Colorado is a state known for its natural beauty, but also for its haunted history. There are many ghost stories that have emerged from the Rocky Mountains, but perhaps none more terrifying than the tale of the Stanley Hotel.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel located in Estes Park, Colorado. It was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, in 1909. The hotel was intended to be a luxurious retreat for the wealthy and famous, and it hosted guests such as Theodore Roosevelt, John Philip Sousa, and Stephen King.
However, the hotel also had a darker side. Many guests and staff reported paranormal activity, such as hearing voices, seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and witnessing objects move by themselves. Some of the most haunted rooms in the hotel are Room 217, where King stayed and got the inspiration for his novel The Shining, Room 401, where a former employee named Lord Dunraven is said to lurk, and Room 428, where a friendly cowboy ghost often appears.
The Ghosts of the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is home to many ghosts, but some of the most notorious ones are:
Flora Stanley: The wife of Freelan Oscar Stanley, Flora was a talented pianist who loved to play in the hotel’s music room. After her death in 1939, guests and staff have heard her piano playing at night, even when the room is locked and empty.
Elizabeth Wilson: A housekeeper who worked at the hotel in the 1910s, Elizabeth was injured in an explosion that occurred in Room 217. She survived, but was left with a limp. She continued to work at the hotel until her retirement, and was known for being kind and helpful to the guests. After her death in the 1950s, she is said to haunt Room 217, where she tidies up the room, unpacks the luggage, and turns on the lights.
The Children: The hotel is also haunted by the spirits of children, who are believed to be the victims of a deadly influenza outbreak that occurred in the 1920s. Guests and staff have heard their laughter, footsteps, and cries in the hallways, especially on the fourth floor, which was once a nursery. Some guests have also reported seeing the apparitions of children playing in the hotel’s garden and lobby.
The Conclusion
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted places in Colorado, and perhaps in the whole country. It has a rich and fascinating history, but also a dark and sinister one. The hotel is a magnet for ghost hunters, thrill seekers, and curious travelers, who hope to catch a glimpse of the paranormal. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Stanley Hotel is a place that will surely leave an impression on you.