Description
Mysterious cold spots, disembodied voices, and smoky apparitions are just a few of the ghostly goings-on gathered by journalist Jason Offutt in his trek across Missouri. Visiting public places such as Civil War battlefields, university halls, and infamous mansions, Offutt draws on hundreds of interviews in search of restless spirits. A serious but witty look at Missouri’s place in the ghostly realm, this book brings together history, folklore, and just enough mystery to intrigue the skeptics and delight the believers.
There’s no doubt that Missouri ranks as one of the spookiest, most haunted states in America. Jason Offutt offers up fresh research and accounts of the best of the best in Haunted Missouri, a book sure to please both the casually curious and the devoted investigator. This book is an engaging read from start to finish, and an invaluable resource for every paranormal collection.
—Rosemary Ellen Guiley,
The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits
Haunted Missouri is a great book of hauntings, well-researched and fun to read. When I visit Missouri, Jason Offutt’s book will be my guide to the paranormal.
—Loyd Auerbach, A Paranormal Casebook:
Ghost Hunting in the New Millennium
Turn the lights down, gather the family, and prepare to be enthralled. This collection of ghost stories is as fine as found anywhere. If you are alone, better lock the doors!
—Daniel Ott, The Edge Radio Broadcast
Contents
Getting Started: Ghost Hunting Basics
Guide to Ghostly Places
Remnants of War
Chapter 1 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home, and Museum, Independence
Chapter 2 Anderson House, Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Lexington
Chapter 3 Bone Hill, Levasy
Chapter 4 Fort Osage, Sibley
Chapter 5 Lone Jack Battlefield, Lone Jack
Chapter 6 Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Republic
Chapter 7 Kendrick House, Carthage
This is My House
Chapter 8 Rockcliffe Mansion, Hannibal
Chapter 9 Lemp Mansion, St. Louis
Chapter 10 Vaile Mansion, Independence
Chapter 11 Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale
Chapter 12 Grand Avenue Bed and Breakfast, Carthage
Chapter 13 1069 Salon and Spa, St. Charles
School Spirits
Chapter 14 Mt. Gilead School, Kearney
Chapter 15 Lemp Mansion, St. Louis
Chapter 16 Senior Hall, Stephens College, Columbia
Chapter 17 Yeater Hall, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg
Chapter 18 Central Methodist University, Fayette
Ghostly Graveyards
Chapter 19 Workman Chapel, Maryville
Chapter 20 Hazel Ridge Cemetery, Brunswick
Chapter 21 Peace Church Cemetery, Joplin
Chapter 22 Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph
Returning to their Old Haunts
Chapter 23 Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal
Chapter 24 The Elms Resort and Spa, Excelsior Springs
Chapter 25 Jesse James Farm, Kearney
Chapter 26 Governor's Mansion, Jefferson City
Someone's Watching You
Chapter 27 Old Tavern, Arrow Rock
Chapter 28 Spook Light, Seneca
Chapter 29 Pythian Castle, Springfield
Chapter 30 Landers Theatre, Springfield
Chapter 31 Hotel Savoy, Kansas City
Chapter 32 Main Street Café, Marceline
Afterword: Belief
Illustrations
Authors
Jason Offutt is a journalism instructor at Northwest Missouri State University and a syndicated humor and paranormal columnist. He is author of On Being Dad and A Small Town.
