Flickr/brianmoranhdr 3. 20. According to newspaper accounts, he had been murdered near the The Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge. 14. At 750 feet, San Antonio's Tower of the Americas is taller than the famous Seattle Space Needle, making it the perfect place to get a panoramic view of the city. There is no evidence to suggest whether William Browne won or lost his particular trial. It was only after Judge Phil Shook ordered Williams release from the asylum in 1910 that he realized that he should have accumulated a whole lot of money from the holdings and land ownership. All things considered, La Villita might just be the most haunted neighborhood in San Antonio, if not Texas. Another San Antonio fact is it's also the second-largest city in the south and the seventh-largest city in the United States. An oncoming train sped down the tracks, its pace so furiously fast that there was no chance to evacuate the children, or even the driver, off of the stalled bus. Today, the Witte Museum is super legit as well as super popular, with exhibits ranging from Texas art, to dinosaur bones, to one of the worlds largest collections of circus artifacts and memorabilia. Though the blisters scabbed some ten days later, smallpox remained the biggest killer in San Antonio. Those who are admitted may have done so voluntarily, but more often than not the choice was not theirs to make. 7. 31. Like the French Quarter in New Orleans, the King Williams District is known for its ghosts. Great white sharks can smell blood in water up to three miles away. One cat was named Ruby and the other was called C.C. According to local lore, it has been home to Satanists practicing rituals, as well as brave individuals hoping to take on the dark energies within the Mansion. Built for the HemisFair in 1968, this museum offers exhibits about Big Foot as well as Texas' cultural past. . O'Brien was arrested by the police for murdering his parents, William and Mary, who were reportedly stabbed so many times that they looked like they had each been blasted with a shotgun. In 1925, the state asylums decided to drop terms such as "insane" and "lunatic" from their names, and so, the Southwestern Insane Asylum officially became known as the San Antonio State Hospital. Paranormal investigators flock to places like the Menger Hotel or Military Plaza; and at any time of night, people can be seen standing by the illuminated Alamo, wonderingjust maybeif they might spot the specter of Davy Crockett who defended the historic church against the Mexican General Santa Anna in 1836. However, to hear the whole story about San Antonio's most haunted places, take a ghost tour on your next trip to San Antonio. It was built in hopes of attracting an NFL team. Aldridge, not willing to take that sort of verbal abuse, responded with similar language. According to its former owners, the living are very protective of these energies. Sculptor Bob Wade gave each one a crisscrossed steel skeleton, over which a concrete-fiberglass mixture was poured. San Antonio is perhaps best known for being the location of the Alamo, but it's so much more than that. Other visitors choose to sprinkle baby powder on the bumper, in hope that they might discover the little fingerprints of ghostly children. Sometimes, it's simply that the ghost prefers the land of the living to anything else. Children. Restless spirits are said to haunt the famed Alamo. It would be weird if there wasnt a single ghostly tale at the property. Built in 1859, today the hotel offers up luxurious rooms, a bar, and the beloved Colonial restaurant. San Antonio's first center for the mentally ill was the Southwestern Insane Asylum (San Antonio State Hospital) and was established on April 6, 1892. Been there for 8 years. Sightings of apparitions on translucent operating tables at the Emily Morgan have been reported, as well as hearing the disembodied moaning of the sick. Visit a city rich in history and booming with modern attractions. The Superintendent of SASH recognized that the hospital was at its breaking point, and that it was in desperate need of additional facilities. The Menger Hotel. 8. There, she drowned them both. Aldridge called out to him for help. Read more 0 Country Spirit - La Mansion Boerne, Texas 75 miles from Uvalde, TX An award-winning disc jockey, Mark Louis Rybczyk started his career at KXZL, WOAI, and KJ-97 in San Antonio before moving to 96.3 KSCS in Dallas, where he had the longest-running morning show in the DallasFort Worth area. It was because of the devastating results of the spread of smallpox that tribes like the Comanches and Apaches finally agreed for treaties and truce. The new Spanish settlers had been told the land was fertile, which hadn't been the case at all. The park located just north of downtown on North Flores Street and San Pedro Avenue is 46 acres and features the San Pedro Springs swimming pool. Do you know those tall votive candles with pictures of Mother Mary you can get at the grocery store for a buck? In 1923, local high school teacher Ellen Schultz wanted to start a museum in San Antonio, but was short on cash. The first center established in Texas for those suffering from mental illness was the Texas State Lunatic Asylum (later assigned a