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.

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated October, 2010.