New Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (Personal Experiences)

From 2002 to 2010 I have been involved with eight investigations of the old prison outside of Santa Fe. One important thing to understand about all of the investigations before 2010 was that “Old Main” was a secured area that lies on the grounds of the present day Hi-Max Correctional Facility. Everyone entering the grounds … Read moreNew Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (Personal Experiences)

New Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (Paranormal Claims)

The areas of the prison where the most unusual phenomena are reported are Cell Blocks 3, 4, the tool room and the laundry room. Cell Block 3 was the maximum security ward which also contains the Solitary confinement cell. Activity reported here includes unexplainable noises, a burning flesh or “death” smell, doors that open and close by … Read moreNew Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (Paranormal Claims)

New Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (History)

Opened in 1885, the New Mexico Penitentiary had been authorized by Congress since 1853. The design was based on the same plans used for Sing Sing and Joliet. Beginning in 1903, New Mexico became the first western state to employ prisoners in building highways. The early prison industry in New Mexico produced bricks. On 19 … Read moreNew Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa Fe, NM (History)

Quarai Mission (History and Description)

Like Abó and Las Humanas, red-walled Quarai was a thriving pueblo when Oñate first approached it in 1598 to “accept” its oath of allegiance to Spain. Three of Quarai’s Spanish priests were head of the New Mexico Inquisition during the 1600s, including Fray Estevan de Perea, Custodian of the Franciscan order in the Salinas Jurisdiction … Read moreQuarai Mission (History and Description)

La Placita Restaurant, Albuquerque, NM (Ghost Stories)

The Casa Armijo is rumored to be haunted by at least four different ghosts, although there could be several others. The first is the spirit of a little girl known as Elizabeth. It is believed that she was a servant girl who died from tuberculosis around 1783. Witnesses have often described her as being “cute … Read moreLa Placita Restaurant, Albuquerque, NM (Ghost Stories)

Grigg’s House, Mesilla, NM, Paranormal Claims

Several sightings of the apparition of Old Mrs. Griggs have been reported in the front bathroom of the house. Here a young woman saw her reflected in the mirror while she was cleaning up the area.  Footsteps and unusual odors are often encountered in the kitchen area. Sounds of objects being moved about is also … Read moreGrigg’s House, Mesilla, NM, Paranormal Claims

Maria Teresa Restaurant, Reported Phenomenon

Although the house has been remodeled several times, the basic house is still intact, and it appears that some of its former residents have refused to leave. Practically every room has its own story and experiences. Each room of the house is named after the families that once lived there. The restaurant is entered through … Read moreMaria Teresa Restaurant, Reported Phenomenon

Baker Hotel, addressing the other paranormal claims

The focus of our historical investigation was based on the ghost stories surrounding the hotel. The results clearly show that myth-building is a significant issue as many of the stories have no factual basis. The Suicide Jumper There was another Baker Hotel located in the downtown area of Dallas. The hotel had the same owners, … Read moreBaker Hotel, addressing the other paranormal claims

Luna Mansion, Los Lunas, NM (Ghost Stories)

Interview with David Scoville (manager) I came to work at the Luna Mansion in 1979 and worked as a kitchen manager until 1983. After that, I left eventually returned after a three-year absence. But the present position is general manager/owner. I know a lot of history about the mansion and of stories of the ghosts … Read moreLuna Mansion, Los Lunas, NM (Ghost Stories)

Baker Hotel, Historical issues with the ghost of a mistress on the 7th floor

The first issue, historically, with the mistress myth, is that it changes over time, indicating that myth-building is actively changing the story to make it more dramatic. The first accounts of the tale told in the 1980’s state, “Another legend is that a mistress was so distraught that she could not have her lover killed … Read moreBaker Hotel, Historical issues with the ghost of a mistress on the 7th floor

El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM (Paranormal Claims)

Disembodied footsteps and laughter have been reported on the upper floor of the lobby after hours. Objects have been reported to have been moved about throughout various hotel locations by unseen hands. The bridal suite has reported the mysterious opening and closing of doors. A hotel housekeeper once walked in and was terrified to see … Read moreEl Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM (Paranormal Claims)

El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM (History)

Formally opened December 17, 1937, The El Rancho Hotel was built by the brother of the movie magnet, D.W. Griffith. Drawn by the many films made in the area, Ronald Reagan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Kirk Douglas were some of the many stars listed in the guest register. Autographed photos of the stars, Navajo … Read moreEl Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM (History)

Albuquerque Press Club (Paranormal Claims)

These are the general claims of ghostly activity that is reported at the Press Club. The vast majority of reported phenomena are auditory in nature. The sound of high heeled shoes has been heard by several witnesses walking across the floors of the bar and lobby area. Noises have also been associated with the poll … Read moreAlbuquerque Press Club (Paranormal Claims)