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Old
Forts, like so many other historic places in the
American
West
tend to have their share of ghostly tales.
The forts of the
American
West varied in type from military posts, to fortresses established by
fur trading companies, to private enterprises built solely to protect the
pioneers within.
But, without a doubt, they all
have their tales of hardships, death, disease, and suffering
emigrants passing through.
The history of these forts,
coupled with the violence and tragedy so often accompanying
them, provide a ripe atmosphere for dozens of ghost
stories.
Probably one of the most haunted
forts of the Old West is
Fort Riley,
Kansas. This still active fort has dozens of tales,
including hauntings at the cemetery, in old General George A.
Custer's house, right on the parade grounds and more. In fact,
it is so haunted, that the active military base provides
annual ghost tours in October.
At old
Fort Brown in
Texas, now part of the University of Texas/Texas
Southmost College Campus, a number of unearthly spirits like
to make themselves know.
Yet more ghosts lurk in a number
of old forts, and I'm sure we'll find more as we continue to
research these historic places.

The Officers Quarters at
Fort Scott, Kansas.
The building on the left once served
as the Free State Hotel. Kathy Weiser,
March, 2004.
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