Travis County, Austin, Texas
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Opened in 1886, the Driskill Hotel is one of the oldest operating hotels in Texas and one of the most famously haunted. Built by cattle baron Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel was intended to symbolize wealth, power, and permanence in a rapidly growing frontier city. Ironically, Driskill lost ownership of the hotel only a few years after it opened, setting the tone for a history marked by ambition, loss, and lingering unrest.
Guests and staff have reported paranormal activity throughout the hotel for decades. One of the most frequently mentioned spirits is believed to be a young girl who died on the grand staircase. Visitors claim to see her playing with a ball, hear soft laughter echoing through the halls, or feel a sudden tug on their clothing. Others report the sound of children running through corridors late at night, even when no children are present.
Another presence commonly encountered is thought to be Colonel Jesse Driskill himself. Guests describe seeing a tall man dressed in period clothing near the bar or moving through the lobby after dark. Reports of unexplained cigar smoke, flickering lights, and the sensation of being watched are common. Hotel staff have also experienced phantom phone calls, doors opening and closing on their own, and sudden cold spots in otherwise warm rooms.
The fourth floor is considered especially active, with reports of shadow figures, disembodied voices, and electronic disturbances. Several brides have claimed their wedding photographs taken inside the hotel were mysteriously corrupted or erased, contributing to the Driskill’s reputation as a place where unseen forces interfere with modern technology.
Visitor Information:
Address: 604 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 439-1234
Website: https://driskillhotel.com