Haunted Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri, a city steeped in history, resonates with tales that stretch far beyond its official founding in 1833. Before settlers arrived and established what would become the "Queen City of the Ozarks," the land was home to Native American tribes, who prospered amidst its abundant natural resources. However, the westward expansion of the United States led to the displacement of these indigenous peoples. Just nine years after Missouri gained statehood in 1821, the U.S. government forcibly relocated the Native Americans to a reservation in Kansas, opening Greene County for settlement by white pioneers. These newcomers, like their predecessors, thrived on the region’s rich resources. In later years, the Butterfield Stage Coach line further spurred the town’s growth, ushering in a wave of new inhabitants and transforming Springfield into a bustling hub.
Though scarred by the Civil War, Springfield persevered, later embracing the iconic Route 66 and evolving into Missouri’s third-largest city. This extensive history, encompassing pioneers, war, and modern development, has led to Springfield becoming a place where the veil between worlds is thin. Given its rich past, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Haunted Springfield, Missouri is considered one of the Show-Me-State’s most haunted locations. Whispers of spectral residents and unexplained phenomena echo through its historic buildings, parks, and even its modern establishments.
The city’s haunted reputation stems from a combination of factors. The land itself holds a history of displacement and conflict. Adding to this, many older buildings have witnessed generations of joy and sorrow, successes and failures. This accumulation of human experience seems to have left an imprint on the environment, creating pockets where the past lingers in the present. Let’s delve into some of the specific locations within Haunted Springfield, Missouri that have earned this spectral reputation.
Phelps Grove Park: This 44-acre park on East Bennett Street offers residents a tranquil escape, but it also holds a somber tale. Legend speaks of a "Bride under the Bridge," a relatively recent ghost said to be the victim of a tragic car accident. On what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, she and her new groom were driving through the park when their vehicle careened out of control, resulting in their deaths. The forlorn bride is said to appear near the third bridge in the park, particularly in the evening hours. Witnesses describe a figure in a wedding gown, holding up its hem, but with only darkness where her face should be. The park, with its serene beauty, now bears the weight of this tragic tale, adding another layer to the lore of Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
Bass Country Inn: Just off Highway 44 at North Glenstone Avenue stands the Bass Country Inn, where not one, but two spirits are said to reside. One, known as Carl, is believed to be a former busboy who continues his duties in the afterlife. Staff members have reported sightings of him in the kitchen and hallways. Others have described seeing a pair of legs beneath a table, only to find no one there upon closer inspection. Carl is often seen out of the corner of one’s eye, disappearing into the office or down the hall. While Carl seems harmless, another female spirit is said to be less friendly. Both apparitions have reportedly touched people, adding a chilling element to the inn’s atmosphere. The presence of these two spirits contributes to the ongoing narrative of Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
Drury University: Founded on September 25, 1873, Drury University boasts a long and storied history. What began as a two-story brick structure has grown into an 80-acre campus. The university’s age and location contribute to its haunted reputation. The campus was built on what was once an Indian burial ground and later became a site of conflict during the Civil War.
One of the most well-known ghost stories at Drury University revolves around Smith Hall, a women’s dormitory built in 1966. The dormitory stands on land that was once home to several old Victorian houses. One of these houses was the scene of a tragic fire, where a little girl perished while trying to retrieve her teddy bear. According to legend, the little girl’s spirit still wanders the halls of Smith Hall, searching for her beloved toy. Students have reported seeing her dressed in pink and walking through the building. She is said to be a playful spirit, with students returning to their rooms to find doors unlocked, drawers open, and a teddy bear placed in the center of the room. Some students have also reported an unused telephone in a closet ringing at night, despite having no power source. Other strange occurrences have been reported at Clara Thompson Hall, with students claiming to hear pianos playing on their own and doors closing by themselves. Flickering lights have also been seen at the Wilhoit Theatre when no one is inside. With its long history and numerous ghost stories, Drury University stands as a prominent location within Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
Southwest Missouri State University: The Freudenberger House, affectionately known as the Freddy House, is another location with a resident phantom. This five-story residence hall, home to the Military Science Department and over 700 students, is said to be haunted by a female ghost referred to as the "Dorm Mom." Built in 1959 and named after Norman Freudenberger, a Latin professor, the Dorm Mom is most often seen on the fifth floor. Her presence adds to the numerous tales that make up Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
Landers Theater: Constructed in 1909, the Landers Theater is a stunning brick and terra cotta building that has continuously hosted performances. Throughout its history, the theater has welcomed renowned artists, including Lillian Russell, John Philip Sousa, Lon Chaney, and Fanny Brice. Later, it became one of the first motion picture houses to acquire "talkies."
In 1977, the Landers Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places. During the 1980s, it underwent extensive renovations to restore its early 1900s elegance. Today, the theater continues to entertain audiences with plays, musicals, ballet, symphony, and more. However, the Landers Theater is also home to several restless spirits. One of the most frequently sighted ghosts is that of a janitor who died during a fire in the theater in the early twentieth century. On December 17, 1920, a major fire broke out at the Landers Theater, tragically claiming the janitor’s life and forcing the theater to close for some time. An asbestos curtain and other fireproofing measures prevented the theater from being completely destroyed. According to reports, actors on stage often see the old janitor in the balcony.
Another story tells of a baby who was accidentally dropped from the upper balcony one night. Today, actors practicing on stage claim to hear the baby’s fall repeated. Others have heard the baby crying, followed by comforting words from its ghostly mother. Another apparition, only seen from outside the theater, is said to peek from a fourth-floor window at passersby. Described as tall with long blonde hair and wearing Elizabethan clothing, this spirit has never been seen inside the theater. Other strange occurrences at the theater include unplugged spotlights turning on and off on their own, the feeling of being followed, taps on people’s shoulders by unseen entities, and apparitions glimpsed throughout the building. The Landers Theater, with its rich history and numerous ghostly tales, stands as a significant landmark in Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
Adding to the existing lore of the Landers Theater, a reader update mentions two more spectral entities. The first is the "Green Orb," a five-foot-tall, bright green sphere seen on the landing of the west stairs between the first and second balconies. The second, and more frightening, is the "Black Void," a dark, ominous presence that can be seen anywhere in the building. Described as a big black hole that replaces the red brick of the building, the Black Void is said to give the impression that one could walk right through it.
Springfield National Cemetery: Established in the 1860s, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous Civil War soldiers, some of whom appear to remain restless. Visitors have reported seeing glowing gravestones at night and capturing photographs with strange apparitions and orbs. The Springfield National Cemetery adds a somber chapter to the spectral stories of Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
University Plaza Hotel: Unlike many quaint inns and motels, the University Plaza Hotel prefers to keep its resident ghost a secret. As Springfield’s premier meeting place and convention center, the hotel fears that knowledge of the spirit will harm its business. However, "The Colonel," as he has become known, has been seen by many employees. The towering hotel stands on land that was once a large plantation owned by a well-decorated Civil War hero. This older gentleman, dressed in black, is most often seen between midnight and 4:00 a.m. in the hotel’s ballroom and back hallways. While the identity of the Colonel remains a mystery, some believe it to be John Polk Campbell, who once owned almost all of the land in Springfield, or perhaps John S. Phelps, another decorated Civil War veteran. The presence of the Colonel adds a touch of intrigue to the already captivating tales of Haunted Springfield, Missouri.
The stories of Haunted Springfield, Missouri continue to evolve, adding new layers to the city’s rich and complex history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these tales offer a glimpse into the city’s past and the enduring power of human experience. They remind us that even in the most modern cities, the echoes of the past can still be heard.