10 haunts in Texas that will give you chills

Top 10 Haunted Places in Texas

Texas is renowned for its rich history and numerous tales of the supernatural. Here are ten of the most haunted locations in the Lone Star State, each with its own eerie stories and reported paranormal activities:

1. The Alamo – San Antonio

Bypassers – Creative Commons

The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is one of Texas’s most iconic landmarks. Established in the 18th century by Spanish missionaries, it became the site of the infamous Battle of the Alamo in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. This brutal siege resulted in the deaths of all 189 Texian defenders, including notable figures like James Bowie and Davy Crockett, as well as a significant number of Mexican soldiers. The aftermath was gruesome, with bodies reportedly burned on pyres or disposed of unceremoniously.

Given its violent history, it’s no surprise that the Alamo is considered one of the most haunted sites in Texas. Visitors and staff have reported numerous paranormal occurrences over the years. Apparitions of soldiers in period attire are frequently sighted, often described as standing guard or wandering the grounds. Some have heard the faint sounds of battle—gunfire, cannon blasts, and anguished cries—echoing through the night. One particularly chilling account involves the spectral figure of a man believed to be James Bowie, seen lying in bed, as he was during his final moments.

The Alamo’s chapel is a focal point for many of these ghostly encounters. Visitors have reported feeling sudden drops in temperature, experiencing an overwhelming sense of sorrow, or even being touched by unseen hands. Some claim to have seen a spectral monk walking the halls, a nod to the site’s original purpose as a mission.

These hauntings have been the subject of numerous investigations and tours, drawing both skeptics and believers. Whether one views these tales as folklore or genuine paranormal activity, the Alamo’s tragic past undeniably contributes to its eerie atmosphere.

2. The Driskill Hotel – Austin

Established in 1886 by cattle baron Colonel Jesse Driskill, The Driskill Hotel stands as one of Austin’s oldest and most opulent establishments. Its Romanesque architecture and luxurious interiors have hosted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians over the years. However, beneath its grandeur lies a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in Texas.

One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a young girl holding flowers. Legend has it that in 1887, the four-year-old daughter of a U.S. Senator fell to her death on the grand staircase while chasing a ball. Guests have reported hearing giggles, the sound of a bouncing ball, and even encountering the child’s spirit in the hallways. A portrait believed to be of this young girl hangs on the fifth floor, and some claim her expression changes or that she attempts to communicate through it.

Another well-known spirit is that of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself. An avid cigar smoker, guests and staff have reported the distinct smell of cigar smoke in various parts of the hotel, despite it being a non-smoking establishment. Some have even seen a man resembling Driskill wandering the halls or standing by windows, gazing out thoughtfully.

Room 525 is notorious for its paranormal activity. Two brides, decades apart, are said to have taken their own lives in this room on their honeymoons. Guests staying in Room 525 have reported unexplained leaks, flickering lights, and the feeling of an unseen presence. The room was closed for many years but has since been reopened, continuing to intrigue and unsettle those who dare to stay.

The Driskill’s haunted reputation has made it a focal point for ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Its blend of historical significance, luxury, and lingering spirits offers a unique experience for visitors seeking both comfort and a brush with the supernatural.

The Baker Hotel, located in Mineral Wells, was once a luxurious resort known for its mineral baths. After closing in the 1970s, it gained a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of a woman in a red dress, believed to be the mistress of the hotel’s manager, and hearing unexplained noises throughout the building.