The (Haunted) Blennerhassett Hotel

On the banks of the Ohio River in northwest West Virginia, the Blennerhassett Hotel stands as a testament to an unrivaled era of grandeur. 

Built in 1889 by Colonel William Nelson Chancellor, the impressive Queen Anne-style accommodations catered to the oil and gas barons, millionaires of their time. The hotel itself was named after Harmon Blennerhassett, a prominent area lawyer, and his wife Margaret. 

The hotel, which features frescoes, elaborate window treatments and, notably, a passenger elevator, was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982. But in addition to its historical significance, the Blennerhassett is also said to be haunted. Staff and guests have reported dozens of visitors from another era in the hotel over the years: From vague shadowy figures to far more specific sightings of men in top hats, women in furs, and children on tricycles. 

One woman in particular appears time and time again at the hotel’s Fourth Street door, which once served as the entry to the gentleman’s cigar room. According to some reports, the most haunted place in the hotel is Room 409, where furniture moves on its own, apparitions appear in bowler hats, and one guest even said a ghost tried to strangle her in bed.