|
Hauntings at Fort Concho
In addition to the staff
and many visitors to this historic site, other unearthly "people” are also
said to continue to linger throughout the fort. The most haunted
buildings are situated on "Officers Row,” where the spirits of previous
commanders allegedly remain.
Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie
reportedly lingers at his old home at the center of Officers Row. Said to
have been extremely fond of the house, he has been seen by visitors and
staff alike. Staff have heard the sounds of mysterious footsteps when no
one is present. Others have heard knuckles cracking, which was a common
habit of the old colonel.
In the old home of Colonel
Benjamin Grierson,
Officer Quarter 1,
the ghost of his 12
year-old daughter has evidently continued her residency in the home.
Unfortunately, Edith, who was familiarly called "Eedie,” died in
September, 1879 of typhoid fever after weeks of having been ill. Over the
years, she has been often spied playing the game of Jacks, which was her
favorite in her lifetime. Those who have seen her report that the room is
very cold when they enter, and when the startled visitors spy her
apparition, the girl turns and smiles before returning to her game.
Objects have also said to have been mysteriously moved in the room, and
some have spied jacks lying about. She has also been seen standing on the
staircase in a long peach colored dress. Others have reported the sounds
of a ball bouncing and footsteps on the staircase, doors slamming shut of
their own accord.
The post headquarters has
also seen paranormal activity. Reporting sightings of a shadowing
soldier, staff believe that this is the spirit of Second Sergeant Cunningham,
who was the only soldier to ever die at
Fort Concho. Cunningham, who was
a chronic alcoholic, died of liver disease. His ghost is said to be
opposed to females in the building.
Other ghosts have also been
seen and heard around the old post, including the disembodied voices of
Chaplain Dunbar and an unidentified officer’s wife at the post chapel,
strange lights coming on in the night, and some report seeing a soldier
who likes to wander about the neighborhood outside the fort.
©
Kathy Weiser/Legends
of America, updated June, 2010.
Contact Information:
|
|
