San Antonio is an old city, so naturally, it has ghosts galore. Some seem benevolent, others ... not so much. Some of San Antonio's oldest sites are its most haunted, from the Alamo, to the Spanish Governor's Palace and even La Villita.
Then there are the city's many urban legends. Everyone knows about Donkey Lady and La Llorona. Still others are lesser known, but chilling nonetheless.
With Halloween drawing near, here are San Antonio's most haunted places and spookiest urban legends. Keep reading, if you dare...
San Antonio's spookiest haunted locations and urban legends
By Stephanie Koithan on Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 4:49 pm
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Sanford Nowlin
Terrell Castle, a.k.a. The Lambermont
Now home to a fancy wedding venue, this historic building was built for the influential Edwin Holland Terrell and fashioned after European castles, but its eerie history has led to its haunted reputation. The property remained a source of pride until Terrell’s suicide in 1910 after years of suffering with syphilis. Unfortunately, his initial attempt failed, and it took him 10 days to die. Other tragic tales associated with the mansion include a contractor who threw himself from a balcony during construction, and a man who killed his wife and her lover when he caught them in bed together during World War II. Fortunately, the 12,000-square-foot building is expansive enough to accommodate plenty of guests, so couples shouldn’t be too worried about ghastly wedding crashers.
Now home to a fancy wedding venue, this historic building was built for the influential Edwin Holland Terrell and fashioned after European castles, but its eerie history has led to its haunted reputation. The property remained a source of pride until Terrell’s suicide in 1910 after years of suffering with syphilis. Unfortunately, his initial attempt failed, and it took him 10 days to die. Other tragic tales associated with the mansion include a contractor who threw himself from a balcony during construction, and a man who killed his wife and her lover when he caught them in bed together during World War II. Fortunately, the 12,000-square-foot building is expansive enough to accommodate plenty of guests, so couples shouldn’t be too worried about ghastly wedding crashers.
Shutterstock / Dani_King
La Villita
As San Antonio’s oldest neighborhood, of course La Villita would have ghosts. The neighborhood started as a tiny village of huts in the 1790s. Made of straw and mud, these structures were wiped out in the flood of 1819. Sadly this is just one of many tragedies to befall this doomed community. As such, several ghosts are known to haunt its quarters, including a woman in a white dress who can be seen wandering near the church and sitting on the porch of the former Florian House. At a building that was once a home for unwed mothers and their children, people claim they have reported seeing the apparitions of a woman and her children, who whisper the names of the living. Another house disassembled and moved from Hemisfair Park is haunted according to its owner, who finds objects moved. When the structure was relocated, a bundle of treasure was found in its chimney, though the whereabouts of the treasure is now unknown . . . maybe this is what vexes the ghost?
As San Antonio’s oldest neighborhood, of course La Villita would have ghosts. The neighborhood started as a tiny village of huts in the 1790s. Made of straw and mud, these structures were wiped out in the flood of 1819. Sadly this is just one of many tragedies to befall this doomed community. As such, several ghosts are known to haunt its quarters, including a woman in a white dress who can be seen wandering near the church and sitting on the porch of the former Florian House. At a building that was once a home for unwed mothers and their children, people claim they have reported seeing the apparitions of a woman and her children, who whisper the names of the living. Another house disassembled and moved from Hemisfair Park is haunted according to its owner, who finds objects moved. When the structure was relocated, a bundle of treasure was found in its chimney, though the whereabouts of the treasure is now unknown . . . maybe this is what vexes the ghost?
Courtesy Photo / San Pedro Playhouse
San Pedro Playhouse
Performers have long reported paranormal activity at this longstanding playhouse. In fact, one production was absolutely tormented by ghosts, culminating in actual physical injury to its lead actress. The production crew was so spooked that it would no longer even say the name of the play, only referring to it as "that show." So many paranormal phenomena occur on the premises that staff think it can't be the work of just one or two ghosts. Usually appearing as puffs of smoke, the apparitions are thought to be actors and patrons of the theatre. To ward them away, the playhouse even has a light that's always on, which they call the "ghost light."
Performers have long reported paranormal activity at this longstanding playhouse. In fact, one production was absolutely tormented by ghosts, culminating in actual physical injury to its lead actress. The production crew was so spooked that it would no longer even say the name of the play, only referring to it as "that show." So many paranormal phenomena occur on the premises that staff think it can't be the work of just one or two ghosts. Usually appearing as puffs of smoke, the apparitions are thought to be actors and patrons of the theatre. To ward them away, the playhouse even has a light that's always on, which they call the "ghost light."
