Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri
Nestled on a commanding bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri stands as a testament to a bygone era. More than just an architectural marvel, this venerable landmark, now known as the Bissell Mansion Restaurant and Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, is steeped in history and shrouded in whispers of the paranormal. Beyond the staged mysteries of its dinner theatre, the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri is said to harbor genuine enigmas and spectral residents, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its already captivating story.
The story of the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri begins with Captain Lewis Bissell, a man of distinguished lineage and military prowess. Born in Connecticut in 1789, Bissell hailed from a family deeply rooted in American military leadership. His father, Major Russell Bissell, held the esteemed position of the first commandant of Fort Bellefontaine, a crucial outpost in the early American West. Furthermore, Lewis was the nephew of General Daniel Bissell, a prominent figure who served as the first Commandant of the U.S. Military Department of Missouri and extended a welcoming hand to the Lewis and Clark expedition upon their arrival in St. Louis. Inspired by his family’s legacy, Lewis Bissell embarked on his own military career at the young age of 19. He was soon dispatched by President Thomas Jefferson to the ever-expanding Western frontier.
Upon his return from his service on the frontier, Bissell turned his attention to acquiring real estate. In the 1820s, he amassed approximately 1,500 acres of land, a sprawling estate that became known as Bissell’s Point. This strategically located "point" stretched eastward from the site of what would become Bissell’s Mansion all the way to the Mississippi River and extended north to Fort Bellefontaine, the vital frontier outpost guarding the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. In 1821, Bissell solidified his personal life by marrying Mary Woodbridge. With his landholdings secured and his personal life blossoming, Bissell embarked on the construction of his grand mansion. Once completed, the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri became the centerpiece of Bissell’s Point, attracting other affluent residents and quickly transforming the area into a desirable residential enclave in North St. Louis. Bissell’s home was elegantly situated amidst lush trees and boasted an extensive orchard that stretched toward the river, creating a picturesque and idyllic setting.
Tragedy struck in 1831 when Bissell’s wife, Mary, passed away. Six years later, he found love again and remarried Mary Jane Douglas. Bissell resided in the house for over four decades, witnessing the growth and development of St. Louis. He eventually passed away in the mansion in 1868 at the age of 79. In 1883, a northwest wing was added to the house by Frederick Kraft, a subsequent owner. Over the following years, the ownership of the building changed hands multiple times, and the surrounding area experienced a period of decline.
The Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri faced a significant threat in the late 1950s when Interstate 70 was slated to cut through St. Louis. Recognizing the historical significance of the structure, the Landmarks Association stepped in to save the historic home from demolition. Today, thanks to their efforts, the Bissell Mansion survives as the Bissell Mansion Restaurant & Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, a testament to its enduring legacy. The building proudly retains much of its original detailing, including the grand staircase, ornate fireplace mantels, and intricate interior trim work, offering visitors a glimpse into the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th century.
Today, the Bissell Mansion offers a unique entertainment experience. On weekends, the mansion transforms into a lively murder mystery dinner theatre, inviting guests to participate in an interactive whodunit while enjoying a delicious four-course meal between acts of the show. The restaurant also welcomes patrons for lunch and weeknight dining, providing a charming and historic setting for a memorable meal.
While many of the historic homes that once graced Bissell Point fell victim to demolition, the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri persevered, and so too, it seems, did its spectral residents. Legend has it that Captain Lewis Bissell himself remains a watchful presence, often sighted in the parking lot, gazing towards his beloved home.
Inside the mansion, another spirit is said to roam – an unknown woman, perhaps one of Bissell’s wives. She is often described as appearing in a long, flowing white evening gown, gracefully ascending the stairs, sometimes turning to offer a gentle smile. While both of these spirits are generally considered to be friendly and even comforting, there have been reports of bizarre occurrences within the restaurant. These events reportedly began during the renovation of the property in the 1980s. According to staff members, the most common phenomenon involves wine glasses mysteriously disappearing, only to reappear days later, adding to the mansion’s reputation as the Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Haunted Bissell Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and spectral intrigue. Whether you are drawn to its architectural beauty, captivated by its historical significance, or intrigued by the possibility of encountering its ghostly residents, the Bissell Mansion promises a memorable and engaging experience.