The Haunted Red Garter Inn in Williams, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of Williams, Arizona, a town steeped in the rich tapestry of the American West, stands a building that whispers tales of bygone eras – the Red Garter Inn. More than just a place to rest one’s head, the Red Garter Inn is a portal to a vibrant, sometimes turbulent, past, where silver booms, railroad expansions, and frontier justice shaped the destiny of a community. But beyond its historical significance, the inn holds another allure, one that sends shivers down the spines of those who dare to listen closely – the lingering presence of the paranormal.
The story of the Red Garter Inn begins in 1897, a time when Williams was poised to explode with prosperity due to the anticipated silver and copper boom near the Grand Canyon. August Tetzlaff, a German tailor with an entrepreneurial spirit, envisioned capitalizing on this influx of fortune-seekers. He erected a sturdy two-story building, intending it to be a commercial hub catering to the needs of the burgeoning population. Little did he know that his establishment would become a landmark, bearing witness to the ever-evolving character of Williams for over a century.
Originally, the Red Garter Inn, a building that holds the Red Garter Inn, served as a saloon on the ground floor, a common gathering place for weary travelers and local residents. Upstairs, however, a different kind of commerce thrived. The second floor housed a brothel, complete with a parlor and eight small rooms, often referred to as "cribs." The women who worked there would frequently lean out of the windows, beckoning to the working men below, their voices adding to the lively cacophony of the bustling street.
Adding to the unique architecture of the building was a steep flight of stairs that became known as the "Cowboy’s Endurance Test," a testament to the effort required to reach the second-floor establishments. A rather peculiar feature was a two-story outhouse situated off the back of the building, providing a less arduous alternative for the brothel’s "guests" who wished to avoid navigating the treacherous stairs again. This detail highlights the pragmatic considerations of the time, catering to the comfort, and perhaps the laziness, of its clientele.
The Red Garter Inn’s history doesn’t end there. Behind the main saloon area, two rear rooms were once occupied by Chinese railroad workers. These industrious individuals not only lived in the cramped space but also operated a chophouse and, reportedly, an opium den. During this period, tales of violence and intrigue swirled around the establishment. The local sheriff was frequently summoned to investigate alleged murders, only to find nothing amiss upon arrival, leaving the rumors to fester and fuel the inn’s growing reputation.
The stories became so persistent that, at one point, the local garbage collector was even lowered into the cesspool beneath the outhouses in search of bodies. However, his efforts proved fruitless, further deepening the mystery and adding to the mystique surrounding the Red Garter Inn. The Red Garter Inn was a place of secrets, where stories were whispered and truths were often obscured.
For many years, the saloon was managed by Longino Mora, a prominent figure in Williams’ history. Born in Socorro, New Mexico, in 1848, Mora was not only a skilled saloonkeeper but also a U.S. Cavalry Scout, recognized for his heroism during the Indian Wars. He became a local legend for his personal life as well, fathering 25 children with five different wives. The sheer scale of his family was a topic of much discussion and contributed to his larger-than-life persona.
The saloon and brothel flourished, drawing in miners, loggers, cowboys, and railroad workers, all seeking a respite from their laborious lives. They came for the drinks, the camaraderie, and the company of the "painted ladies" who resided upstairs. The Red Garter Inn became a central hub of social interaction, reflecting the vibrant and often unruly spirit of the frontier town.
As the turn of the century approached, Williams earned a reputation as a rough and rowdy frontier town, characterized by a proliferation of saloons, brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens. Recognizing the need for regulation, the town authorities restricted the houses of vice to a designated area known as "Saloon Row" on Railroad Avenue, in which the Red Garter Inn was located.
Despite Arizona outlawing prostitution in 1907, the law was not strictly enforced. Even during the Prohibition era, the saloon and brothel continued to operate, cleverly concealing their illicit activities behind hidden dividers. Both businesses thrived until the mid-1940s when a tragic event occurred: a murder on the stairs of the Red Garter. This incident triggered a city-wide crackdown on houses of ill-repute, ultimately leading to the closure of the saloon and brothel after more than four decades of operation.
The building underwent several transformations in the following decades, serving as a rooming house and a general store. In 1979, a man named John Holst purchased the property but continued to lease it out until 1994. At that time, Holst embarked on a significant renovation project, converting the eight former "cribs" into four comfortable guest rooms, each with its own bathroom. He then reopened the establishment as the Red Garter Bed and Bakery, ushering in a new era for the historic building.
However, the past refused to remain silent. Soon after the Red Garter Inn reopened, guests and staff began reporting unusual phenomena, hinting at a lingering presence from the building’s colorful history. The sound of footsteps echoing through empty hallways, doors slamming shut seemingly on their own, and strange "clunking" noises reverberating throughout the building became common occurrences.
While one might attribute the paranormal activity to the murder that occurred on the stairway or the countless untold stories from the Chinese opium den days, the spirit most frequently associated with the Red Garter Inn is said to be that of a young girl, whose origins remain a mystery.
Guests have described seeing her apparition as a Hispanic girl with long dark hair, clad in a white nightgown. One guest even claimed to have made contact with the spirit, learning that her name was Eve or Eva. This spectral figure has become an integral part of the Red Garter Inn’s lore, adding another layer of intrigue to its already captivating history.
While most guests report a peaceful night’s sleep at the historic inn, others have recounted unsettling experiences, such as feeling their beds shake or sensing someone touching their arms. These accounts contribute to the inn’s reputation as a haunted destination, attracting those who seek a brush with the paranormal.
Perhaps the most intriguing phenomenon associated with the Red Garter Inn is the ghost’s apparent ability to manifest in photographs. Owner John Holst often shares a particularly compelling image with his guests: a 1934 photograph featuring Longino Mora, his fifth wife Clara, and their 25th child, Carmina. In the background, a woman stands behind the counter, smiling broadly. However, the woman is not reflected in the mirror in front of her, leading many to speculate that she might be the mysterious Eva.
Today, the Red Garter Inn stands proudly as a testament to the enduring spirit of Williams, Arizona. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a unique bed and breakfast experience, blending historical charm with modern comforts. While the innkeepers tend to downplay the stories of Eva, dismissing them as "greatly exaggerated," the legends and experiences of the past continue to resonate within its walls.
The Red Garter Inn, a building with an interesting history, invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the American West. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply seeking a memorable getaway, the Red Garter Inn promises an unforgettable experience. The Red Garter Inn, a building with an intriguing past.
Contact Information:
The Red Garter Inn
137 Railroad Avenue
Williams, Arizona 86046