Instagram / @HotWellsConservancy
Hot Wells Hotel & Resort
Now in ruins, Hot Wells Hotel & Resort was once a premier destination for the elite, including Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino and others. President Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were known to raucously drink and enjoy the company of ladies of the night at the hotel. Considering its storied past, it's no wonder that there have been reports of spirits wandering the premises, though staff have said they seem benevolent. Adding to the spookiness, no doubt, is the "putrid stench of death" some report, which is really just its sulfur springs.
. . . or is it?
Now in ruins, Hot Wells Hotel & Resort was once a premier destination for the elite, including Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino and others. President Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were known to raucously drink and enjoy the company of ladies of the night at the hotel. Considering its storied past, it's no wonder that there have been reports of spirits wandering the premises, though staff have said they seem benevolent. Adding to the spookiness, no doubt, is the "putrid stench of death" some report, which is really just its sulfur springs.
. . . or is it?
Shutterstock / Barna Tanko
Spanish Governor's Palace
This downtown structure built in 1749 is the last standing element from the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, and the only remaining example in the Lone Star State of an aristocratic 18th-century dwelling. Being such a historic structure, of course ghosts haunt its grounds. One is a little girl who either drowned in its fountain or was murdered and hidden in its fountain. There have been numerous reports of a young girl sitting on the side of the fountain, weeping. The tree outside of the mansion was the sight of numerous hangings. In fact, there were so many hangings that the branches dipped and grew low. Even its bark is said to have swirls that resemble faces, with the first one appearing after the first man was hung . . .
This downtown structure built in 1749 is the last standing element from the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, and the only remaining example in the Lone Star State of an aristocratic 18th-century dwelling. Being such a historic structure, of course ghosts haunt its grounds. One is a little girl who either drowned in its fountain or was murdered and hidden in its fountain. There have been numerous reports of a young girl sitting on the side of the fountain, weeping. The tree outside of the mansion was the sight of numerous hangings. In fact, there were so many hangings that the branches dipped and grew low. Even its bark is said to have swirls that resemble faces, with the first one appearing after the first man was hung . . .
Photo via Google Maps
The Ghost Tracks
You can’t talk about urban legends in San Antonio without covering the Ghost Tracks. This long-dispelled myth is still a local favorite, and has repeatedly been voted Best Urban Legend in the Current’s Best of San Antonio poll. As the story goes, you can park your car at this spot on the train tracks and get “pushed” forward by some spectral helpers. As a bonus, if you put flour on the back of your trunk, you might even see their little handprints. The push purportedly comes from ghosts of children who met an untimely end in the early 1900s when a train rammed into a bus at the location. However, in 2003, archivist Matt DeWaelsche traced the story's origin to a 1938 bus accident in Salt Lake City, Utah. Even worse, the tracks were "exorcised," if you will, by a construction project. When Union Pacific added a second track to the intersection, they leveled out the elevation, removing the downward slant that vehicles would gently roll down when they were supposedly being "pushed" by the ghosts. Turns out it was just a trick of physics the whole time.
You can’t talk about urban legends in San Antonio without covering the Ghost Tracks. This long-dispelled myth is still a local favorite, and has repeatedly been voted Best Urban Legend in the Current’s Best of San Antonio poll. As the story goes, you can park your car at this spot on the train tracks and get “pushed” forward by some spectral helpers. As a bonus, if you put flour on the back of your trunk, you might even see their little handprints. The push purportedly comes from ghosts of children who met an untimely end in the early 1900s when a train rammed into a bus at the location. However, in 2003, archivist Matt DeWaelsche traced the story's origin to a 1938 bus accident in Salt Lake City, Utah. Even worse, the tracks were "exorcised," if you will, by a construction project. When Union Pacific added a second track to the intersection, they leveled out the elevation, removing the downward slant that vehicles would gently roll down when they were supposedly being "pushed" by the ghosts. Turns out it was just a trick of physics the whole time.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons / Dicklyon
Woman Hollering Creek
Many say this creek located between San Antonio and Seguin is named based on a loose translation of La Llorona, the “Weeping Woman.” People say that you can hear the ghastly shrieking of a woman there at night. According to the traditional myth, La Llorona is the ghost of a woman who drowned her children in a fit of jealous rage after finding her husband with another woman, then drowning herself out of regret. However, some say that the screams heard at Woman Hollering Creek were just from a lady who’d go there to vent her anger when she was upset at her husband. Either way, we don’t recommend getting too close, in case La Llorona pulls you in.
