The Brantly Hotel, located in Selma, Alabama, holds a rich history dating back to its construction in 1837. During the tumultuous period of the Civil War, the hotel served as the headquarters for Union forces during the Battle of Selma in 1865. Tragically, much of the town was ravaged by fire, but the hotel miraculously survived the destruction. After the war, Benjamin Sterling Tower took ownership of the hotel and oversaw its operations.
In the years following the war, the Brantly Hotel became a favored establishment among infamous figures, most notably Jesse James and his gang. Starting in 1881, James and his associates frequented the hotel, finding solace in its tavern where they could unwind, indulge in drinks, and engage in card games. However, financial hardships struck the hotel in 1882, leading to its closure. For the next century, the building stood vacant until it was acquired by an investment company in the 1990s. Substantial renovations, amounting to six million dollars, were undertaken to restore the hotel to its former glory.
In 1997, after extensive refurbishment, the hotel was reopened to the public under the new name of The Saint James Hotel. Since its grand reopening, numerous guests and visitors have reported encounters with paranormal activity within the premises. The most prominent hauntings are linked to Jesse James and his girlfriend, Lucinda. Paranormal investigators, including the Ghost Hunters team and psychics, have conducted investigations at the hotel, witnessing and documenting various apparitions.
Visitors and investigators have reported sightings of ghostly figures donning attire from the 1800s in the hotel’s courtyard. These apparitions have left a profound impression on those who have witnessed them, further fueling the hotel’s reputation as a hub of spectral activity. Additionally, a ghostly dog has been observed and heard in the hotel’s hallways, despite there being no actual dogs present. Witnesses note that the appearance of this canine apparition bears a striking resemblance to Jesse James’s faithful black dog, which never left his side during his life.
The Saint James Hotel has become renowned for its haunted reputation, attracting both paranormal enthusiasts and curious guests alike. The encounters with apparitions and the presence of Jesse James and his beloved dog have intrigued visitors seeking to experience the supernatural. Through ongoing investigations and testimonies, the hotel continues to provide a window into the past and a glimpse into the realm of the paranormal.
Sources:
1. “The Saint James Hotel” – Selma-Dallas County Tourism (visitselma.org)
2. “Haunted Places: The National Directory” by Dennis William Hauck
3. “The Haunting of Alabama and Mississippi” by David Higdon and Brett J. Talley
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