The Haunting of the Littlefield House
Littlefield House, located in Austin, Texas, is a 129-year-old Victorian mansion that has gained a reputation for being haunted. With its distinctive red brick exterior and turreted towers, the house has been the subject of numerous reports of paranormal activity. Visitors claim to hear invisible footsteps, experience terrifying screams in the night, and share stories of a woman locked in the attic. These eerie accounts have contributed to the belief that something otherworldly is present within the walls of Littlefield House.
The History of the Littlefield House
Built in 1893 by George Littlefield, a wealthy rancher from Belmont, Texas, Littlefield House was a symbol of Victorian privilege and opulence. Costing a staggering $50,000, the sprawling mansion stood apart from the surrounding homes, boasting a wrought-iron fence, marble steps, and a broad veranda. George and his wife Alice, who he met during his service in the Confederate Army, resided in the house. Tragically, the couple experienced the loss of two stillborn babies and never had any children of their own.
Despite this heartbreak, the Littlefields intended for their forty-acre estate to be a welcoming space for their nieces and nephews when they visited. George was a respected figure in Austin and generously funded the college education of 29 family members at the University of Texas. As a symbol of his love for Alice, George even imported a majestic Himalayan deodar cedar tree for her. However, there are rumors that Alice suffered from a mental health disorder and that George would lock her in the attic when he left the house for fear that she would be kidnapped by the Yankees.
Contradictory accounts exist regarding Alice’s condition and the extent of her confinement. Some sources suggest that she experienced fear and anxiety whenever George was away, while others claim she spiraled into hysteria while locked in the attic. According to a great-nephew, these rumors are unfounded. In reality, George hired three nurses to care for Alice around the clock, and her mental condition started to improve after his death in 1920. She began participating in social activities, visiting friends and family, and ultimately bequeathed the house to the University of Texas.
Is the Littlefield House Haunted?
Littlefield House is reputed to be haunted, with numerous accounts of paranormal activity. Eerie piano notes are said to drift from upstairs, reminiscent of Alice’s musical talents during her lifetime. Some witnesses claim to have seen Alice’s ghost wandering the property, while others only experience her spectral presence during Halloween, when chilling stories circulate about supernatural beings at Littlefield House. Interestingly, some individuals find Alice’s ghost to be a comforting presence.
Today, Littlefield House is owned by the University of Texas and is closed to the public. However, visitors can still explore the mansion’s grounds, and perhaps, if they happen to gaze up at the right moment, they might catch a glimpse of Alice’s face peering from a dusty upstairs window.
Address: Littlefield House, 24th Street and Whitis Avenue, Austin, Texas, United States.
Sources:
1. Austinot. “Haunted Littlefield House, an Unexpected Gem of Austin History.” https://austinot.com
2. The Lineup. “The Spooky Tale of Austin’s Littlefield House.” https://the-line-up.com/
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