more, shall we say, politically correct misnomer: the Austin State Hospital), though the site did not begin operating till May of the year 1961, when Dr. Beriah Graham admitted the inaugural 12 patients. Its also currently undergoing a $100 million redevelopment not bad for a bake sale project. Stonehenge II is in Ingram, northwest of downtown San Antonio. Like the French Quarter that rests alongside the Mississippi River, the King William District also lays along a river (the San Antonio River). One of the spirits that have been sighted at the Aztec Theatre, is a phantom operator located in the projection booth. Seek medical attention if the bite looks serious. But the Terrell Castle has secretsghostly secrets. A horrifying description that does little to paint the State Hospital in a good light during the 1940s. San Antonians know a thing or two about heatwhich prompted us to learn about cold. 10. Here at Ghost City, we are proud to offer our ghost tours in Texas' most haunted city! Private Self-Guided Famous Ghosts Audio Tour in San Antonio 3 Walking Tours from $6.75 per adult Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience 71 Recommended Attractions & Museums from $24.00 per adult Award winning magic show at The Magicians Agency Theatre. I've seen men stomped, and I've seen them force insane people to work.". All over the world, former "insane asylums" have considered to be some of the most paranormally active locations. As you're traveling throughout the city and talking to people, though, expect to pay your respects to American veterans on occasion. The Myrtles Plantation. Mission Concepcin closes its doors beginning Sunday, January 5 for a restoration project. Rougarou. Since this is Texas, you can imagine their size. To find the hospital, you can use the map we provided. Since the tragic night in the 1920s, rumors of hauntings have kept neighbors up night to the sounds of screaming emanating the house. After murdering his parents in 1979, Hitlers Son (more commonly known as Patrick OBrien, who was not in fact Hitlers son) was once again checked into the State Hospital. . "Personally, they didn't treat me mean," Aldridge said, before adding, "But the helpless and really insane were treated in a brutal manner. After spending over a decade in the asylum, William Browne, was once again free to live his life. The worst was yet to come. The theatre's other claim to fame was that it was also the first theatre in the state to be totally air-conditioned! 1) The Menger Hotel. The golden age of the paperback has ended, so why not borrow e-readers from the library and attend book club meetings streamed online? We believe fully that the ghosts of San Antonio have their own story to tell and we hope to do the city's history justice in doing so. . Speaking of big, how could we forget Buc-ee's, the favorite waystation of Texas travelers? 6. You should be wary when walking around the neighborhood at night, as you never know when you might encounter one of the ghosts of La Villita. The 2,311 seat theatre was designed in 1929 by architect John Eberson, and was home to San Antonio's Symphony from 1989 to 2014. The park spans about 416 acres according to SeaWorld San Antonio. The next night when they saw him trying to escape, the mob of angry citizens allegedly captured him and dragged him to a chinaberry tree where they strung him up and hanged him without further delay. It's enough for them to throw the child into a restraining mechanical chair." The spinning room is an absolute must do. The Emily Morgan undergoes a multi-million dollar renovation and joins the DoubleTree by Hilton family. SeaWorld San Antonio is one of the worlds largest marine life parks. But in Texas, the heavy influence of the Latin culture has also spawned stories of La Llorona, or the phantom banshee. Though the story dates back to 1550, the Texan culture inherited the legend through right of passage. Heck, Salem, Massachusetts is known for its infamous witch trials during the seventeenth century, and no one can visit Chicago without hearing about the gruesome mobs, whose equally gruesome deaths have spawned countless ghosts stories throughout the Windy City. San Antonio has its own Stonehenge! San Antonio was founded in 1718, and back in 1968, we needed a way to celebrate our 250th birthday. And one thing you're always asking for is, "Where can I stay in your cities that is haunted?" Plan Your Trip We give you ideas and our favorite things to do, eat and see. Something to Remember. Otherwise, let us continue on the path of finding out why San Antonio is just so very haunted . River City Ghosts provider a different perspective on the vibrant and beautiful city of San Antonio; we take you to the safe and tranquil setting of the River Walk. 1. Shaquille ONeil got his start in basketball in San Antonio. The highest temperature ever recorded was 111 F on September 5, 2000. Two spiders you should definitely steer clear from in San Antonio are the Black Widow Spider and Brown Recluse Spider. Discover the most luxurious apartments in Austin, where scenic beauty meets state-of-the-art amenities. Additionally, provisions are included in the new ordinance that allow the granting of preferences in certain discretionary contract solicitations to local businesses or businesses with knowledge of, and/or experience working with, local conditions . In its many years, the Aztec Theatre's stage has been rumored to be "graced" by spirits and haunted by overworked projection operators whose experiences and struggles were the stuff of blues legends. 