Many say this creek located between San Antonio and Seguin is named based on a loose translation of La Llorona, the “Weeping Woman.” People say that you can hear the ghastly shrieking of a woman there at night. According to the traditional myth, La Llorona is the ghost of a woman who drowned her children in a fit of jealous rage after finding her husband with another woman, then drowning herself out of regret. However, some say that the screams heard at Woman Hollering Creek were just from a lady who’d go there to vent her anger when she was upset at her husband. Either way, we don’t recommend getting too close, in case La Llorona pulls you in.
Sanford Nowlin
Gunter Hotel Room 636
With a story this grisly, it’s no wonder people claim this room at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel is haunted. The tale goes that a man named Walter Emmerick checked into the hotel under the alias “Albert Knox” in early 1965. Though he checked in alone, he was seen with a woman. A few days later, a maid entered the room to discover the man standing next to a blood-soaked bed. He then gathered the sheets and fled the room. Upon investigation, employees discovered that the entire room was covered in blood. Some say Emmerick butchered the woman in the room, while others allege that there wasn’t enough blood to substantiate that claim. Police later found the man at the St. Anthony Hotel, where he had killed himself. True crime fans and ghost hunters alike can get more details about the crime, and subsequent sightings of spirits, from a 2013 post on the hotel’s blog.
With a story this grisly, it’s no wonder people claim this room at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel is haunted. The tale goes that a man named Walter Emmerick checked into the hotel under the alias “Albert Knox” in early 1965. Though he checked in alone, he was seen with a woman. A few days later, a maid entered the room to discover the man standing next to a blood-soaked bed. He then gathered the sheets and fled the room. Upon investigation, employees discovered that the entire room was covered in blood. Some say Emmerick butchered the woman in the room, while others allege that there wasn’t enough blood to substantiate that claim. Police later found the man at the St. Anthony Hotel, where he had killed himself. True crime fans and ghost hunters alike can get more details about the crime, and subsequent sightings of spirits, from a 2013 post on the hotel’s blog.
Michael Karlis
Grey Moss Inn
Mary Howell, the original owner of the Grey Moss Inn, died decades ago. But that hasn’t stopped her from hanging around this Hill Country restaurant. Employees have seen a vision of an older woman they say looked like Howell, and reported poltergeist-esque incidents including candle flames that flickered back to life after being blown out. After operating for more than 90 years, the Grey Moss Inn was shuttered in 2020, but it has since reopened under new ownership as a Mexican restaurant. The new owners have also embraced the inn’s local spirit, whom they call “El Fantasma de Grey Moss Inn.”
Mary Howell, the original owner of the Grey Moss Inn, died decades ago. But that hasn’t stopped her from hanging around this Hill Country restaurant. Employees have seen a vision of an older woman they say looked like Howell, and reported poltergeist-esque incidents including candle flames that flickered back to life after being blown out. After operating for more than 90 years, the Grey Moss Inn was shuttered in 2020, but it has since reopened under new ownership as a Mexican restaurant. The new owners have also embraced the inn’s local spirit, whom they call “El Fantasma de Grey Moss Inn.”
Michael Karlis
Donkey Lady Bridge
You can’t live in San Antonio long without hearing a version of the story of the Donkey Lady. The story goes something like this: In the 1950s, a young woman attempted to save her children from a house fire (that some say was lit by her husband) — but failed. The event left her horribly disfigured, with her fingers and toes melted together to create hoof-like nubs and her head warped into an elongated, donkey-like shape. Afterward, she was banished to live in the woods. Ever since, the Donkey Lady has roamed the woods of Bexar County, crying out for her children and generally pissed off. Want to meet her? It’s said if you stand on a stone bridge in the Medina River Greenway and call her name three times, she’ll appear.
