Haunted Atchison – Most Ghostly Town in Kansas
"A house is never silent in darkness to those who listen intently; there is a whispering in distant chambers, and earthly hand presses the snib of the window, the latch rises. Ghosts were created when the first man woke in the night."
– James Matthew Barrie, "The Little Minister"
Nestled along the rolling bluffs of the Missouri River in northeast Kansas lies a town steeped in history and shrouded in an aura of the unexplained: Atchison. This charming locale, with its brick-paved streets and grand Victorian architecture, has earned the chilling moniker of "Most Ghostly Town in Kansas." So pervasive are the tales of spectral encounters that a dedicated haunted homes tour is offered via the Atchison Trolley, beckoning visitors to delve into the eerie depths of its past.
The town’s history is as rich as its haunted reputation. During the 1850s, Atchison served as a bustling crossroads for westward-bound settlers, witnessing a daily procession of over 1,600 wagons laden with hopeful prospectors en route to the California goldfields. The echoes of these pioneers, the hardships they faced, and the lives they may have lost along the way, seem to linger in the very fabric of Atchison, contributing to its ghostly lore. It is said that some of these early settlers, for reasons unknown, have chosen to remain in Atchison, not in flesh and blood, but as ethereal residents. The town is full of stories about ghostly sightings and other paranormal events.
Haunted Atchison offers more than just spine-tingling tales; it’s a journey through a visually captivating landscape. Situated on the bluffs, Haunted Atchison boasts some of the most scenic and historic views in Kansas. The brick streets, winding along the bluffs and climbing the hills, provide stunning vistas of the Missouri River valley below. The stately Victorian homes, many with their original carriage houses, stand as testaments to a bygone era, a time when wealthy lumber merchants and railroad magnates strolled these same streets. Haunted Atchison’s architectural grandeur adds another layer to its mystique, offering a glimpse into a prosperous past that contrasts sharply with the ghostly whispers of its present.
The pervasiveness of Haunted Atchison’s reputation has even caught the attention of national media. The Travel Channel featured the town in a special segment titled "Haunted Town," showcasing some of its most notorious paranormal hotspots, including the infamous Sallie House and the historic Benedictine College. This exposure has only solidified Atchison’s place on the map as a destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
The Hauntings
The spectral tapestry of Atchison is woven with countless individual stories, each contributing to the town’s overall haunted ambiance. From riverside apparitions to mischievous mansion spirits, the tales are as diverse as the town’s history itself.
Atchison Street: Formerly known as Ferry Street, this steep road descends towards the Missouri River, once the site of a ferry landing. Legend tells of a tragic accident: a woman traveling in a buggy lost control of her horses, becoming unhitched and plunging into the frigid waters below. Trapped within the buggy, her body was never recovered. Today, along the riverbank, men have reported hearing a woman’s voice, beckoning them to join her in the murky depths. Is it merely the echo of the river, or a desperate plea from beyond the veil?
Gargoyle House (Waggener House), 819 N. 4th Street: This imposing turn-of-the-century home, built in 1884-1885, is more commonly known as the Waggener House, named after its original owner, B.P. Waggener, a prominent lawyer and politician. The house’s distinctive gargoyles, typically intended to ward off evil spirits, are said to have a more sinister connection. Legend claims that Waggener amassed his wealth through a pact with the devil, and the gargoyles were erected in honor of this unholy agreement. The house is believed to be afflicted by an evil curse. One homeowner, attempting to remove the gargoyles, tragically fell to his death on the staircase. Kansas City Ghost Hunters, during a visit documented by the Travel Channel, reported detecting ghostly presences and experiencing an unsettling feeling within the house. This historical landmark, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, stands as a stark reminder of the darker side of ambition.
Jackson Park: This public park is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman named "Molly." According to local lore, moans and terrifying screams echo through the park around midnight. One legend recounts Molly’s tragic end: a beautiful young woman found dead in the park the day after her prom, hanging from a tree in a hollow, her clothes torn. It was rumored that she had argued with her date the night before, and he abandoned her in the park. Whether her death was suicide or murder remains a mystery, though some suspected her prom date, no one was ever charged.
Another version of the story paints a different picture, claiming Molly was a black woman lynched by a white mob years ago. Instead of the cries of a prom girl, the screams emanate from the brutal slaying of an African-American woman. Regardless of which tale is true, the area is now known as Molly’s Hollow, a popular spot for couples to "park." In addition to the chilling cries, witnesses have reported seeing a ghostly figure hanging from the tree where her body was allegedly found.
North 3rd Street Home: This residence was once the home of Nellie Trueblood, an elderly, single schoolteacher. Local legends claim that she died alone and forgotten in the house. When new owners began renovations, Nellie’s spirit reportedly took exception. Construction crews have reported seeing glowing balls of light, measuring 18-24 inches in diameter, hovering just out of reach. If approached, the lights quickly dart away, frightening the workers and causing them to abandon the project.
However, a conflicting account from Nellie’s nephew, Scott Neilson, paints a different picture. He claims his aunt was not bereft and actually died at the Atchison Hospital in 1958. He adds, "I’m not surprised to hear Nellie may haunt the 3rd St. home. But that haunting would not be at all negative, beyond a possible desire for the old home to remain as it always was. She came from a large family, and there was a lot of love in that old home."
