5 Haunted Places Near Austin
The history of the Lone Star State is one seeped in diversity, and oftentimes tragedy. These five spots near Austin are said to be some of Texas’s most haunted locations.
The Driskill Hotel
Built in 1886, The Driskill is Austin’s oldest operating hotel. It is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and is considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in the United States.
It is said to be haunted by a number of spirits; including the founder of the hotel: Jesse Driskill. Driskill fell into financial ruin almost immediately following the opening of the property. He ultimately lost the deed in a game of poker. His ghost is said to still haunt guest rooms.
A painting located on the Driskill’s fifth floor is said to be haunted, as well. Created by artist Richard King, the painting is titled “Love Letter”. It depicts a small child clutching a bouquet of flowers and a sealed letter. The painting is rumored to represent the four-year-old daughter of U.S. Senator Temple Lea Houston, who was killed in an accident at the Driskill Hotel. Guests who pass by the painting report feeling a malevolent presence emanating from the canvas.
Guests also report catching glimpses of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife near the hotel’s grand ballroom. The Driskill is famous for having been the site of their very first date.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
Phone: +1 512-439-1234
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Buffalo Billiards
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Originally known as the Missouri Hotel, Buffalo Billiards began life in 1861 as a boarding house. It operates today as a pool hall, and the property is said to be haunted by a ghost known to staff simply as Fred. Fred is known to pull pranks on staff and guests; such as tapping patrons on the shoulders and shaking their bar stools to cause mischief.
Fred is also said to throw parties after hours, leaving staff to find chairs unstacked and drinks left open around the building. Staff and guests aren’t particularly bothered by Fred, however. His antics are a well-known feature of the popular billiard hall.
Texas Governor’s Mansion
The governor’s mansion was constructed in 1854, designed in the style of the Greek Revival. The mansion is said to be haunted by a number of Texas’s past governors, but the most widely-reported sightings are of a young man with connections to the family of Governor Pendleton Murrah.
It is said that the young man–merely 19 years old at the time–took his own life in one of the mansion’s guest rooms after being rejected by a crush. The room remained stained with blood for years following the suicide, as staff refused to clean it due to hearing strange sounds and wailing emanating from the walls. The room was sealed off for decades. Even today, visitors still report hearing strange noises coming from the room, particularly on Sundays: the day when the suicide took place.
Another spirit said to frequent the mansion grounds is the ghost of a young maid, who was dismissed after becoming pregnant by another staff member. She is often seen lingering outside the mansion, as if yearning to be taken in.
Texas Governor’s Mansion
1010 Colorado St
Austin, TX 7870
United States
Phone: +1 512-305-8524
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St. Edward’s University
Built in the 1879s, St. Edward’s is said to be the most haunted university in Texas. St. Edwards has a long history marred by numerous, gruesome tales. In the 1880s not long after its founding, a student is rumored to have been trampled to death by a horse-drawn carriage. Students report hearing the sound of something hitting their vehicle when driving past the area where the accident occurred, but no sign of impact is ever found.
Another student was said to have often painted scenes of the surrounding landscape from the top floor of the university’s main building. He fell to his death leaning out the window to retrieve a painting that was blown away in a gust of wind. Strange noises from the top floor and unexplained movements of window shutters are still reported today.
Other campus buildings said to be haunted include Teresa Hall, where residents often catch sight of a young girl known as Danielle. The girl often follows students around the hall, asking them to play with her.
St. Edward’s University
3001 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
United States
Phone: +1 512-448-8400
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The Littlefield House
Constructed in 1983, The Littlefield House is the oldest building on the campus of the University of Texas. It is said by some to be one of America’s most haunted academic institutions.
The House was originally built for a veteran of the Civil War: George Littlefield. Upon the deaths of George and his wife Alice, the building was donated to the University of Texas. The ghost of Alice is said to frequent the House to this day. She is often seen playing the piano and moving objects about throughout the night.
The Littlefield House
302 W 24th St
Austin, TX 78712
United States
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Which of these haunted Texas landmarks are you brave enough to explore?