You can’t live in San Antonio long without hearing a version of the story of the Donkey Lady. The story goes something like this: In the 1950s, a young woman attempted to save her children from a house fire (that some say was lit by her husband) — but failed. The event left her horribly disfigured, with her fingers and toes melted together to create hoof-like nubs and her head warped into an elongated, donkey-like shape. Afterward, she was banished to live in the woods. Ever since, the Donkey Lady has roamed the woods of Bexar County, crying out for her children and generally pissed off. Want to meet her? It’s said if you stand on a stone bridge in the Medina River Greenway and call her name three times, she’ll appear.
Shutterstock / Kit Leong
Emily Morgan Hotel
The Emily Morgan has earned its rep as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. Built-in 1924, the Gothic-style building served as the city’s Medical Arts Building until 1976, housing 50 hospital beds complete with a psychiatric ward and a morgue. Adding to the creep factor, 600 men lost their lives on the property's grounds during the battle of the Alamo, according to the Express-News. Among the stories of the paranormal at the hotel are witness accounts of a vanishing apparition of a nurse, unexplained noises including eerie echoing footsteps on the ninth floor, and even a guest who allegedly felt the bone-chilling touch of a ghost when waiting in the lobby.
The Emily Morgan has earned its rep as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. Built-in 1924, the Gothic-style building served as the city’s Medical Arts Building until 1976, housing 50 hospital beds complete with a psychiatric ward and a morgue. Adding to the creep factor, 600 men lost their lives on the property's grounds during the battle of the Alamo, according to the Express-News. Among the stories of the paranormal at the hotel are witness accounts of a vanishing apparition of a nurse, unexplained noises including eerie echoing footsteps on the ninth floor, and even a guest who allegedly felt the bone-chilling touch of a ghost when waiting in the lobby.
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Our Lady of the Lake University
If you’re wanting to get a minor in ghost hunting while at college, you might want to consider applying to OLLU. Residents of Pacelli Hall must contend with Jack, a spirit who’s been accused of stealing students’ possessions and otherwise making a ruckus. Fortunately, if you ask him nicely, Jack will purportedly return your items and stop making noise. The campus is also rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a wandering nun, but if you see a creepy woman clad in black wandering around you might want to check and make sure it’s not someone dressed up as the demon from that terrible 2018 horror movie.
If you’re wanting to get a minor in ghost hunting while at college, you might want to consider applying to OLLU. Residents of Pacelli Hall must contend with Jack, a spirit who’s been accused of stealing students’ possessions and otherwise making a ruckus. Fortunately, if you ask him nicely, Jack will purportedly return your items and stop making noise. The campus is also rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a wandering nun, but if you see a creepy woman clad in black wandering around you might want to check and make sure it’s not someone dressed up as the demon from that terrible 2018 horror movie.
The Majestic Theatre
This historic downtown theatre is so gorgeous that it’s no surprise that some souls have chosen to linger here. The Zoroastro, a longtime magician, is said to still have spooky performances today. There’s been sightings of ghosts attributed to a ballet troupe who supposedly died on the stage as overhead lights crashed on top of them, killing some of them. It’s not just performers that haunt the venue — an apparition of a woman is said to have laid claim to a second floor box, presumably to take in some post-mortem entertainment.
Photo by Mike Hume / Courtesy of Majestic Theatre
This historic downtown theatre is so gorgeous that it’s no surprise that some souls have chosen to linger here. The Zoroastro, a longtime magician, is said to still have spooky performances today. There’s been sightings of ghosts attributed to a ballet troupe who supposedly died on the stage as overhead lights crashed on top of them, killing some of them. It’s not just performers that haunt the venue — an apparition of a woman is said to have laid claim to a second floor box, presumably to take in some post-mortem entertainment.
Photo by Mike Hume / Courtesy of Majestic Theatre
Courtesy Photo / Freeman Coliseum
Freeman Coliseum
Paranormal experts say Teddy Roosevelt trained the Rough Riders out where the Freeman stands today, though other sources say that they actually trained by the San Antonio River in the area that’s now home to Roosevelt Park. Either way, ghost hunters claim this area was a training ground, and that one 6'4" spirit — we’re not sure how they got his exact measurements — suspected to be a Rough Rider, still hangs out here today. Aside from the Rough Riders, there’s talk of a circus clown that died of a heart attack and a woman who was trampled by a bull who are seen at the Freeman.
