Professor Hex: The 5 Most Haunted Buildings in Austin, Texas

The city of Austin, Texas is known for many things, among them its night life and live music scene. However, the capital city of the Lone Star State has more to offer than just drinks and live music. This historical city also serves as home to many spirits and ghosts. If you are planning a trip to the capital of Texas, you may wish to take a look at one or more of these 5 haunted buildings in and around downtown Austin.

1. The Driskill Hotel: Noted as one of the most haunted places in Austin, the Driskill hotel has many stories attributed to it. Just ask the staff who have been there long enough and you will hear many different tales of hauntings by former guests who were unable to check out of the hotel. The ghost of cattle baron Driskill is even said to make his way through the hotel, leaving the distinct smell of cigar smoke as he passes through.

2. The Governor’s Mansion: The governor’s mansion has been home to many a Texas hero, but evidently the ghost of Texas’ first president, Sam Houston, doesn’t want to move out. There have been several reported sightings of the former general and hero of Texas independence throughout the years. People have also reported cold spots in the mansion and strange noises.

3. The Tavern: This building was intended to be used as a pub, but by the time it was completed prohibition was in full effect. Evidently the original owner and her daughter were killed when a fight broke out in the speakeasy. The Tavern was also reputed to have housed a brothel upstairs, and some women of the night still come back to their old stomping grounds.

4. The Littlefield Building: At one point in the early twentieth century, the Littlefield Building was the tallest building between New York and California. Towering above downtown Austin, its seven floors were a picture of magnificence. However, a rival built a larger building nearby, and Littlefield had two floors added above the rooftop garden. This left a “half-floor” between floors seven and eight, which is reportedly full of ghosts and strange noises.

5. The Paramount Theater: Nearly one-hundred years old, this famous theater has played an amazing variety of productions, from the first moving pictures to Broadway acts. Employees talk about props moving, lights turning themselves off and on, as well as other paranormal activity. Drop in for a movie—or perhaps more when you visit Austin.

This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of the best online degrees. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com.

posted by Prof. Hex at 9:58 AM

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