Address: 211 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Official Website: http://www.excelsiorhouse.org/
The Tale Begins
Welcome, dear readers, to an exciting new page of our sensational journey into the realm of the extra-mysterious and supernatural. Today, we delve into the shadowy halls of the Excelsior House, a place where the usual hustle and bustle of the living share the stage with whispers from the other side. Where the enamel of historical beauty meets the fascinating sheen of spectral affairs, this edifice has a reputation that lingers as persistently as its alleged spectral residents.
Buckle up, dear ones, because you’re about to set off on a thrilling exploration through the eerie, yet enticing, corridors of this 19th-century marvel. Step gingerly with me over the threshold where past and present intertwine, weaving captivating tales that would make your hair stand on end.
Ready or not, let’s set forth, shall we? Scare-lovers and ghost hunters, grab your gear, for the legendary tales of the Excelsior House await!
The History of Excelsior House
The Excelsior House, formally known as The Excelsior House Hotel, has a rich and fascinating history. Located in Jefferson, Texas, it is one of the oldest hotels in the East Texas town known for its antebellum charm.
Construction of the hotel began in the late 1850s under the direction of Captain William Perry, part-owner of the Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad Company. It was originally named the Irving House and was envisioned to serve as a elite stop on the proposed east-west railroad route.
Over the years, the Excelsior House hosted numerous dignitaries, artists, and notable figures. Some of its most famous guests included Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, and Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady of the United States. Legend has it that even the notorious Jay Gould, a railroad developer and speculator, stayed there.
Unfortunately, the once-thriving port city began to decline after the Civil War, and the Excelsior House fell into disrepair. In the mid-1960s, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club purchased the property and sought to restore it to its former glory. Under their stewardship, the Excelsior House was renovated and reopened as a working hotel.
The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and it continues to be a beloved historical landmark in the town of Jefferson. Visitors who stay at the hotel can expect a unique blend of Southern hospitality, historic charm, and local folklore.
Wrapping Up
Excelsior House is a historic hotel located in Jefferson, Texas that dates back to the 1850s. Known as the oldest hotel in East Texas, it’s established a reputation for its paranormal activities, as well as its connection to notable figures like Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, and Steven Spielberg.
The hotel is infamous for its various hauntings reported by guests and staff throughout the years. Each haunted room has its unique story. Most notably, the ‘Jay Gould Room’ named after the railroad magnate, has an infamous tale of a woman and her child appearing to guests, thought to be the spirits of a deceased lady and her son who stayed in the room.
Additionally, ‘The Diamond Bessie Room’, named after a woman murdered during her stay, experiences regularly reported ghostly activities including the appearance of her apparition and belongings mysteriously moved around.
Several reports of disembodied voices, whispers, strange phenomena, and peculiar smells are common around the hotel. Due to its reputation, many investigators and thrill-seekers have sought out to explore the Excelsior House‘s supernatural phenomena.
Historically, the Excelsior House has witnessed the peaks and falls of Jefferson due to its integral role in early times. It was created to accommodate the riverboat travelers on Caddo Lake, serving as a hospitality beacon, which in its glory days, was the epitome of luxury.
Over the years, this historic landmark has undergone various restorations but has tried to maintain the original character of the building, making it a unique combination of the old and new. Today, it still operates as a hotel and stands as a testament to pioneering spirit and Texan history.
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