and cannons. The field is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers and horses who still perform their drills or run across the field. Visitors have reported hearing hoofbeats, gunshots, bugle calls, and commands, as well as seeing phantom riders and horses.

If you are interested in experiencing these hauntings for yourself, you can join one of the ghost tours offered by the Historical and Archeological Society of Fort Riley (HASFR). These tours are usually held in October around Halloween and require advance reservations. You can also visit some of the historic buildings on Fort Riley during regular hours or special events.

Fort Riley is not only a place of military history and pride but also a place of mystery and intrigue. Whether you are a history buff or a thrill seeker, you will find something to fascinate you at this haunted fort.

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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.

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