20. Lanier High School holds the world record for the most tamales ever made. The symptoms were slow to appear, but then the fever hit and the rest followed quickly after. Twelve years prior, Browne, alleged to be a heavy-weight drinker, was consigned to the asylum based on the recommendation of one Dr. Miguel Braragon. 2022 Ghost City, Ghost City Tours. . San Antonio's history is peppered with ghostly lore just like the Haunted Tracks of Shane and Villamain. A complex argument of facts versus fiction, right versus wrong, and what the battle was even about hasn't let up since, even as Texas became a U.S. state in 1845 and ensuing decades saw San . Menger Hotel. Well, we've put together a list of the most haunted hotels in San Antonio. Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues. It's a scary place. There will even be equipment you can use at the end of the tour. San Antonio is home to America's second oldest park San Pedro Park is the oldest park in Texas and the second-oldest in the nation. Box 4666, Ventura, CA 93007 Request a Quote: taurus 1911 45 acp extended magazine CSDA Santa Barbara County Chapter's General Contractor of the Year 2014! Yet, another death that got mentioned in newspaper headlines was that of a 75-year-old man who was beaten, starved and dehydrated so severely, he lost an astonishing 30 pounds in only 15 days. 70-79: 5%. Gatorade was invented by San Antonio native Robert Cade. All alert the living that they are not alone. The designation was made in July 2015. . 11. Of course, these days when youre in town, the most exciting food experiences are those taking place in the hottest Tex-Mex restaurants as well as those helping to define whats Tex-Next.. San Antonio's Midget Mansion has also been called the Gillespie Mansion and the Donore Manor, but despite the different names this urban legend is perhaps one of the most gruesome in all of Texas. As of April 2019, the population of San Antonio is about 1.5 million people. Technically, the bird itself is a San Antonio rumor, not a San Antonio fact, but people do claim to see this strange bird. Since San Antonio's official founding in 1718 by Spanish missionaries and soldiers, the land of the region has been a veritable battleground for territory. Unsurprisingly, his nickname was Vlad the Impaler. When guests are not enjoying the tremendous accommodations, which include a lounge and bar, modern amenities, as well as a pool and fitness center, they might also encounter the Gunter Hotel's resident ghost. And that open communication between the living and the dead? So obsessed, in fact, that a local high school made 17,106 tamales thats 2,420 pounds in 10 hours during a tamalada. 0. San Antonio is home to the oldest miniature golf course in the United States at Cool Crest Miniature Golf. Outlaws made themselves home in San Antonio's saloons, gaming hells and dance halls, where excessive drinking led to violence and violence almost always led to death. Grocery store chain H-E-B's answer to Whole Foods, Central Market, is often called Gucci-B," a San Antonio fact. Here's a different kind of Texas creepy: There's a place called The Tracks" where it's said if you put your car in neutral over the railroad tracks, ghost kids who died in a fatal bus crash in the 1930s or 1940s will push the car over for you. This isnt some second-tier cowboy outpost its a major metropolitan hub. Their online reviews are quite eerie. If youve been to South Texas, youre probably familiar with our thing for tamales. San Antonio is also home to the biggest Virgin Mary mosaic in the world, found at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Copyright 2020 by KSAT - All rights reserved. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories. Patients were being turned away at the door. Sadly, San Antonio had a very real angel of death in their midst at Bexar County Hospital, in the form of Genene Jones, who was convicted of poisoning somewhere between 11 and 50 infants. The AC system kept temperatures to 80 degrees, a welcome relief for all those workers doingwhatever people did in offices decades before the first desktop computers. 23. scary facts about san antonio. The self-guided bullet, capable of hitting laser-designated targets more than a mile away, is a product of New Mexico's Sandia Labs. But at almost every old bridge, there are rumors that the Devil himself was involved with its construction. But while you're due to come across some interesting artifacts, many of them also happened to be haunted. San Antonio surpassed Dallas as the second biggest city in Texas after the 2010 census count. About 7% more of San Antonio's population are veterans than in the rest of the state of Texas, totaling about 9% of the city's residents. