Nestled in the heart of historic Selma, Alabama, the history of St. James Hotel spans over 180 years of Southern culture. Originally opened in 1837, this grand hotel hosted notable Civil War-era figures. However, it’s more than just a historical relic; the St. James Hotel is rumored to be one of Alabama’s most haunted locations.
The Hotel’s Early Years
The history of St. James Hotel began with Major John T. Barr, a local businessman. His hotel quickly became a hub for social and political activity. During the Civil War, Selma served as a key manufacturing center for the Confederacy, and the St. James hosted many Confederate officers. After the war, the hotel thrived under the ownership of Benjamin Sterling Turner. Turner, a former slave, became Alabama’s first African-American U.S. Congressman, further adding to the hotel's storied legacy.
The Hotel’s Decline and Revival
Despite its initial success, the hotel fell into disrepair in the late 19th century. By the 1890s, it had closed its doors. For nearly 100 years, the building stood abandoned, a mere shadow of its once-glorious self. But in the 1990s, the St. James Hotel was fully restored, welcoming guests back into its grand halls.
Ghostly Encounters at St. James
With such a rich past, ghostly tales have long surrounded the St. James Hotel. The most famous specter is the notorious outlaw Jesse James. Legend says that Jesse James and his gang used the hotel as a hideout. Guests and staff have reported seeing a man in 19th-century attire, often believed to be James himself, roaming the halls or appearing in mirrors.
Another spirit said to haunt the hotel is Lucinda, a woman tragically murdered there. Guests staying in Room 301 have experienced cold spots, strange noises, and the eerie sensation of being watched. Some have even claimed to see Lucinda’s ghost standing by the window, gazing out at the Alabama River.
Ongoing Paranormal Activity
The history of St. James Hotel is filled with eerie reports. Guests have heard disembodied voices, footsteps echoing through empty corridors, and doors slamming shut on their own. The hotel's haunted reputation attracts both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts eager for a glimpse of the unexplained.
Do you believe the spirits of Jesse James and Lucinda still haunt the St. James Hotel, or are these stories simply echoes of Selma's storied past?
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