The Historic and Haunted Sheridan Inn, Wyoming – Legends of America
Nestled in the heart of Sheridan, Wyoming, stands a testament to the American West’s vibrant history and enduring legends: the Sheridan Inn. More than just a hotel, the Sheridan Inn is a living museum, a tangible link to a bygone era, and, according to many, a haven for spectral residents. This iconic landmark, once frequented by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, continues to captivate visitors with its rich past, architectural grandeur, and the lingering presence of its most famous ghostly inhabitant, Miss Kate Arnold.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Birth of an Icon
The story of the Sheridan Inn begins in the late 19th century, a time of rapid expansion and development in the American West. On May 27, 1893, the inn officially opened its doors. It was a marvel of its time, boasting modern amenities such as electrical power generated by a coal-fired threshing machine engine. A nightly whistle served as a reminder for guests to conserve energy by turning off the building’s 200 electric lights.
From its inception, Buffalo Bill Cody played a pivotal role in the Sheridan Inn’s development. On June 27, 1893, he orchestrated the grand opening celebration, leading guests into the dining room and establishing the inn as a social hub for the region.
A Jewel in the Wild West: The Sheridan Inn’s Golden Age
In its early days, the Sheridan Inn was hailed as the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. Its reputation quickly spread, attracting a diverse clientele, including wealthy travelers, big game hunters, and notable figures from across the United States. The inn became the social epicenter of the Big Horn country, hosting lavish parties, banquets, and gatherings that defined the region’s social scene.
The first managers of the Sheridan Inn, George and Lucy Canfield, were instrumental in establishing the inn’s reputation for hospitality and service. They catered to a wide range of guests, from families awaiting the completion of their homes to ranchers who sought refuge from the rigors of frontier life. Some ranchers even kept their finest clothes at the inn, ready for the next social event.
During this era, the Sheridan Inn offered affordable rates, with rooms costing just $1.00 per day, breakfast priced at 25 cents, and lunch or dinner available for 50 cents. For those seeking a more comprehensive package, a meal ticket could be purchased for $7.00, covering 21 meals. A stagecoach regularly stopped at the Inn.
Buffalo Bill’s Influence: A Partnership Forged in the West
In 1894, Buffalo Bill Cody solidified his connection to the Sheridan Inn by purchasing the business, though not the building itself. He retained the Canfields as managers and operated the W.F. Cody Transportation Company across from the Inn, providing stagecoach services to Deadwood, South Dakota.
When Buffalo Bill was in town, he resided at the Sheridan Inn, hosting parties for his companions and solidifying the inn’s reputation as a place of entertainment and camaraderie. Later, he designed and built the Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming, named after his youngest daughter. Although he and his family eventually moved to Cody, they continued to frequent the Sheridan Inn.
The Enduring Legacy of Miss Kate: A Guardian Spirit
In 1901, Catherine B. Arnold, affectionately known as "Miss Kate," arrived in Sheridan from Virginia with her parents. At the age of 22, she began working and living at the Sheridan Inn, dedicating the next 64 years of her life to the establishment. Over the years, she served as a seamstress, desk clerk, housekeeper, hostess, and babysitter, becoming an indispensable part of the inn’s fabric.
Miss Kate was beloved by both the staff and guests of the hotel. She adorned the dining room tables with flowers from her garden behind the Inn every day. She remained at the hotel until 1965 when it was closed and sold to a developer, who planned to tear it down and use the land for other purposes. However, the Sheridan Historical Society started a “Save the Inn” campaign that lasted for the next two years. Finally, a newcomer named Neltje purchased the structure and she began extensive restorations on the first floor. The Inn reopened in 1967 for dining and dancing and Ms. Neltje operated the Inn for the next twenty years.
In 1968, Miss Kate passed away and her last request was to return to the Sheridan Inn. Her remains were cremated and her ashes buried in the wall of the room that she occupied on the third floor for so many years.
Preservation and Rebirth: A New Chapter for the Sheridan Inn
In 1990, the Sheridan Heritage Center acquired the Sheridan Inn from bankruptcy court, securing its future as a historical landmark. The inn reopened to the public in June 1991, with the Wyoming Rib and Chop House taking on the role of "Keeper of the Inn," providing dining and banquet services.
The Preceptor Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority undertook the renovation of Miss Kate’s room as a community project, placing her favorite chair next to the wall where her ashes were interred. Today, legend has it that Miss Kate continues to act as guardian over the Inn.
A Haunted Haven: Encounters with the Supernatural
According to staff and guests, Miss Kate’s presence is felt on an almost daily basis. She is known to repeatedly turn lights on and off, open and shut doors, and create cold spots in her third-floor room. Many have reported hearing footsteps throughout the inn. One person reported driving by the inn at 2:00 a.m. to see the third-floor windows dark with the drapes closed. However, thirty minutes later, they drove by again and the lights were on and the drapes were open. The inn was obviously closed at that time of the night and according to staff, there would not be anyone on the third floor during these wee hours of the morning.
A Modern Restoration: Reviving the Glory of the Past
The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, many famous people have stayed at the Inn including Earnest Hemingway, President Hoover, Will Rogers, Bob Hope, and many more. In 2013, Mr.& Mrs. Bob Townsend a group of private investors bought the Sheridan and have since renovated and reopened to guests in May 2015. Operators of the new Sheridan Inn say that guests will get a feel of what it was like back in the 1800s, but with all the modern amenities and larger rooms.
Their new website gives no indication that they have removed Miss Kate’s ashes from the room, and report that her watchful presence is felt on a daily basis, and anyone who has spent hours at the Inn has grown to love her as did everyone years ago when she was alive.
Visiting the Sheridan Inn: A Journey Through Time
The Historic Sheridan Inn can be accessed from I-90, exit #23 (Fifth Street). Travel one mile west on Fifth Street, just past the railroad tracks and you’ll be there. The town of Sheridan is in northern Wyoming, at the junction of I-90 and U.S. Hwy 14.
More Information:
Sheridan Inn
856 Broadway
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
307-674-2178
The Sheridan Inn stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, a place where history, legend, and the supernatural converge to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you are drawn to its architectural grandeur, its rich history, or the allure of its ghostly tales, the Sheridan Inn promises a journey through time and a glimpse into the heart of Wyoming’s captivating past.