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in San Antonio, but with a diverse population, German, Polish and Czech are also popular languages in the region. San Antonio Serves the Best Tex-Mex in the World. Way to up the bar, San Antonio. The Alamo City holds another Guinness World Record, we are home to the tallest cowboy boots sculpture. William I. Browne was released from the Southwestern Insane Asylum (SASH), on orders by County Judge Phil Shook based on the illegal restraint of liberty. Before the San Antonio built River Walk, the area was a place to stay away from due to high crime and river rats. Download the Rent. Even the building itself is impressive, dating to 1884. It officially became a public park in 1852. He is a brilliant man, but a terribly sick man." How many other places in the US can. It's a good habit and a San Antonio fact to shake your shoes out before you put them on. 3. It seems that no matter where one turns in the historic San Antonio district, ghosts have been sighted. Shelly Duvall, best known for her Earth-shaking screams in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," lives in nearby Hill Country. Military City, USA. William's body also had third-degree burns, as his son Patrick had attempted to electrocute him prior to the stabbing. 10. 2022 Ghost City, Ghost City Tours. In Browne, Sr.s will, William was given a share in a very valuable deal of property. Before the famous fried chicken chain was located on every other corner, there was one small walkup location across the street from the Alamo. During the Civil War, the park was used as a prisoner of war camp. Thankfully, Browne was successful in answering all of inquiries to the judge's satisfactionhe thus was legally restored as a sane man. Countless newspaper accounts have reported on the horrific conditions at the San Antonio State Hospital since its construction--and for many years, those who were sent there were deemed to be "on the march of death." With its main 1,738-seat performance hall, an intimate studio theater, and an awesome outdoor performance plaza, the Tobin has been ranked as one of the top 100 theaters in the world of its size. Alyssa Medina is the Video-On-Demand Producer and has worked at KSAT since 2016. Asylums have a well established history for ghostly, unexplainable occurrences and throughout the county, throughout the world. Your guide, a sinister fellow who proclaims to be in tune with the afterlife, leads you on a chilling exploration of the city's famed haunted sites including the Menger Hotel, the old Red Light District, the former Bexar County Jail, an historic cemetery, and more. 12 Experiences You Can Only Have in and Around SanAntonio, 11 Places To See Incredible Live Music in San Antonio, Avoid This Mistake When You Visit Trkiyes Surreal Pamukkale Thermal Pools, From Sparkles To Champagne Elevator Rides: What You Need To Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower, Flag, Flame, and Fantastic Views: What You Need To Know Before Visiting Paris's Arc de Triomphe, Royal Wedding, Harry Potter, and Epic Views: What You Need To Know Before Visiting London's St. Paul's Cathedral, Glass Floors and Amazing Views: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Tower Bridge, Towers, Dress Codes, and Controversy: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting La Sagrada Famlia, You've Been Referring To Big Ben Wrong (and Other Things You Need To Know Before Visiting), The Sky Blue Waters of Kawasan Falls Might Be the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Philippines, Winter Is Actually a Great Time To Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, The Best Family Friendly Things To Do in LasVegas, Tips and Tricks To Make the Most of Your Visit To Versailles, Download the It's said that some of the most haunted places in the world are theaters and the former Alamo Street Theater (now a hot dog place called Frank) is no different. Just south of San Antonio , Texas, is the site of Texas' most famous ghost story. scary facts about san antonioeast chicago housing authority waitlist Flash forward and its easy to see why the city has kept this bold nickname: With 133,000 people hitting town each year to attend the graduation of students from military training, the USAF Airman Heritage Museum being right here, Fort Sam Houston being one of the Armys oldest posts, and over 300 years of military history, this is one city you really dont want to mess with. . Rumored to be haunted by the spirits of young children, as well as the victim of a heartless murder, the vibrant paranormal activity here clearly demonstrates that not all of its ghosts are able to forget what happened to them in life. Anticipating a reunion with her lover, the widow turned her back on her children floating down the river, and hastened to the wealthy man's house. And it seems that though ghosts roam the halls, no one feels all to comfortable to discuss the phenomena that occurs daily. The legend tells of a school bus that stalled on the railroad tracks at Villamarin and Shane in the 1940s, and was hit by an oncoming train (all occupants of the bus were killed instantly). The murder victim, identified as Elizabeth Short, was a young actor, and the public became entranced with the murder, nicknaming her The Black Dahlia. Not because I didn't want to workit was because I was afraid of my heart.". At the haunted Devil's Bridge in San Antonio, Texas, the legend stands true.