Riverview Drive Home: Residents of this house have reported a series of unsettling occurrences, including the television and stereo mysteriously turning on at full volume and unexplained noises emanating from empty rooms. On one occasion, a resident, thinking the noise was her dog, called out, only to be confronted by the ghostly apparition of an elderly woman, wrapped in a shroud, who smoothed a place on the bed and sat beside her. Screaming, the resident fled the room, only to hear the attic door slam shut behind her. Guests staying in the house have also reported finding their luggage, placed at the top of the stairs leading to the attic, mysteriously tossed to the bottom.
Kearny & 5th Street Home: Former owners of this house claim it is haunted by a friendly ghost. While there are many unexplained events, such as the sounds of someone walking throughout the house, this spirit is seemingly helpful. One incident involves the man of the house being assisted into his dinner jacket by an unseen presence. Another time, the wife expressed a desire for a cup of tea upon returning home from a trip, only to find a teakettle hissing and a cup, saucer, tea bag, and spoon waiting on the counter.
Riverview Drive & R Street Home: When the current owners purchased this home, it came fully furnished, including several paintings. Wishing to redecorate, they removed several of the paintings, carefully wrapped them, and stored them in the basement. The next day, every single painting was back in its original location.
Sallie’s House, the Heartland Ghost, North 2nd Street Home: Perhaps the most famous of Atchison’s haunted locations is the Sallie House, said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Sallie. The tale of Sallie’s ghost has been featured on television shows such as Sightings and Unexplained Mysteries. According to the legend, six-year-old Sallie was rushed to the doctor’s house, where he operated his practice on the main floor, suffering from severe abdominal pains. The doctor diagnosed her with appendicitis and prepared for immediate surgery. Sallie panicked at the sight of the surgical tools, and the doctor, in his haste, did not allow the anesthesia to fully take effect before beginning the operation. Sallie awoke during the initial incision and began fighting in pain. Before she died, she is said to have looked at the doctor with both fear and loathing, and her spirit remains within the house to this day.
In 1993, a young couple rented the house and reported that Sallie’s presence was immediately felt, with frequent pranks such as turning electrical appliances on and off, turning pictures upside down, and scattering their child’s toys about the nursery. The activity soon turned malevolent, with the husband suffering frequent attacks, including spontaneous fires throughout the house. During the filming of Sightings, a red welt appeared on the man’s stomach and began to bleed. He would often experience a severe drop in temperature before the attacks and be left with long, bloody scratches.
A psychic consulted by the couple claimed that there were actually two spirits in the house: Sallie, responsible for the harmless pranks, and a more malevolent woman of about 30. This older woman, initially fond of the husband, attempted to drive a wedge between him and his wife. When she failed, she began to attack him. After the husband felt a strong shove from behind that nearly sent him over the stair railing, the couple moved out. Since then, later residents have reported no activity. The Sallie House haunting was also made into a made-for-TV movie called Haunted Heartland.
Glick Mansion, 503 North Second Street: Construction on the Glick Mansion began in 1873 by George Washington Glick, a prominent lawyer, politician, and the 9th governor of Kansas. Built in the old Gothic Victorian style, the grand structure continued for the next 39 years. After years of civic service, George Glick was forced to abandon his political career because of a throat infection. He died on April 13, 1911.
The Glick Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 26, 1992. Along with the rest of Atchison, the Glick Mansion is also said to have a benevolent ghost rattling around in this century-old home. The sounds of doors opening and closing and footsteps when no one is around are common occurrences.
McInteer Villa, 1301 Kansas Avenue: Built by Irish immigrant John McInteer in 1890, this stately mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 26, 1975. Odd phenomena are reported, including lights turning on and off in the tower, which does not have electricity. Passersby have reported seeing figures at the windows when no one is in the house, and figures have appeared in photographs taken inside the villa.
Benedictine College: Located on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, the 150-year-old Benedictine College is also haunted. Not by evil spirits, this historic college is said to remain home to the spirits of some of the old monks who founded the institution. At Memorial Hall, a girl was in her closet changing when the dresser moved in front of the door. Another girl reported that her desk chair began to rock and then suddenly stopped.
Muchnic House, 704 N. 4th Street: Built in 1885, this old home was host to frequent Saturday night parties. A maid who had worked for the party overslept the next morning and fell to her death on the back staircase. Today, witnesses report that lights from the back staircase turn on and off by themselves on Sunday mornings, followed by the smell of cooking bacon from the kitchen when no one is there.
Theatre Atchison, 401 Santa Fe Street: Built in 1913, this building is home to an unearthly spirit. Guests often describe feeling an unknown presence, while others working in the building describe odd noises.
The Santa Fe Depot: Built in 1880, the ghost of "Hangman Bill" reportedly haunts the Depot, a railroad worker is known for his habit of hanging from freight. At the Santa Fe Depot today, staff reports hearing the sound of footsteps coming from above; however, the depot does not have a second floor.
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply a curious traveler, Atchison, Kansas, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its captivating tales of the supernatural, this town truly lives up to its reputation as the "Most Ghostly Town in Kansas."