Paranormal experts say Teddy Roosevelt trained the Rough Riders out where the Freeman stands today, though other sources say that they actually trained by the San Antonio River in the area that’s now home to Roosevelt Park. Either way, ghost hunters claim this area was a training ground, and that one 6'4" spirit — we’re not sure how they got his exact measurements — suspected to be a Rough Rider, still hangs out here today. Aside from the Rough Riders, there’s talk of a circus clown that died of a heart attack and a woman who was trampled by a bull who are seen at the Freeman.
San Antonio State Hospital
There’s a reason that psychiatric hospitals are often associated with hauntings — historically, they were hotbeds of neglect and abuse. The San Antonio State Hospital, formerly known as the Southwestern Insane Asylum, is no exception, as its history is filled with corruption, scandal and death. Established in 1892, the facility could house more than 2,000 patients and was almost always above capacity. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people say that anguished spirits still haunt the hospital today.
Photo via UTSA Libraries Digital Collection
There’s a reason that psychiatric hospitals are often associated with hauntings — historically, they were hotbeds of neglect and abuse. The San Antonio State Hospital, formerly known as the Southwestern Insane Asylum, is no exception, as its history is filled with corruption, scandal and death. Established in 1892, the facility could house more than 2,000 patients and was almost always above capacity. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people say that anguished spirits still haunt the hospital today.
Photo via UTSA Libraries Digital Collection
Shutterstock / 4kclips
The Menger Hotel
The Gunter isn’t the only downtown hotel with ghostly occupants — there are sightings aplenty at the Menger, too. People say they see the spirit of Sallie White, a chambermaid who was shot by her husband in the 1870s because he thought she was being unfaithful. She’s been sighted wearing a uniform and apron, holding fresh towels in her hands. There’s also the ghost of Capt. Richard King, founder of the famous King Ranch. He died at the Menger and has been seen wearing a bolo tie and black hat in the aptly named King Suite. Apparently, the elevator next to the suite regularly stops there even without being punched.
The Gunter isn’t the only downtown hotel with ghostly occupants — there are sightings aplenty at the Menger, too. People say they see the spirit of Sallie White, a chambermaid who was shot by her husband in the 1870s because he thought she was being unfaithful. She’s been sighted wearing a uniform and apron, holding fresh towels in her hands. There’s also the ghost of Capt. Richard King, founder of the famous King Ranch. He died at the Menger and has been seen wearing a bolo tie and black hat in the aptly named King Suite. Apparently, the elevator next to the suite regularly stops there even without being punched.
Photo via Instagram / dailybigfoot
Bigfoot Sightings at Kelly Air Force Base
Some of y’all may think bigfoot only hangs out in the PNW, but the gargantuan apelike cryptid has been spotted all over the U.S., including Texas. In the 1970s, Sasquatch apparently swung down to SA, where he was spotted multiple times near Kelly AFB. According to cryptozoology blog Cryptomundo, the San Antonio Light ran an article in ‘76 covering the sightings. One man claimed to see a 7-foot tall furry monster run out of his backyard after being scared by a train whistle, and later a neighbor claimed she saw a smaller, similarly-furred creature that ran on two feet. Was Bigfoot taking a South Texas vacation with the kids? We may never know.
Some of y’all may think bigfoot only hangs out in the PNW, but the gargantuan apelike cryptid has been spotted all over the U.S., including Texas. In the 1970s, Sasquatch apparently swung down to SA, where he was spotted multiple times near Kelly AFB. According to cryptozoology blog Cryptomundo, the San Antonio Light ran an article in ‘76 covering the sightings. One man claimed to see a 7-foot tall furry monster run out of his backyard after being scared by a train whistle, and later a neighbor claimed she saw a smaller, similarly-furred creature that ran on two feet. Was Bigfoot taking a South Texas vacation with the kids? We may never know.
Courtesy Photo / Institute of Texan Cultures
The Institute of Texan Cultures
People say the Institute of Texan Cultures is one of the most haunted places in San Antonio, with tons of ghost sightings attributed to the location. One notably haunted object in the museum’s collection is Castroville’s Horse-Drawn Hearse. James Benavides, the institute’s senior communications specialist, shared a spooky story about the hearse with the Current in 2020: “So, one night, a guard was on duty, making his regular rounds. When he gets to the exhibit floor, he finds the hearse doors open,” Benavides said. “He thought some of the senior officers were playing a joke on him, so he closes the doors and goes about his business. Coming up on the end of his night shift, he’s making his last sweep of the exhibit floor and he finds the hearse doors open again. He laughs to himself, then realizes, he was the only person in the building. ... The doors don’t open easily; they take two hands to work a latch and pull open. But stories persist, that from time to time, the guards will find the hearse doors open.”
