The Haunting of Iowa State University
Iowa State University, located in the beautiful Iowa countryside, is renowned as the flagship university of Iowa. Established in 1858, it holds the distinction of being the nation’s first designated land-grant institution, pioneering a new approach to higher education. The university’s rich history is filled with notable achievements, including being the birthplace of the first electronic digital computer invented by mathematics and physics professor John Atanasoff. Iowa State University continues to make significant contributions to research and innovation through institutions like the Ames Laboratory, positively impacting lives worldwide. The campus itself boasts stunning gardens that enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. However, behind the scenes of this esteemed institution, there lurk chilling tales of ghost hauntings and paranormal activity that are often shared among alumni and professors on Halloween night.
The history of the Iowa State University:
One of the most intriguing legends associated with Iowa State University revolves around the Farm House, a historic building constructed in the 1860s. It is said that Edith, one of the first tenants, still lingers within the premises even after her passing. According to the legend, Edith had a habit of peering out from the curtains on the second floor. In a bizarre turn of events, it appears that Edith’s spirit continues to express her displeasure when the curator closes the curtains. This eerie occurrence has baffled many witnesses and remains a topic of discussion among those who encounter it.
Another spine-chilling tale is linked to Birch-Welch-Roberts Hall, a dormitory complex on the campus. In this particular incident, two officers spotted the figure of a man standing on the balcony, a place where no one was allowed to be. Sensing a potential breach, they shouted at the figure, urging him to come down. To their astonishment, the mysterious man leaped up to the roof, two stories above, and vanished into an attic window. Intrigued by this unusual turn of events, the officers investigated the attic and were confronted with a horrifying sight. They discovered the lifeless body of a student who had been missing for two weeks, hanging from the rafters. This unnerving encounter has since fueled speculation about supernatural forces at play within Birch-Welch-Roberts Hall.
Is the University haunted?
Iowa State University is teeming with ghost stories, and one of the most notorious spots rumored to be haunted is the basement of Friley Hall, one of the oldest dormitories on campus. The basement houses a room known as the Devil’s Legion, a name that evokes a sense of foreboding. Numerous accounts from students have recounted sightings of shadowy figures within the room, while others claim to have witnessed the walls seemingly drenched in blood. Such chilling occurrences have led to a widespread belief that the basement of Friley Hall harbors an otherworldly presence, urging caution among those who dare to venture into its depths.
These ghostly tales have become ingrained in the campus culture and serve as a reminder of the mysterious and unexplained phenomena that surround Iowa State University. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the stories shared by alumni and professors have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the university’s folklore.
Address: Ames, IA 50011
Sources:
1. Iowa State University – About: https://www.iastate.edu/
2. Paranormal Intrigue: Iowa State University Hauntings: https://www.iowastatedaily.com
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