Nestled in the mountains of Colorado, the haunted ghost town of Saint Elmo experienced its heyday in 1878 when gold and silver mines attracted a wave of settlers, propelling the population to over 2,000 people. The bustling town boasted various establishments, including stores, hotels, restaurants, and even its own newspaper, The Mountaineer. Among the prominent families in Saint Elmo were the Starks, headed by Anton Stark, who managed one of the local mines. His wife, Anna, operated a general store and oversaw the Home Comfort Hotel, with their children Tony, Roy, and Annabelle often assisting in these ventures. The Starks were regarded as an elite family, and Anna’s demeanor reflected her belief in their superiority over the other townsfolk. As a result, she rarely allowed her children to venture beyond the confines of their home.
In 1890, disaster struck when a fire ravaged the town’s business district, leaving it in ruins. Despite this setback, Saint Elmo managed to survive for several more years, largely due to the efforts of the Stark family and their descendants. However, the decline of the mining industry, coupled with the closure of the Alpine Tunnel in 1910, marked the beginning of the town’s downfall. By 1922, the remaining miners had departed, leaving only Annabelle and Tony Stark as the sole residents. Living without electricity or plumbing, the siblings secluded themselves in their dilapidated home, surviving on soured food from the store until their eventual deaths.
Today, many believe that the ghost of Annabelle Stark lingers in Saint Elmo, keeping a watchful eye over the town. Reports of paranormal activity have circulated, particularly centered around the Home Comfort Hotel, which was bequeathed to a family friend following Annabelle’s passing. This friend, who took ownership of the hotel, has shared chilling encounters with supernatural phenomena. On one summer day, while her grandchildren were playing in the hotel, a sudden drop in temperature sent chills through the air, and the doors slammed shut. Just as abruptly, within minutes, the doors swung open again, and the temperature returned to normal, leaving the family puzzled by the inexplicable occurrence.
Another ghostly encounter was recounted by a skier passing through Saint Elmo. As the skier approached the town, she noticed a woman dressed in a white gown standing in the window of the hotel’s second story. Sensing danger as snowmobilers rode into town, the skier warned them about the forbidden activity in the area. Surprisingly, the woman in white nodded in acknowledgment and gratitude, saying, “Thank you,” before fading from view.
These ghostly tales have contributed to the mystique and allure of Saint Elmo, capturing the imagination of visitors and locals alike.
Sources:
– “Saint Elmo, Colorado: Ghost Town and Hub for Paranormal Activity” – Legends of America, https://www.legendsofamerica.com/saint-elmo/
– “Saint Elmo, Colorado” – Ghost Towns, https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/saintelmo.html
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