People say the Institute of Texan Cultures is one of the most haunted places in San Antonio, with tons of ghost sightings attributed to the location. One notably haunted object in the museum’s collection is Castroville’s Horse-Drawn Hearse. James Benavides, the institute’s senior communications specialist, shared a spooky story about the hearse with the Current in 2020: “So, one night, a guard was on duty, making his regular rounds. When he gets to the exhibit floor, he finds the hearse doors open,” Benavides said. “He thought some of the senior officers were playing a joke on him, so he closes the doors and goes about his business. Coming up on the end of his night shift, he’s making his last sweep of the exhibit floor and he finds the hearse doors open again. He laughs to himself, then realizes, he was the only person in the building. ... The doors don’t open easily; they take two hands to work a latch and pull open. But stories persist, that from time to time, the guards will find the hearse doors open.”
Fang Baby of Old Pearsall Road
In a tale that supposedly originated in the 1960s, a group of young guys were driving down Old Pearsall Road after a night of drinking when they had a creepy encounter. The driver saw something in the road that looked like a toddler, which appeared to be hurt, with blood around its mouth. He swerved to avoid the maybe-baby, but didn’t stop. The friends argued about what it was, and the driver ultimately decided that they should just go home. However, once home, he felt guilty that he had possibly left a baby in the middle of nowhere. Armed with a cooler of beer, he went back to Old Pearsall Road. Unfortunately, he got a flat, and found two small puncture marks in the tire. After replacing the tire, he cracked a beer and chilled in his car for a while before falling asleep. A sharp pain in his neck woke him up, where he found the fanged baby in his lap with a bloody mouth and shirt. Photo via Google Maps
In a tale that supposedly originated in the 1960s, a group of young guys were driving down Old Pearsall Road after a night of drinking when they had a creepy encounter. The driver saw something in the road that looked like a toddler, which appeared to be hurt, with blood around its mouth. He swerved to avoid the maybe-baby, but didn’t stop. The friends argued about what it was, and the driver ultimately decided that they should just go home. However, once home, he felt guilty that he had possibly left a baby in the middle of nowhere. Armed with a cooler of beer, he went back to Old Pearsall Road. Unfortunately, he got a flat, and found two small puncture marks in the tire. After replacing the tire, he cracked a beer and chilled in his car for a while before falling asleep. A sharp pain in his neck woke him up, where he found the fanged baby in his lap with a bloody mouth and shirt. Photo via Google Maps
Gillespie Mansion, a.k.a. "Midget Mansion"
While its name certainly hasn’t aged well, this myth still endures. According to local legend, the Gillespie Mansion was located on the Northwest Side off Medical Drive. Home to a little person who moved to SA in the ‘20s with his wife — also a little person — the mansion was specially built to match their shorter stature, with their two daughters, who were of typical human stature. The home reportedly had lowered fixtures and ceilings to accommodate its occupants’ height. Though all versions of this tale have a grisly end, the details vary — some say the husband killed his family then committed suicide, while another version goes that a servant snapped after enduring abuse from the family, killing them with an axe and hiding them in a closet as well as setting the home on fire. Though it was a popular haunt for ghost-seekers for a while, it has since been demolished.
Photo via Instagram / ghoulsjustwannahavefunpodcast
While its name certainly hasn’t aged well, this myth still endures. According to local legend, the Gillespie Mansion was located on the Northwest Side off Medical Drive. Home to a little person who moved to SA in the ‘20s with his wife — also a little person — the mansion was specially built to match their shorter stature, with their two daughters, who were of typical human stature. The home reportedly had lowered fixtures and ceilings to accommodate its occupants’ height. Though all versions of this tale have a grisly end, the details vary — some say the husband killed his family then committed suicide, while another version goes that a servant snapped after enduring abuse from the family, killing them with an axe and hiding them in a closet as well as setting the home on fire. Though it was a popular haunt for ghost-seekers for a while, it has since been demolished.
Photo via Instagram / ghoulsjustwannahavefunpodcast
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