Really, Haunted Buildings in Abilene: Which Ones Are They?

Abilene's Haunted Landmarks: Discover the Spooky Secrets!

Many of us know the eerie tales of Fort Phantom Hill near Abilene, haunted by Native American soldiers who once guarded the Clear Fork of the Brazos. For the record, I do not believe in ghosts, but did you know that many of Abilene's historic landmarks are believed to be haunted?

The Hotel Wooten: Built-in 1931, this hotel was once the tallest building between El Paso and Fort Worth. After closing in 1960 and reopening three years later as the Abilene Towers Apartments, numerous residents have reported paranormal encounters. Stories include a woman in 1930s attire wandering the halls and whispers echoing in the corridors. Some have even spotted a ghostly bellhop at the front door late at night.

The Swenson House: Constructed in 1910 by William Gray Swenson and his wife Shirley, this house is now under the care of the Abilene Preservation League. Visitors report sightings of Shirley Swenson in a long gray dress, seemingly hosting holiday parties from beyond the grave.

The Paramount Theatre: Built-in 1930 as part of the H.O. Wooten empire, this theater is said to be home to three ghosts: an elderly gentleman smoking a cigar, a former usher, and a woman in white. Each apparition adds to the theater's mysterious allure.

The Grace Hotel: Now known as the Grace Museum, this 1909 building by Col. W. L. Beckham is a hotspot for ghostly activity. Visitors have experienced doors opening and closing on their own, and footsteps echoing through the halls, believed to be those of former guests.

The Minter Mansion: Erected in the early 1900s by Will and Mabel Minter, this house became infamous for its paranormal activity during renovations in the 1970s. Workers reported seeing a ghostly woman on the second floor, causing them to flee in terror.

Remember I do not believe in ghosts and hauntings. However I have experienced some of these hauntings firsthand, and I can attest to their authenticity. My encounters include seeing a ghostly theater usher near the basement stairs of the Paramount and I once saw a well-dressed elderly woman near the top of the stairs at the Wooten.

These stories might not be widely discussed, perhaps because Abilene prefers to keep its haunted history a secret. However, these spine-chilling encounters are part of the city's rich tapestry of legends and lore.

One notable omission from this haunted roster is the downtown Hilton Hotel, also known as The Windsor. This building, where our radio station first began on the 11th-floor penthouse, has been a hotbed of paranormal encounters for me. The spooky atmosphere of this place is truly unforgettable.

For more haunted tales and experiences, visit HauntedPlaces.org and GhostQuest.net.