Touted as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs is home to haunted ghost tours, eerie events, shows and ghost stories galore. They host events year-round, including murder mystery shows, ghost hunts, seances, and more.
The original intended use of the hotel was to be a resort for the rich and famous but quickly fell into ruin. After that, it was then used as a College for young women, then as a summer hotel. In 1937, a man by the name of Norman G. Baker, turned it into a health resort and hospital for cancer patients. He claimed he was a doctor despite having no medical training at all. His many claims for cures involved drinking from the natural springs in the area. This same self-proclaimed doctor was run out of Iowa for not having a medical license.
During his ownership of the hospital, many patients suffered and passed away as a result of his fake treatments and lack of proper care. Many of them are said to haunt the hotel halls today. One spirit is that of Michael, that likes to hang out in room 218. He apparently fell to his death during the building of the hotel.
Room 419 is host to Theodora, a patient who can never seem to find her keys. There is a ghost of young child that likes to play ball, a cat that roams the property, long after he passed away, and Dr. John Freemont Ellis, the only real doctor that was employed here, is said to wander the property smoking his cherry tobacco in his pipe.
These are just a few of the most famed sightings that have occurred here. Some investigators feel there may be some truth behind the activity, considering the large amount of limestone that the hotel sits on top of and is built from. Limestone is thought to have the ability to absorb and release psychic energy. This may be one reason why the area is so active.
In 2019, a massive burial site was found on the grounds, containing hundreds of bottles fo Dr. Baker’s “cure” and potions for his patients, along with unidentified medical specimens. Some of those bottles are still being investigated to this day.
The hotel is still very much in use today and they host many events as well as continuing to be a full-service hotel and spa.
Feel free to go on your ghostly adventure at the link below:
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