Exploring the ghostly tales of San Antonio: Unveiling the city's haunted history and hotels

SAN ANTONIO – We’re upon spooky season which increases our interests in urban legends and ghost stories. Most people seek out tales of the supernatural and the eerie, but a true San Antonian knows most of the ghost phenomenon live out in the heart of San Antonio.

Jesse Beere from the Texas Ghost Tours took us on a tour to tell us the urban legends of the spirits that wander downtown.

Of course, we all know the history of the Battle of the Alamo which was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. The battle took place from Feb. 23 to March 6, 1836. The Alamo has become a historic site and a symbol of Texas.

But over the years, there have been many anecdotal stories of ghostly encounters and strange phenomena near the Alamo, further fueling the belief of its haunted reputation. According to Beere from Texas Ghost Tours, many security guards complained about working night shifts, because they heard strange noises while they were guarding the Alamo. The Alamo is a popular tourist destination and has been carefully preserved and maintained, which adds to the sense that the spirits of the past may still be present.

There are several hotels near the Alamo that are believed to be “haunted”, and many hotels have partaken in keeping that reputation.

For example, the Menger Hotel which is located right next to the Alamo, is probably known to be one of the most famous haunted hotels in San Antonio. Beere told us about Sallie White, the maid that used to work for the Menger Hotel back in the late 1800s. It is believed that she was shot by her jealous, alcoholic husband in front of the hotel. The staff at the hotel took her in to a room that was located on the third floor where she died a few days later from her gunshot wounds. There have been several reports of guests saying that they have seen Sallie roam the hallways of the Menger Hotel still carrying on with her maid duties.

Another hotel that is known for being haunted is the Emily Morgan Hotel. The Emily Morgan has become a must-visit destination for ghosts’ enthusiasts. According to their website, both guests and staff have shared stories of ghostly encounters. The Emily Morgan Hotel used to be a medical facility which is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former patients. Their most famous story is a nurse who sometimes appears in the hallways, tending to her unseen duties. Many guests have also had many chilling encounters with the elevators, and inexplicably stops on the 7th floor.

Another notable “haunted hotel” is the Crockett Hotel, named after the Alamo defender Davy Crockett. Some have even reported encountering the ghostly figure of Davy Crockett himself. But during the tour, as we were passing the Davy Crockett Hotel we did the see the blinds open and close.

Both the Emily Morgan Hotel and the Menger Hotel have embraced their haunted reputations. You can actually go to the front desk of the Menger Hotel and ask about the ghost stories that have occurred. To check out more chilling stories of the Emily Morgan Hotel, CLICK HERE.

And whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just curious, maybe you should stay at one of these “haunted” hotels. If you have seen something and you have captured it on video, sent it to us, HERE.

To check out the Ghost tour, CLICK HERE.