Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri, a city steeped in history and brimming with tales of bygone eras, is also known for its ghostly legends and unexplained phenomena. From tragic events to lingering spirits, the region surrounding St. Louis is a hotbed for paranormal activity, captivating the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. This article delves into two prominent ghostly tales from the area: the vengeful spirit of John Buckner haunting the Meramec River and the spectral girls residing at the historic Edgewood Children’s Center. These stories offer a glimpse into the darker side of the city’s past, where sorrow, injustice, and the echoes of lost souls continue to resonate.
The Ghost of the Meramec – The Lynching of John Buckner
The story of John Buckner is a chilling reminder of a dark chapter in St. Louis’ history. In January 1894, in the small town of Valley Park, Missouri, racial tensions and accusations of heinous crimes led to a brutal act of vigilante justice. John Buckner, a Black resident, was accused of sexually assaulting two Black women and one white woman. Fueled by these accusations and a general sense of lawlessness that plagued St. Louis County at the time, a mob of approximately 150 citizens took matters into their own hands.
They forcibly removed Buckner from the custody of local authorities. Under the cover of darkness, they dragged him to the "Old Wagon Bridge" that spanned the Meramec River, a structure that symbolized Valley Park’s aspirations and growth. There, they lynched him, leaving his body hanging as a gruesome spectacle of their twisted sense of justice.
Valley Park at the time was a boomtown. But the flood of 1915 devastated Valley Park, washing away the three-span steel bridge that had been the site of the lynching. The flood also ignited nearby businesses after floodwaters damaged the electric plants and they never recovered. Thousands of residents were displaced and left unemployed, and some even perished in the deluge.
The Meramec River, once a source of prosperity and connection, became a symbol of tragedy and misfortune. The bridge was rebuilt, but the river’s wrath continued, with subsequent floods damaging or destroying the new structure. The Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri, especially the ghost of John Buckner, became part of the local folklore, with some believing that his spirit, filled with rage and a thirst for revenge, was responsible for the town’s persistent bad luck.
Local legends whisper that Buckner’s ghost still roams the Meramec River, particularly around the area where Highway 141 now crosses. Some claim to have witnessed eerie apparitions, felt unexplained chills, or heard mournful cries emanating from the water. Whether a product of collective guilt, a genuine paranormal phenomenon, or simply the power of suggestion, the tale of John Buckner’s lynching and the subsequent misfortunes of Valley Park continues to fuel the legend of the Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri. The Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri are the main topic of this article. The narrative serves as a potent reminder of the region’s complex history and the enduring impact of racial injustice.
Ghostly Girls at the Edgewood Children’s Center
Shifting from the rural tragedy of Valley Park to the suburban setting of Webster Groves, another chilling tale unfolds at the Edgewood Children’s Center. Located in a serene neighborhood, the center has a long and multifaceted history, dating back to 1834 when it was founded as the St. Louis Association of Ladies for the Relief of Orphan Children. The organization was created to address the dire needs of the many children orphaned by the devastating cholera epidemic of 1832.
Over the years, the center evolved and expanded its services. In 1848, it was renamed the St. Louis Protestant Orphans’ Asylum, reflecting its commitment to providing care and shelter for orphaned children. A significant turning point came in 1869 when the asylum merged with the Western Sanitary Commission, a volunteer organization that provided aid to Civil War veterans. This merger led to the relocation of the center to the Rock House in Webster Groves.
The Rock House itself held a rich history before becoming part of the Edgewood Children’s Center. Constructed in 1850 by Reverend Artemus Bullard, the building served as a seminary for young men. Reverend Bullard was known for his strong abolitionist beliefs, and it is believed that he used the Rock House as a station on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge and assistance to slaves escaping to freedom in the North. A network of tunnels, stretching several blocks, reportedly ran beneath the Rock House, offering a clandestine route for those seeking liberation. However, the tunnels were sealed off in the 1890s after a tragic incident in which two children became lost and perished within their depths.
In 1910, a devastating fire swept through the Rock House, gutting its interior and claiming the life of at least one child. Despite the extensive damage, the building’s sturdy stone exterior remained intact. In 1944, the St. Louis Protestant Orphan’s Asylum transitioned to the Edgewood Children’s Center. It successfully shifted its focus from caring solely for homeless children to providing therapeutic services for emotionally disturbed children.
Today, the 155-year-old Rock House stands as a National Historic Landmark, housing the administrative offices of the Edgewood Children’s Center. Given its long and often turbulent history, it comes as little surprise that the center is rumored to be haunted. Staff members and visitors have reported numerous paranormal occurrences over the years.
One of the most frequently cited apparitions is that of a young girl believed to be the child who perished in the 1910 fire. Affectionately nicknamed "Rachel" by the staff, this friendly spirit is said to wander the halls of the Rock House. Phantom footsteps are often heard echoing through the corridors, even when no one is present. The footsteps are also said to ascend a staircase that no longer exists, a ghostly echo of the building’s past.
Adults who have resided on the second floor have reported experiencing a range of unsettling phenomena, including moving objects, disembodied footsteps, and an overwhelming sense of unease. Outside, near an old cottonwood tree, many have claimed to hear the sounds of children playing in the early evening hours. Some have even reported seeing a small girl beneath the tree, sometimes appearing to float. The Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri are alive and well at the Edgewood Children’s Center.
The combined histories of the Edgewood Children’s Center and the Rock House, filled with both hope and sorrow, have created an environment where the veil between the living and the dead seems thin. The tales of ghostly children, unexplained noises, and lingering presences continue to captivate those who work and visit the center, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri.
In conclusion, the Ghosts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich and complex history. From the tragic lynching of John Buckner to the lingering spirits of children at the Edgewood Children’s Center, these tales serve as a reminder of the past. They are a poignant reminder of the impact of tragedy and injustice, and the enduring power of the human spirit, both living and departed. These ghostly legends contribute to the mystique and allure of St. Louis, captivating the imaginations of those who dare to explore the city’s darker side.